60plus
Contributor
I don't know exactly what you mean by an elite diver. My dad was a professional diver for about 2 years I think, but he probably never went deeper than 50ft in a diving suit and most of his work would be 30 ft or less but it was very cold, hard and not that safe. Despite it being a reserve occupation he volunteered for the RAF and served in the middle east instead. Most of his diving was in one of those heavy suits with the big boots, breastplate and screw on helmet. Poor visibility and cold water was the norm in the north of England. He also did some diving with what I think was a crude rebreather. Some sort of canvas bag with a small oxygen cylinder. These dives were done in swimming trunks and the divers were greased with animal fat to reduce the effects of cold.
I have met a few North Sea (oil) saturation divers. They are regarded as top line / elite divers. They don't tend to spend long employed as saturation divers and many are soon looking for other employment.
I have met a few North Sea (oil) saturation divers. They are regarded as top line / elite divers. They don't tend to spend long employed as saturation divers and many are soon looking for other employment.