The Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) is proud to welcome world-renowned commercial diver Chris Lemons at this year’s conference for an exclusive keynote recounting one of the most extraordinary survival stories in the history of offshore operations. Lemons will speak Wednesday, 7 May 2025, at 1600 at the NRG Center in Houston.
With more than 18 years of experience in saturation diving for the oil and gas industry, Lemons is best known for his harrowing near-death experience in 2012, when a life-support system failure left him stranded 300 ft beneath the surface of the North Sea—without oxygen, light, or heat—for nearly 30 minutes. Against all odds, he survived. His story has since captured global attention, inspiring both a critically acclaimed documentary and a major motion picture, Last Breath, starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole.
"It’s an honor to speak at OTC, the premier event for offshore energy professionals, academics, and policy makers," Lemons said. "As the industry continues to evolve, gatherings like this are essential—not just for sharing ideas and innovations but for setting the direction of safe, sustainable progress in the offshore sector."
Lemons’ participation at OTC 2025 marks a one-of-a-kind opportunity for attendees to hear firsthand the lessons learned from a crisis few could imagine, let alone endure. His keynote address promises to explore critical themes such as leadership in high-risk environments, crisis management, safety, and teamwork—all central to OTC’s mission of advancing offshore energy development and promoting operational excellence.
“Resiliency defines our industry, and Chris’ story is the epitome of resilience,” said Alex Martinez, OTC Chair. “The hardworking men and women who make the offshore industry what it is today don’t give up, and Chris’ story serves as a reminder of what our industry is capable of when preparation meets resolve and why safety is paramount to the lives of those working in our industry.”
Lemons has captivated global audiences with his story, leaving audiences moved, inspired, and motivated to think differently about resilience and responsibility in high-stakes environments. Following the recent cinema release, OTC is honored to bring this exclusive session to its 2025 agenda, where innovation and human endurance meet at the intersection of energy and technology.
For more information and to register for the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference, please visit 2025.otcnet.org.