Why The Commercial Diving Industry Is Unhealthy!

Large operators buying up small operators is never a good thing; in the diving industry, or any industry. The fewer diving companies you have in the market, the closer you get to a monopoly. A healthy market thrives on competition, which obviously disappears as the operators thin out.

With strictly enforced laws requiring proper training, equipment and procedures, the Diving industry CAN be safe. Client companies must be liable as well as diving contractors. If ALL must have the same quality in training, equipment and manning levels the only variables will be equity positions and pay scales. Contractors nor clients embrace unionized diving unless forced. They SHOULD be savvy enough to accept reasonable rates whether their operations are subject to union involvement or not. As has been stated by Roat, divers are NOT being replaced by engineering pipe dreams - there are too many variables and the need for human decision-making is inherent in most of the jobs performed underwater. Smaller operators, driven by real or misguided budget awareness, invite catastrophe for divers AND their own profits by cutting corners. This practice would not be as dangerously effective IF there existed the comprehensive and effectively enforced regulations the diving industry CAN have if all authority is consolidated under the USCG mission. I am drafting such legislation (albeit clumsily) to at least TRY to engage lawmakers to move toward that goal. If you have ANY ideas or influence with lawmakers at  the State or Federal level, PLEASE contact me. If nothing changes , NOTHING CHANGES!