Loyal. Straightforward. The calm in any storm.
David Dermody brings a sharp, strategic mind to Commercial Marine Group, which is precisely the kind of dive supervisor every crew wants in the water — and on the radio.
We caught up with Dave to learn what drives him, his introduction to diving, and the kind of gusto needed for a successful commercial diving career.
“My introduction to diving began with my family. My father ran his own company,” Dave says. “When he needed extra hands, I stepped up.”
An unexpected path, shaped by family and sharpened by his experience. That decision initiated a fascination with creative marine construction. Over time, Dave demonstrated his value not only through his technical skills but also by his actions — leading teams, overseeing operations, and tackling challenges head-on. His approach? Prepare thoughtfully, be determined, and always prioritise your team’s well-being.
Beyond the Basics
When you’ve spent years working underwater, you come to expect the unexpected, but the Hamilton Siphon Bypass Pipeline was in a league of its own.
“It wasn’t just a pipeline job. It was a moving puzzle — and the river set the pace,” Dave recalls.
The project called for installing a critical subsea sewage pipeline beneath the Brisbane River — a fast-flowing, murky, and heavily trafficked urban waterway. CMG had 11 months to deliver a bespoke solution that wouldn’t disrupt commercial traffic, community access, or the asset owner’s operations.
Every challenge imaginable was in play: strong currents, zero visibility, shifting tides, and tight timelines.
“Conditions could change hour to hour,” Dave says. “You couldn’t just roll out a plan and hope it stuck. You had to adapt.”
The team didn’t rely on guesswork or conservative modelling. Instead, they brought in river data, collaborated in technical workshops, and helped co-design an installation method that worked with the river. CMG’s divers and engineers contributed to advanced animated simulations, allowing all stakeholders to visualise the entire pipelay process before a single anchor dropped.
“The animations helped us predict issues before they happened,” Dave explains. “That clarity made the difference.”
The result? A fully installed subsea pipeline and scour protection system, delivered safely, efficiently, and without disrupting a single stakeholder — setting a new benchmark for urban subsea infrastructure.
“You want to talk about proud moments? That was one,” Dave says. “Everyone brought their A-game. And it showed.”
When Pressure Hits
Remaining calm under pressure isn’t just a helpful trait in this line of work — it’s what separates control from chaos. For Dave, that instinct kicks in the instant things deviate from the plan.
We asked Dave to share an instance when he was unexpectedly caught off guard.
“I believe coming face to face with a 3-4 metre tiger shark is the most unexpected encounter to date — that puts things in perspective quickly.” He adds, “You train for a lot of scenarios. Sharks aren’t one of them. But staying calm is universal.”
What Makes Him Tick
Off the water, Dave’s world slows down.
You’ll usually find him in the garage — sleeves rolled up, head under the bonnet, methodically restoring old gas systems and bringing tired engines back to life.
That same mechanical mind shows up in his talents. He’s a sharp chess player, a dartboard regular, and a firm believer in keeping your skills and focus sharp.
At Commercial Marine Group, it’s not just technical expertise that makes a great diver. It’s the steady hands. The cool heads. The kind of people you want beside you when conditions turn.
And Dave?
He’s the quiet strategist. The loyal teammate. The rock-solid presence keeping the crew in check.