[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 17 (Thursday, February 4, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE UNDERWATER OPERATIONS INDUSTRY

 Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the 
underwater operations industry, especially the Marine Technology 
Society and the Association of Diving Contractors International.
  The Marine Technology Society was founded in 1963. Throughout its 40-
plus years of existence, it has stayed true to its guiding purpose: 
``to promote awareness, understanding, advancement and application of 
marine technology.'' Founded in 1968 the Association of Diving 
Contractors played an essential role in creating the first safety 
standards for commercial divers. The association today has member 
companies hailing from 41 different nations all pledging to abide by 
the ADCI Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving Operations.
  The commercial underwater industry encompasses the support of deep 
sea divers, ROV operators, technical support, retail dealers, the 
shipping industry, the energy industry, universities, research 
facilities, equipment manufacturers, families, and a support system 
that extends to all avenues of the labor market. This diverse community 
and unique segment of industry work tirelessly toward maintaining and 
supporting safe underwater operations throughout the world. The 
commercial underwater industry affects the development of dams, 
bridges, oil platforms, pipelines, underwater, geological research, 
outer space, and even the entertainment industry.
  The industry is especially vital to Louisiana. From our seafood 
industry to one of the Nation's largest provider of offshore energy, 
our waterways and shorelines are of great importance to our economy. 
Underwater operations allow these industries to run smoothly.
  Underwater operations conducted from the deepest seas to inland 
waterways throughout the world are a vital component in ongoing 
industrial development globally. It is important that Federal and State 
government and citizens worldwide recognize the value of the underwater 
operations industry to the continued progress of humanity.
  Thus, today, I am proud to applaud such an important industry, and 
thank them for their contributions to the State of Louisiana, our 
Nation, and the rest of the world.

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