Amady Diarisso: Pioneering Senegalese Diver on the GTA Project

Breaking New Ground: Amady Diarisso’s Journey to Becoming Senegal’s First Diver on the GTA Project

At STAPEM, we take great pride in celebrating the achievements of our team members, especially those who pave the way for others in their field. Today, we are excited to shine a light on Amady Diarisso, the first Senegalese diver approved to work on the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project, an incredible milestone that demonstrates not only his dedication but also the value of fostering local talent in our industry.

What is the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) Project?

The GTA project, located on the maritime border between Mauritania and Senegal, is one of the largest natural gas developments in Africa. Spearheaded by major international oil and gas companies, the project aims to produce and export natural gas from a world-class resource base, bringing energy and economic growth to the region. With production spanning both Mauritania and Senegal, the GTA project requires highly skilled, certified divers for critical inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks—roles that Amady Diarisso proudly fulfills as the first Senegalese diver approved to work on this landmark initiative.

From Welding to Offshore Diving: A Unique Pathway

Amady’s journey into the world of professional diving began with his training as a welder in France at the Institut de Soudure, where he gained foundational technical skills that would serve him well in the offshore industry. He then continued his studies in non-destructive testing (NDT), obtaining the Cofrend Level 2 certification in liquid penetrant testing (ressuage), which qualifies him to detect surface defects in materials—an essential skill for assessing structural integrity in challenging offshore environments.

In 2019, Amady advanced his qualifications by completing his Class 2A certification to become a commercial diver at the Ecole Nationale des Scaphandriers (ENS) in France. Following this, he gained hands-on experience through port missions in Dakar, further honing his skills in a demanding setting. His perseverance and dedication paid off when he eventually achieved the qualifications needed to undertake complex offshore missions.

Pride and Responsibility on the GTA Project

Being the first Senegalese diver to work on the GTA project is a source of immense pride for Amady. He views this accomplishment not only as a personal achievement but as an opportunity to inspire others in Senegal and across West Africa to consider careers in professional diving and offshore engineering.

A Message for the Next Generation

Amady’s success exemplifies the opportunities that await those who are willing to take on challenges in emerging industries. He encourages young Senegalese and West Africans to explore careers in offshore work, emphasizing the growing demand for skilled professionals in this sector.

“I hope to see more young people from Senegal take an interest in this field,” he says. “This career has a lot to offer, both personally and professionally. With training and dedication, anyone can reach the same level and even go beyond.”

Looking Ahead

Amady plans to further develop his expertise with additional specialization, specifically aiming to achieve the CSWIP 3.1 certification in non-destructive testing. His commitment to continuous learning reflects the core values of STAPEM: dedication, skill, and the drive to excel in the face of new challenges.

Celebrating a New Era for Local Talent in Offshore Diving

Amady’s journey serves as a testament to the talent and potential within Senegal’s workforce. As STAPEM continues to support local expertise and sustainable development, we look forward to celebrating even more success stories like his. We believe in investing in local talent, and Amady’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that a single individual can have on an entire industry.

Congratulations, Amady Diarisso, on this outstanding achievement and for being a role model for future generations.