The first part of the book describes offshore life, the technicalities of offshore oil drilling and the history of diving. Did you know, for example, that diving bells were known in Greece in the 4th Century BC, and that the US Navy was experimenting with mixed gas diving in the 1920s? The second part is dedicated to the men who died - some of whom were friends of the author. Happily, the number of fatalities has decreased in recent years.
The author has succeeded in his twin aims. If you think diving should be about warm water and enjoying the marine life, this book probably has too much detail on oil and gas extraction, safety regulations and offshore life for you. However, if you are considering a career as an offshore diver, or are interested in the history of offshore diving around the world, then you won't be disappointed.
North Sea Divers - A Requiem is available from Amazon and the Book Depository.
About the Author
Jim Limbrick is a retired offshore diver. After working in the North Sea in its early years, he moved to the Middle East working on some of the world's largest oil-field installation projects of the time. For more information read the interview he gave to SCUBA Travel.
Jim has kindly offered that if anyone would like to get in touch about any aspect of the book, or how to go about getting their own book quality published in the cheapest possible way, he would be pleased to help and advise. In addition, any information you may want, or any questions answered on professional diving, he will be only too pleased to help. Contact Jim Limbrick.
I haven't read your book yet but I plan to...
My dad (Alec Caunt) was on the rigs in the 70s he witnessed a few deaths of friends but when his close friend (Jeremy Phillips) died because he had left a spanner on the bottom, he was so wracked with guilt he quit and now almost 90 and with onset Alzheimer's he still remembers that day with so much sadness, grief and guilt.
Lorraine , 1 July 2022
John Clarke was my dad. Died diving for Comex on 14th October 1974.I was 2. I'm trying to find archives of the incident as I know almost nothing of my dad.
Can anybody help?
Dean Clarke, 18 December 2017
Having been involved in the North Sea in the early days of the 70,s with Comex and working in Nigeria, Persian Gulf and India I can only say that the early days with no Offshore Regulation pre 1975 was rough. Being Ex Navy Diver we were used to bad conditions when operational necessity demanded it so those of us that have experienced what has been recorded in this book can only nod in agreement. Jackie Warner was the "Offshore Messiah" when decisions were to be made, unfortunately some of the permitted "bending of the rules" proved fatal.
Tony Locke, 11 September 2012
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