Chris Harrison – Best Dive Job in the World 2012
Since dive one, it’s always been diving for me.
Shortly after my open water course in 2008 I had one of my most memorable dives. HMAS Swan, an Australian warship 372ft long, decommissioned and sunk off the coast of WA. Descending it was the scene out of Titanic, nothing but blue misty sea. Slowly this immense object comes into focus. Swimming around and through this ship just lying peacefully on the bottom of the ocean was one of the most incredible things I have ever seen!
After that I joined the Australian Navy. It was a great experience, all I wanted was to be a Clearance Diver but the day they told me I never would just because I was colour blind was a very disappointing day. I finished my contract and walked away, they couldn’t offer me what I wanted.
I then decided I wanted to be a Commercial Diver. 8 week after full time courses and intense study I qualified as an ADAS Part 2 Commercial Diver and was in search for work. Work didn’t come quick. I went to all the dive companies and called them every week but they were all fully crewed. I finally got a chance with a company based in Fremantle but they only needed me for one week. A 3km pipeline needed to be video surveyed. As I was the new guy, I was the diver’s attendant and didn’t hit the water for the week, but I still enjoyed myself. I realised I should have completed the 3rd commercial diving course which would have giving me more opportunities, but I didn’t have the money.
I got stuck in a dead end job at a pub, hating myself for not progressing, but I was saving up for Europe with my mates. Before we left I decided that I needed a change, I applied and received a 2 year UK working visa. We went all throughout Europe, met some amazing people and saw some incredible places. This world is amazing and I want to see all of it!
Chris Harrison – Best Dive Job in the World 2012
For the last 8 months I have been living in London, I realised my goal is to be an Instructor and I have almost finished my Divemaster. Teaching open water students and seeing their faces light up when they have successfully mastered a skill like reg recovery and replace is a great feeling. Having that conversation with them after they get out the water asking “mate how’d ya go? You enjoy that?” and the student replying with let’s go again! really gives you the feeling of joy and satisfaction.
It’s always been, and always will be diving. I’ll do whatever it takes to get there. Once I reach Instructor my journey won’t end there, one day in the future I’ll have my own dive shop and give back to diving what diving has given me, purpose.
To become a PADI Instructor is my goal right now. To be given a chance like this would be incredible!
Cheers,
Chris Harrison
Chris Harrison – Best Dive Job in the World 2012
