His job is a high-rope act
Dangling from ropes from heights is no issue for Mr Aris Ahmad.
But he never thought he would sit in helicopters and travel to different countries such as Spain and Australia on the job.
As a rope access technician in the shipping, oil and gas industry, he applies practical rope work to do maintenance on difficult-to-reach locations such as the exterior of a drill ship.
He is usually close to sea level, supported by several ropes, mounting a shell plate on the ship.
He says: "I find my job very fun and thrilling. The most important part of the job is not to think so much and just do it."
The former commercial window cleaner, 37, recounts how an acquaintance asked if he would like to change jobs nine years ago.
The adrenaline junkie agreed despite knowing the sacrifices he would have to make.
"My parents and wife were worried because it was dangerous working with ropes and heights," he says.
"Sometimes I can be gone as long as three months. Of course I miss home but luckily the ships I'm on always have Wi-Fi."
CABIN
He usually works from 6am to 6pm on the ship, with several short breaks in between. As the ships are far from land, he has to live in a cabin on board.
While working the ropes, he can feel unwell. In those cases, people will have to haul him up on board to prevent him from falling into the ocean.
He says: "Some of my colleagues worry that a shark or sea creature might jump up and attack us."
Thankfully, that has not happened.
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