You'd think that 35-year-old Nicholas Ng has the safest job in the world. As a freelance offshore air diver, he helps repair and replace underwater structures for oil and gas companies. But nothing could be further from the truth. Ng has been diving to depths of 30m to 50m for years, with an umbilical connected to the boat above the surface. 'It's a challenging job, both physically and mentally,' he says. 'But the sense of satisfaction I get from seeing a job done well is unbeatable.' Ng has been a commercial diver since 2021 and has worked on various projects around the world. From repairing underwater pipes to replacing oil rigs, Ng has seen it all.
But the biggest challenge he faces is not the technical aspect of the job, but the risks involved. 'Every dive is a risk, you never know when something will go wrong,' he says. 'But I've been lucky so far, and I hope to continue being so.'
Ng's job requires him to be extremely focused and alert at all times. He has to be aware of his surroundings, from the tides to the marine life, to ensure that he can complete the job safely. But despite the risks, Ng loves his job. 'There's something about being underwater that's so serene and peaceful,' he says. 'It's a feeling that's hard to describe, but it's one of the things that keeps me going.' Ng has worked with several oil and gas companies, including those from the Philippines, where he has worked on projects in the South China Sea. 'The Philippines is a great place to work, the people are friendly and the culture is rich,' he says. 'But the job can be tough, especially when you're working in challenging conditions.'
As a freelance diver, Ng has the flexibility to choose his own projects and work with different companies. But this also means that he has to be his own boss and manage his time effectively. 'I have to be disciplined and organized to ensure that I complete my projects on time and within budget,' he says. 'It's not an easy job, but it's one that I'm passionate about.' Ng's passion for his job is evident in the way he speaks about it. He's proud of what he does and is committed to delivering the best results possible. 'I'm not just a diver, I'm a problem solver,' he says. 'I have to be creative and think on my feet to ensure that the job gets done safely and efficiently.'
For Ng, the rewards of being a commercial diver far outweigh the risks. He loves the sense of freedom and adventure that comes with the job, and he's proud to be part of a community of divers who are dedicated to their work. 'We're a tight-knit community, and we look out for each other,' he says. 'It's a feeling that's hard to describe, but it's one of the things that keeps me going.'