A native of Bergen, Norway, Oliver Berdal joined the Royal Norwegian Navy in 1993. Berdal underwent basic officer training, before serving on the Hauk class missile torpedo boats. After finishing the Norwegian Naval Academy, he joined the Submarine Service. He got his first command on the submarine HNoMS Utsira in 2004. While in command, he did patrols in the High North as well as a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean with the submarine HNoMS Ula, in support of Operation Active Endeavour. During the time in the Submarine Service, he also undertook studies at the University of Bergen in psychology.
After the time in command of submarines, he left the military for two years to work in the private sector. He was project manager for a new regional airport in Southern Norway from early construction to opening and the start of commercial flights. He also completed a Master's degree in project management.
After a hectic, but rewarding time in the private sector, he worked as a special advisor at the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment before rejoining the Navy as "Teacher"/Commanding Officer for the Norwegian Submarine Command Course.
Berdal attended the US Naval War College from 201 1-2012. Upon returning to Norway, he went into a staff position in the Norwegian Ministry of Defense. He was promoted to Captain in the position as Program manager for new submarines in 201 6, and held this position until taking over as commander of the Submarine Service in 2019. During the time in the Ministry, Berdal was also responsible for leading the work on the Defense Industrial Strategy of Norway, a political White paper from the Government to Parliament.
In 2020 Berdal was promoted to Commodore and Chief of the Norwegian Coast Guard, a position giving broad experience in Arctic challenges, civilian-military cooperation with a wide range of governmental agencies, as well as interaction with several coastal states.