I first joined KCI in September 2023, eager and excited to learn as part of the rotational program. Once I completed my rotational year, I accepted a position with our Transportation Structures team, where I gathered some experience doing inspection and design work above water.
During that year, I was presented with an opportunity to participate in a dive school course at the Professional Diver Training Center (PDTC) in Alvarado, Texas. While enrolled, I learned a lot about anatomy, how diving affects the human body, and illnesses commonly associated with diving and how to avoid them. Additionally, I practiced logistical tasks like tying critical knots while submerged, putting together a pipe square underwater while blindfolded, surface swimming with full gear on, underwater rigging projects, and both topside and underwater welding.
Having the opportunity to get hands-on practice with complex scenarios was invaluable to my career as a diver. While enrolled at PDTC, we conducted a rigging project where we had to put together a pipe alone with only basic rigging tools available to lift it into place. I volunteered to go first – believing I knew exactly what to do – and quickly discovered the task at hand was much more difficult than I initially thought. I couldn’t feel my tools, I lost one of my screws, and I couldn’t see anything; still, I was determined to finish. I took a moment to pause, caught my breath, and figured it out. Ever since that experience, I have applied these principles to every single one of my dives: stop, breathe, and adapt. Learning such a valuable lesson early in my career gave me the opportunity to grow and perform better in my current role.
I always knew being in-office full-time was not compatible with my lifestyle preferences. I favor fieldwork and being outside. KCI’s support for my career development made it possible for me to do something I enjoy and take pride in. My advice for anyone interested in accomplishing dive training and working in underwater inspection is to be teachable and adaptable. Since my enrollment, KCI has sent two additional employees to PDTC and hired two others who had already completed the training. Dive training can open the door to a rewarding career in sub-aquatic engineering for those willing to learn and take on the challenge.