Salvage Diver, Wrecker, Scrapper
A salvage diver is a specialized profession in New Angeles that involves recovering valuable materials and artifacts from sunken ships, aircraft wreckages, or other submerged structures. They operate primarily off the coast of Ecuador within the Special Economic Zone of Ecuadorian New Los Angeles (SEZ-ENA), where regulations are more lenient compared to other districts.
Duties
- Locate potential salvage sites using advanced mapping and sonar technology.
- Prepare diving equipment, including suits, breathing apparatuses, and tools.
- Dive into deep waters to explore wreckages and assess the value of recoverable materials.
- Safely extract valuable items such as metals, electronics, or artifacts from submerged structures.
- Maintain diving equipment in good working condition.
Skills Required
- Expertise in scuba diving and underwater navigation.
- Knowledge of local marine life and hazards.
- Familiarity with various types of salvageable materials and their market value.
- Proficiency in using specialized diving tools, such as cutting torches, grappling hooks, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
- Basic first aid training for treating dive-related injuries.
Working Conditions
Salvage divers typically work on small boats or platforms anchored near potential salvage sites. They spend most of their time underwater, often in dark and hazardous environments with strong currents and low visibility. The job requires physical stamina, mental alertness, and quick decision-making skills to avoid potential dangers such as equipment failure, marine life encounters, or decompression sickness. They rely on Performance Improvement Chemicals.
Income
Salvage divers earn a living by selling recovered materials at market prices. Income can vary greatly depending on factors such as the size and value of salvage finds, competition among divers, and fluctuations in material markets. Some experienced divers may also offer their services to private clients or corporations for specific recovery projects.
Training and Certification
There are no formal educational requirements to become a salvage diver, but most successful divers have extensive experience in recreational diving or military/industrial underwater operations. Obtaining certifications from recognized diving organizations can enhance one's credibility and employability. Additionally, learning about local maritime history, wreck sites, and market trends for recoverable materials can prove invaluable.
Risks
Salvage diving is an inherently dangerous profession with risks including:
- Equipment failure or malfunction.
- Decompression sickness and other dive-related injuries.
- Encounters with hazardous marine life or underwater hazards.
- Legal complications related to salvage rights, permits, or the recovery of restricted materials.
Personnel
1200