24 February 2010

Ryan Baker, a member of the Engineering Team who lives locally and started work at the Port last summer, has embarked on an 11 week HSE Surface Supply commercial diver training course funded by his employers. This training, costing £15,000, will allow Ryan to join the existing dive team who are essential in maintaining and repairing the Port's infrastructure including the locks, pump house, quays, breakwaters and piers. They also carry out underwater works to visiting and Port-owned vessels, keeping things moving 24 hours per day, 365 days per year.
The training is based in Fort William on the west coast of Scotland, between Loch's Linnhe and Eil so it will be a relief to return home to warmer waters. On his course, as well as learning to work using surface supply breathing apparatus and all its stringent safety requirements, Ryan will learn boat handling, First Aid and underwater construction techniques.
Ryan is pictured below holding the KM17b helmet he will be using during and on completion of his training.