Meet Jay Still, from Apprentice to Mechanical Dive Tech
When people think about the subsea industry, they often picture commercial divers working beneath the surface. But behind every successful diving operation is a dedicated team of skilled technicians who ensure specialist diving systems and equipment are maintained, tested and ready to perform safely.
Mechanical Dive Technicians play a vital role in supporting offshore operations, from commissioning and maintaining saturation diving systems to inspecting air diving equipment, chambers and workboats. It’s a career built on technical expertise, problem-solving and continuous learning.
For Jay Still, that journey began with a RockSalt Subsea apprenticeship at just 16 years old.
After eight years with the company, Jay has progressed from apprentice to Mechanical Dive Technician, supporting offshore commissioning, operational and decommissioning projects while maintaining critical diving equipment onshore. His career is a great example of how apprenticeships can open the door to rewarding opportunities in the subsea industry.
Starting the Journey
Jay’s interest in the industry started young. His grandfather worked as a vessel electrician aboard a Dive Support Vessel (DSV), and childhood visits sparked a fascination that would eventually become his career. “Looking back, it almost feels like this job was meant to be.”
After leaving school, Jay joined RockSalt Subsea’s apprenticeship programme while studying at NESCOL Fraserburgh, achieving both a HNC and a Level 3 qualification in Mechanical Engineering.
For Jay, the biggest benefit of an apprenticeship is the opportunity to learn through experience.
“There’s nothing more valuable than experience. If you work hard and keep learning, an apprenticeship gives you a fantastic start to your career.”
He also credits experienced colleagues, including Jamie Ralph, Tony French and Tony Webster, for helping shape both his technical knowledge and work ethic.
Life as a Mechanical Dive Technician
No two days are ever the same in Jay’s role, and that’s exactly what keeps the job interesting.
His work spans both offshore and onshore operations, from commissioning, operating and decommissioning saturation diving systems to maintaining RockSalt Subsea’s diving equipment, chambers and workboats.
Jay particularly enjoys pipe fitting, auditing and contributing to the design and build of diving systems, where seeing a project successfully come together brings a real sense of achievement.
“Being involved in the complete build of the D300 Saturation System onboard the WSG, from construction onshore through to supporting offshore diving operations, played a massive role in my development as a Dive Technician.” Jay
Working offshore has also allowed Jay to collaborate with specialists from around the world, continually expanding both his technical expertise and industry knowledge.
A passion for the industry
Having joined RockSalt Subsea at such a young age, Jay has developed a genuine passion for the subsea industry.
“There’s almost never a day where I’m not facing a new task or challenge. That’s what keeps the job interesting, even after eight years.”
Whether solving technical challenges, supporting planned maintenance programmes or seeing months of hard work come together on a completed project, Jay enjoys the variety his role offers and values the constructive feedback and shared knowledge within the team.
Why RockSalt Subsea?
“There’s a real sense of community here and I’m proud to work for RockSalt Subsea.” Jay
For Jay, it’s the people that make the difference. From taking part in team charity events such as the Banchory Beast Race to being trusted with significant responsibility from an early stage in his career, Jay believes RockSalt Subsea has provided the support and opportunities needed to continually develop his skills.
Jay’s ambition is to become a Senior Dive Technician working onboard a saturation diving system, while continuing to develop his interest in auditing and planned maintenance systems, with asset management another potential career path.
Building a career at RockSalt Subsea
Jay’s journey demonstrates what’s possible when ambition is matched with opportunity. From joining RockSalt Subsea as a 16-year-old apprentice to becoming a trusted Mechanical Dive Technician, his career reflects the value of practical experience, continuous learning and the support of experienced colleagues.
At RockSalt Subsea, we’re committed to developing the next generation of talent by providing apprentices with the skills, experience and support they need to build long-term careers.
Whether you’re leaving school and considering an apprenticeship or looking to build a career within the subsea industry, Jay’s story shows how commitment, curiosity and the right support can create a rewarding future.
