The psychological experience of commercial offshore divers

Abstract

The International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics defines commercial offshore diving as the act of carrying out diving operations in an offshore environment for financial gains, such as the examination, upkeep, and repair of underwater machinery and structures, the building and installation of offshore infrastructure, and the exploration and production of oil and gas (Bilimoria, 2018, p.329). This study aimed to investigate the psychological experience of commercial offshore divers. The objective of this research was to examine and assess the psychological experiences of offshore divers who spend prolonged periods working onboard a sea vessel in unfamiliar territories, isolated from their families and loved ones. While offshore divers' physical health has received a lot of consideration, this study aimed to shed more light on how they feel mentally. The study involved five commercial offshore divers, and data was gathered using audio-recorded semi-structured interviews. Utilizing Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the transcripts were examined. Each of the four superordinate themes evolved into several subordinate themes. Findings suggested that offshore divers are faced with various hardships such as leaving their families and loved ones for long periods of time. One recommendation for addressing the unique challenges faced by offshore divers is the establishment of support groups specifically tailored for this population. Further research could explore the role of social support networks, including colleagues, friends, and family, in offshore divers’ mental health and well-being.