Their missions extend across France and beyond, to sites that are often difficult to access. Bertrand, Bruno, and Géraldine are part of the 2000 French divers, diving for up to 3 hours straight on sea sites, in dams, or even hydrocarbon tanks.
Géraldine Parodi: at the heart of inspections
« I often work in the dark and 90% of the time, I can’t see my hands » shares Géraldine Parodi as she infiltrates the fire suppression conduits of a petrochemical plant located on the shores of the Berre pond. These pipes, measuring between 80 centimeters and a meter in diameter, require slow and delicate progress, equipped with her lead-weighted Divex vest. Her mission is to meticulously inspect the walls and welds, check the system’s condition, and recommend repairs if needed.
Although alone in this complex network, Géraldine remains in constant contact with her husband Jérémy, who stayed on the surface. Through the lifeline, she not only receives air but also essential moral support. « Everything has to be framed properly from the start, memorizing the site’s layout and defining the mission. A rescue diver is always ready to intervene, » she calmly explains. The profession of diver is known for its high risks, and adrenaline is part of the thrill.
Originally from Lyon, Géraldine grew up in Guadeloupe and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, following her military father who was passionate about spearfishing. A graduate in gemology and passionate about marine archaeology, she trained in Marseille at the GRASM (Underwater Archaeological Research Group) Dive Center with Serge Ximenes. She became head of hyperbaric operations at 22, after diving on the Tiboulen wreck at 57 meters.
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