The ocean, covering over 70% of our planet, is largely unexplored. Within this fascinating world, divers play a crucial role. These highly skilled professionals dive into the depths to perform essentiel underwater work for various industries, from oil exploitation to marine infrastructure maintenance. In this article, we explore the unique aspects of this profession and the innovations that make their daily tasks easier.
an exceptional profession
The diver is a professional specialized in underwater work. This profession combines advanced technical skills with excellent physical condition and strong mental resilience, enabling them to work in extreme conditions. Their rigorous training includes certification in professional diving, first aid and handling specialized equipment to master a wide range of skills while ensuring their own safety. The sectors in which they operate are as varied (oil industry, civil engineering, nuclear industry, water treatment, infrastructures, maritime works, etc.) as the tasks they perform (pipeline inspections, structure welding, rescue interventions, sample collection, structure installations, etc.).
the challenges of the underwater world
Working underwater presents unique challenges that make each mission complex, including:
Increased pressure: strict protocols are crucial to prevent decompression accidents and other pressure-related hazards.
Reduced visibility: Working in total darkness or in murky waters makes orientation difficult and increases the risk of accidents.
Weather conditions: Strong currents, extreme temperatures and bad weather can complicate operations and endanger the lives of divers.
Specialized equipment: The use of underwater tools and machines, such as hyperbaric welding torches, requires specific training.
Limited communication: Communication with the team on the surface is limited, requiring seamless coordination and a high level of autonomy.
saturation diving
Divers operate in an environment where pressure gradually increases with depth, meaning that the deeper they go, the greater the pressure exerted on their body and equipment. This hyperbaric environment, where the pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure, imposes numerous constraints. Professionals have to follow strict procedures to safely reach the working depth, stay there for the duration of the work and ascend without suffering the harmful effects of decompression.
At great depths, increased pressure can lead to serious physiological problems, such as nitrogen narcosis or high-pressure nervous syndrome. To enable divers to work efficiently at these depths for extended periods, the saturation diving technique is used. This method involves keeping the divers in a pressurized environment equal to the working depth, usually in a hyperbaric chamber located aboard a ship or platform
By maintaining a constant pressure, the number of decompression phases required is reduced, which minimizes risks and increases the effectiveness of underwater interventions.
However, saturation diving presents its own challenges. Divers can spend days or even weeks in confined spaces, requiring strong mental resilience to cope with isolation and confinement. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high pressure demands thorough physical and psychological preparation to prevent health issues related to the hyperbaric environment.
technological advances for divers
Over the years, technological advances have significantly improved the working conditions of divers. Equipment has become safer, more efficient and more comfortable, allowing divers to focus on their tasks while minimizing risks. Improvements include, for example, closed-circuit rebreathers systems that extend underwater autonomy, real-time waterproof communication systems, diving suits made from innovative materials, and high-resolution cameras that enhance monitoring and decision-making on intervention sites.
orphiescaph: the innovative camera for divers
With this in mind, i2S has developed an innovative camera specially designed for divers: the Orphiescaph. Compact and robust, it easily attaches to the helmet, providing exceptional image quality even in low-visibility conditions. This camera not only documents the work being done, but also transmits real-time images to the surface team. It facilitates communication, improves safety and increases the efficiency of underwater operations.
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To find out more about our diver camera and discover how it can transform your underwater operations, feel free to contact us or visit the Orphiescaph product page.