Due diligence is essential in a lot of decisions in life, but when it comes to selecting a commercial diving company, it is critical. You have to ensure that the company you’re contracting is responsible, capable, and risk-averse.
It may go without saying, but this is because underwater work is hazardous. Hiring an inexperienced diver can be disastrous. This is why you should ensure the commercial diving company you hire has decades of experience and that they specialize in the services you require.
You Get What You Pay for
When it comes to hiring a commercial diving company for a project, going with the lowest bid may not be the best option. Some companies will say they can do anything to land the job. Also, when bidding out a project, avoid recreational divers, and ensure that the company you hire shows you proof of licenses and insurance.
Commercial divers have to train in a formal setting and serve years of apprenticeship – much like a carpenter or electrician did before they become a journeyman. Commercial divers are not just trained to do the job; they undergo rigorous safety training to protect themselves and the equipment they handle.
If you haven’t hired a commercial diving company, there are a few requirements you should be aware of. One key one is that OSHA requires every job to include at least three individuals:
- A Diving supervisor
- A Diver
- A someone who is known as a Tender, this personal ensure the diver is safe when they are in the water.
These is the minimum requirements, and some projects require more people to ensure the job is done right.
Ensure Your Commercial Diving Company Has A Diving Plan
The diving plan should provide details on the underwater job. It should state how many people and what equipment is required to get the job done. It should also include basic job detail, this could consist of:
- The Max dive time allowed for each diver
- The names and responsibilities of each member
- Dive supervisor contact info
- Anticipated conditions
- Any other important information
Putting Out A Bid
When you put a job out to get a bid or begin to contact companies for pricing, it is important to compare apples to apples. Ensure that each bid contains the same requirements. Then compare the pricing and length of time required. If you see a bid that says a job can be completed too quickly or is substantially lower than all the others. This is a red flag. Also ensure you get several references for each company if a company can’t give you previous work references this is also a concern.
Getting Your Job Done
Hiring a commercial diving company is serious business. If you take the measures we recommend you should find yourself in good hands. For example, KT Commercial Divers Inc. is your premier commercial diving resource with 30 years of experience in the marine industry. Based primarily in the Gulf Coast region, our divers will travel whenever and wherever the job requires.
We provide a vast array of commercial diving services to the industry in any body of water ranging from small lakes, rivers, and waterways to the largest ocean. Our team of skilled divers will get the job done right!