Rookie divers at the Underwater Centre in Fort William, Scotland, are certainly made to work for their training qualifications.

However, the Daily Record's Craig McQueen reports that for those that can endure the inimical waters of Loch Linhe - which is overshadowed by Ben Nevis - the rewards offered by the industry are plentiful.

Commercial divers are relied upon by the oil and gas industry to carry out complex rig maintenance and drilling work.

Speaking to the paper, instructor Cameron McCreadie explained that for all of its rigours, entering the commercial diving industry can be very easy.

"It's something you get used to, and over time you build up the muscles you need, so it does become easier ... As long as you pass the medical, there's no reason why anyone can't become a diver," he explained.

The Underwater Centre has recently announced plans to add the Alternating Current Field Measurement training programme to its offering in August, which will make it the only diver training centre in the world to offer this module.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development