The ongoing need to train specialists for the burgeoning subsea oil and gas industry has been cited as the principal factor behind Scottish diving centres being fully booked for the foreseeable future.

That is according to a new report out of Scotland, which has highlighted the case of the Fort William-based Underwater Centre, which has reported that it has trained a record 350 students over the past 12 months, with this rate set to continue for the next few years at least.

In particular, demand for the training of remotely operated vehicle (ROV) pilots is at an unprecedented high, mirroring the direction the North Sea oil and gas industry is now taking.

Commenting on the trend, the centre's manager Steve Ham, told the Press and Journal: "According to Subsea UK's recent study, the subsea oil and gas sector has grown by a staggering 25 per cent each year in the last two years and the global market is now worth £12.5billion annually.

"The very favourable market conditions are a key factor in our growth, however, continued investment in new facilities, technology and enhanced training, particularly in the area of ROVs, has bolstered our position."

The comments come on the back of a new report from the government which points to a steady continuation of production in the North Sea, with the 76.8 million tonnes of oil and gas achieved helped partly by new fields coming onstream.

Oil & Gas Directory: Training & Development