Hey Peter, thanks for writing. I have learned about underwater inspection and I am certified in NDT (non-destructive testing) using magnetic particle, ultrasound, etc...Most structures need to be inspected at least once every 5-10 years, if not annually. We don’t usually use scuba for work purposes, we use surface to air breathing. This is hard hat diving using a Kirby Morgan Superlight hard hat diving helmet with lights and cameras on it. An umbilical runs from the surface down to the diver and provides air, hot water, and power to the diver working. Most scuba work I do is light salvage and ship husbandry at the docks if people need anything inspected without having to pull their boats out of the water. Pretty convenient for a boat owner and even more convenient for me :) Atlanta is where I am in graduate school and most diving is inland lake diving, so the conditions are 5-20 ft in most areas. Now working is a different story...most vis is 0-1 ft and with the welding shield attached, there is no vis unless your welding. You get used to having to feel your way around, but you get trained for confined spaces and blackwater diving before you get to any real jobs, but it takes time to trust your other senses. Let me know if your ever near FL or the Gulf and maybe we could link up for a dive trip around that area. Thanks for the questions and let me know if I can help with anything! Happy Diving!

Alec, thank you for the reply. There is so little to know about this world of scuba diving, and I am interested. I have studied and passed certification for Home Inspection, Lead and Asbestos in NY and NJ, yet never got past 1 year on the experience. And that is because of my own failures. Yet, my heart and mind still think inspections are interesting to do. My cousin, who works in NYC architect business, suggested " hey Pete, get back into this work, come on!! " encouraging me. I just cannot get back into this. I was a software engineer, and I learned my limits. I am just not cut out for all the grime and grind. Sad to say. Yes, please keep in touch. I admire your strength and courage to do this exciting work. It is going to be another 100F day in NJ. Heat wave is just impossible. 10 minutes under the sun and my skin starts to feel like it is burning.