I’m used to working under pressure, physically and mentally. I have dedicated 17 of my 22 years in the oil and gas industry to the exhilarating and demanding role of a saturation diver.
This extraordinary profession involves periods of isolation lasting up to 28 days in a saturation tank held at the same pressure as the depths of the seabed the dive teams are working on, which can be up to 200 m regularly. We live at that pressure to avoid the daily decompression that is associated with air or nitrox diving, making saturation diving safer.
In the harsh and unpredictable waters of the North Sea, diving contractors operate in four teams of three divers, enabling around-the-clock diving operations. Each dive team rotates around their 12-hour-shift period to undertake dives lasting up to 6 hours in the water, maintaining a maximum bell run interval of 8 hours. Then they retreat to the living chamber for essential rest and replenishment periods of 16 to 18 hours per day.
While the thrill of traversing the seabed and engaging in physically challenging tasks under water brings a profound sense of accomplishment, the time in the living chamber presents the greatest challenge. It is a unique and isolating atmosphere; you are confined in adversity and isolation with two fellow divers and must navigate the intricate dynamics of teamwork in such closeness.
Being part of a dive team offers an unparalleled experience, characterized by profound connections among colleagues. This unique profession cultivates robust bonds—forged through shared adversities, unwavering reliance on one another, and deep trust. Within the commercial diving industry, the ethos of mutual support is not merely encouraged, it is integral to daily life. Safety, teamwork, and camaraderie are intricately woven into the fabric of all departments, fostering an enduring sense of pride and fulfillment that spreads through the entire team.
The camaraderie among divers not only is vital but also serves as a powerful coping mechanism. Humor, stories, and collective experiences ease stress and fortify resilience. Invaluable support from colleagues who intimately understand the rigors of the profession creates a sanctuary of solidarity, enhancing divers’ ability to navigate the challenges they face.
Divers are attuned to providing emotional support during times of isolation and stress. Sharing experiences and feelings with others who are going through similar challenges can help individuals feel heard, validated, and less alone.
Even as a saturation period comes to an end, there are mental pressures. The toughest time can be the 3 to 6 days in decompression at the end. Decompressing within the steel sphere of a diving chamber is a good test of your spirit and patience.
Overall, mental wellness is vital for the safety, performance, and well-being of saturation divers—and the supporting diving team.
By emphasizing five fundamental attributes that contribute to achieving mental wellness, one can see how deeply these elements are woven into the very fabric of the dive team and the essence of the divers themselves.
Stress management—Saturation diving involves high-pressure environments and extended periods under water, which can induce stress. Mental resilience helps divers manage stress effectively.
Decision-making—Clear thinking and sound decision-making are essential in emergencies. Mental wellness enhances cognitive functions, allowing divers to respond appropriately.
Positive team dynamics—Cohesion and communication, together with good mental health, reduce the risk of conflict and improve overall safety.
Mental fatigue—Prolonged periods under pressure can result in mental fatigue. Maintaining mental wellness helps divers stay alert and focused throughout their duties.
Recovery—Reintegration into normal life after time in saturation is facilitated by good mental health. Establishing good routines is important to this.
Stepping away from the diving team, it’s a fact that all offshore workers face the significant challenge of prolonged separation from their families and support networks, which can lead to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and depression. It is paramount for offshore companies to provide essential resources and support systems that enable workers to navigate these emotional periods.
The strong sense of camaraderie we share means many of us feel a genuine connection with colleagues, helping us express ourselves, provide feedback, and collaborate to tackle challenges. Additionally, maintaining regular communication with family and friends—by phone, email, or video chat—is vital for combating feelings of isolation.
Implementing comprehensive mental health programs, such as those established by my organization, is an important step. My employer offers free counseling services and encourages transparent communication by recruiting mental health champions from among colleagues. Ensuring access to mental health resources is crucial for supporting the psychological well-being of offshore workers, creating a safer and healthier work environment as well as better job satisfaction.
Establishing a daily routine that incorporates regular mealtimes, physical activity, and adequate rest is essential for cultivating a sense of stability and structure, which significantly contributes to mental wellness.
Mental wellness has always been with us but wasn’t always recognized or talked about enough in past generations. Simply being more aware of the mental wellness of your colleagues and team is the perfect place to start making a change at your workplace—whether you’re living with two other divers in a pressurized cylinder or not.
I reached out to two divers who were midway through their offshore assignments, immersed in a saturation diving chamber, to ask about their feelings at that moment, the mental adjustments they’ve undertaken, and their personal strategies for coping with the challenges of working in such a high-pressure and stressful environment while isolated from the outside world.
Diver One
I have been engaged in saturation diving since 2000, and I have witnessed the industry evolve remarkably over the years. The very fact that we can converse about mental health while I am stationed at a depth of 150 m underscores this progress. The ability to communicate and connect with my family through video calls serves as a vital bridge to home, alleviating feelings of distance.
Additionally, interacting with my colleagues over the communications (comms) system brings joy to my experience. Their humor and shared updates make me return to my bunk with a smile.
I also share a unique rapport with the saturation supervisor, who expertly balances the rigors of our work with light-hearted banter over the comms. Despite the demands of our tasks, his ability to infuse humor into our exchanges ensures that we maintain a buoyant atmosphere while upholding our professional standards.
I truly appreciate being engaged with respect and banter when suitable. Feeling like an integral part of the team is crucial. And, when we exit the diving bell at the end of a shift and the supervisor acknowledges our efforts with heartfelt thanks, it reinforces that I have tried my best and my efforts have been worthwhile.
Diver Two
Managing attitude and mental well-being is just another aspect of the job. I do my best to keep life in order at home so that, when I’m away, nothing lingers in the back of my mind. Staying prepared isn’t just a good habit, it is a necessity.
No matter how tough things get, once we disconnect from the living system with the bell, the team takes priority. For many divers, that’s when the game face comes on. Beyond the artificial living conditions, I establish routines, build habits, and bring in small comforts that mirror my life at home. There’s no secret formula to it. It’s like any job that keeps you away from family and friends: You adapt.
You communicate as best you can, both with those around you and those waiting back home. And, if you’re lucky, you have a solid support system to lean on.
Utilizing good manners daily is vital when we are living on top of one another. Small gestures like opening and closing the manway doors between the living chamber and the wet pot as an example. Asking the other divers in the chamber if they would like anything before pressing the buzzer to sat control is another courtesy. And just a basic "please" and "thank you" go a long way when you are living in a space with zero privacy.
