Wed, 31 July, 2024
Although he is now an Inspection Manager in a subsea inspection department, like many other CSWIP underwater inspectors, Blake Sharp worked hard to get where he is today! Beginning his career by gaining his CSWIP 3.1U Underwater Inspection certification, before progressing onto his 3.2U Underwater Inspection certification, but the real question is: how do you start a career in underwater inspection? For Blake, it all began with commercial diving….
While working as a commercial diver, Blake was introduced to underwater inspection and the first hook was planted. Interested in what is a unique and unusual role, he moved quickly to gain his CSWIP 3.1U Underwater Inspection certification and his underwater inspection career began.
Unfortunately for Blake, after becoming and working as a CSWIP 3.2U Underwater Inspector, his career was scuppered somewhat by a health issue, forcing him to head in a different direction and become a Rope Access Inspector with certification in multiple NDT methods. Ultimately, he was drawn back to the subsea sector, a move that was supported by gaining his CSWIP 3.4U Underwater Inspection Controller and his ACFM Level 2 NDT certification.
For him, gaining his CSWIP certification was a necessity for his career, as he mentioned a major benefit of having CSWIP certification is that they set the “standards expected and accepted in his sector.”
You might wonder, what advice does someone who has been in multiple areas of the sector have for those looking to join or who are already part of it? Dedicate your time to your studies and prepare properly for your examinations. Whether you are studying onsite or remotely, make sure you are giving as much time as you can to get your knowledge up to scratch. The certification exam will test you and “there is always lots to take in and digest” before you get there!
So what is next for Blake?
More work! He is keen on building his current department, making time for some personal development along the way. Right now, his focus is on gaining his Level 3 ISO 9712 NDT certifications to progress his own knowledge and expertise, so that he can better support those in his team to follow in his footsteps.
We wish Blake the best of luck on his endeavours, and more information about our CSWIP Underwater Inspection certifications can be found on our website.