How to Become a Commercial Diver: Is it the Right Career for You?

Commercial Diver Career Video

If you are drawn to underwater environments and seek a unique and adventurous career, becoming a commercial diver might be for you. This article explores what it takes to become a commercial diver, the working conditions, career prospects, and tools to determine if this career aligns with your goals.

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What Does a Commercial Diver Do?

Commercial divers are highly skilled professionals who perform various tasks beneath the water’s surface. These tasks range from inspecting and repairing underwater infrastructure to scientific research or hazardous operations. Here’s a breakdown of the primary responsibilities:

Inspection and Maintenance

Commercial divers play a vital role in maintaining and inspecting underwater structures such as bridges, dams, pipelines, and offshore oil rigs. They use specialized tools and cameras to examine these structures for signs of wear, damage, or corrosion. For example, they may inspect underwater pipelines for leaks or check the stability of submerged foundations, ensuring the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure.

Divers also perform maintenance tasks such as cleaning, replacing parts, and applying protective coatings to prevent further deterioration. Given the importance of maintaining these structures, divers must adhere to strict safety standards and protocols to avoid mishaps while working in hazardous environments.

Construction Work

Commercial diving isn’t just about inspecting structures—it’s also about building them. Divers working in underwater construction may perform welding, cutting, and installing components on underwater platforms, pipelines, or even new structures like submerged tunnels. Welding, in particular, is a highly specialized skill, and divers need to use underwater welding equipment to repair or build structures while submerged.

Construction work can vary greatly depending on the project, but it often involves working with heavy equipment, which makes it both physically and mentally demanding.

Salvage Operations

One of the more thrilling and high-stakes jobs for commercial divers involves salvage operations. This includes recovering sunken vessels, cargo, and equipment from the ocean floor. Whether retrieving valuable shipwrecks, lost cargo, or industrial equipment, divers must be equipped to handle high-pressure situations. Salvage divers often rely on advanced tools like ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) or lift bags to assist in pulling large objects from the depths.

Working in these often hostile conditions requires advanced diving and recovery techniques and knowledge.

Scientific Support

Commercial divers also work alongside researchers in marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science. These divers help scientists collect underwater samples, take measurements, or even assist with monitoring marine life. For example, divers might collect samples of coral reefs, sediment, or water quality to study the health of aquatic ecosystems.

Scientific diving can also assist in archaeological digs, where divers explore and document underwater historical sites. These tasks require a strong marine biology or archaeology knowledge and the technical skills to work safely and efficiently underwater.

Hazardous Work

Commercial divers are often called upon to engage in hazardous work that requires precision and extreme caution. This includes inspecting ship hulls for explosive devices or repairing offshore drilling rigs in deep-sea conditions. Diving in dangerous environments is inherently risky due to factors such as poor visibility, strong currents, and the constant pressure of the deep water. For this reason, commercial divers need to have a strong understanding of safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Specialized Equipment Used by Commercial Divers

Commercial divers rely on various specialized equipment to perform these tasks effectively. Some of the most important tools include:

  • Scuba Gear: Standard scuba diving equipment such as tanks, masks, and fins for shallow-water dives.
  • Surface-Supplied Air Systems (SSS): These are used for deeper dives. They provide the diver with air through a hose connected to the surface.
  • Saturation Diving Equipment: For deep-sea operations, divers use complex saturation diving systems that involve pressurized chambers and specialized equipment to prevent decompression sickness.
  • ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) are robotic systems that explore underwater environments that human divers cannot safely reach. They are beneficial for deep-sea exploration and inspection tasks.

Commercial diving requires physical stamina and technical knowledge to operate this specialized equipment safely and efficiently.

Commercial divers take on some of the most dynamic and physically challenging jobs. Whether working in construction, scientific research, salvage operations, or hazardous conditions, their expertise is essential to numerous industries. The role demands technical proficiency, physical endurance, and a commitment to safety. As such, commercial diving is ideal for those passionate about adventure and underwater exploration, and it contributes to critical work that impacts industries ranging from oil and gas to marine biology.

For more information on diving certifications, career pathways, and training programs, visit sites like the Association of Diving Contractors International or ONET Online.

What Is the Working Environment Like for a Commercial Diver?

The working environment for commercial divers is both exhilarating and challenging. Here are key aspects:

  1. Diverse Locations: Commercial divers may work in oceans, rivers, lakes, or man-made environments like tanks and pools.
  2. Harsh Conditions: Tasks often involve poor visibility, strong currents, and cold temperatures.
  3. Irregular Hours: Work schedules vary depending on the project. Divers may spend weeks offshore or be on call for emergencies.
  4. Safety Risks: Diving involves inherent dangers such as decompression sickness, equipment failure, and exposure to underwater hazards.
  5. Team Collaboration: Divers work closely with a team, including dive supervisors, engineers, and technicians.

How Do You Become a Commercial Diver?

To become a commercial diver, follow these steps:

1. Meet Basic Requirements

  • Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is generally required.
  • Physical Fitness: Divers must pass medical exams to ensure they are fit for diving.

2. Complete Training at a Commercial Diving School

Enroll in a certified commercial diving program lasting 4-6 months. Programs cover:

  • Diving techniques
  • Underwater welding
  • Equipment handling
  • Emergency procedures

Some well-known diving schools include the Divers Institute of Technology and the National Diving and Salvage Training Center.

3. Obtain Certifications

Certifications vary by region but may include:

4. Gain Experience

Start with entry-level jobs or apprenticeships to build skills and connections in the industry.

What Is the Salary of a Commercial Diver?

Commercial divers earn competitive salaries, reflecting the specialized skills and risks involved. According to Payscale and Glassdoor:

  • Median Salary: $58,000 annually
  • Top Earners: Can exceed $100,000 annually, especially for saturation divers working on offshore oil rigs.

Factors influencing pay include experience, certifications, and job type.

What Is the Labor Market for Commercial Divers?

The demand for commercial divers is steady, driven by infrastructure maintenance, offshore energy projects, and environmental research. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in this field is expected to grow at a rate consistent with other construction and repair jobs. Visit ONET Online for detailed labor market statistics.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Being a Commercial Diver?

Pros

  • High Earning Potential: Especially for experienced divers in specialized fields.
  • Exciting Work: Opportunities to explore underwater environments and tackle unique challenges.
  • Variety: Work ranges from construction to environmental conservation.

Cons

  • Physical Demands: Requires excellent physical health and stamina.
  • Safety Risks: Include decompression sickness, equipment failures, and underwater hazards.
  • Unpredictable Schedules: Offshore work can lead to long periods away from home.

What Are Related Jobs for a Commercial Diver?

Here are roles closely related to commercial diving, with links to ONET descriptions:

What Types of Jobs Can Commercial Divers Pursue?

Commercial divers can specialize in areas such as:

  1. Offshore Diving: Working on oil rigs or underwater pipelines.
  2. Inland Diving: Inspecting and repairing bridges, dams, and water tanks.
  3. Hazmat Diving: Handling hazardous materials underwater.
  4. Scientific Diving: Supporting research in marine biology or archaeology.

How Do I Know If I Should Be a Commercial Diver?

If you’re considering a career as a commercial diver, it’s essential to evaluate your skills, interests, and personality to determine if it’s the right fit. Here are some helpful steps to guide you:

Take a Career Aptitude Test

One of the best ways to understand whether commercial diving aligns with your career goals is to take a career aptitude test. The Free Career Fit Test™ evaluates your skills, interests, and personality traits to help you assess if a demanding and physically intensive career like commercial diving is right for you.

Assess Your Skills

Do you enjoy physical work, solving complex problems, and working with your hands? Commercial diving requires high technical ability, strong problem-solving skills, and physical endurance. Here are some traits that might indicate commercial diving could be a good fit:

  • You enjoy working in physically demanding environments
  • You are comfortable with heights and confined spaces
  • You have a strong attention to detail and safety
  • You can handle stressful or emergencies

Gain Hands-On Experience

One of the best ways to decide if commercial diving is for you is through hands-on experience. Try shadowing an experienced commercial diver or taking a beginner scuba diving course. This will give you a taste of the work and help you determine whether the underwater environment suits you.

For additional resources on the commercial diving profession, you can visit associations like the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) or consult more career insights on ONET Online.

By following these steps, you can better understand whether you’re ready to embark on a career as a commercial diver.

How Can I Learn More About a Career as a Commercial Diver?

Explore these resources for additional information:

Conclusion

Becoming a commercial diver is a rewarding yet demanding career for those who thrive in underwater environments. It offers exciting challenges, strong earning potential, and opportunities to contribute to industries ranging from construction to environmental conservation.

To determine if this career is right for you, take a comprehensive career aptitude test such as the Free Career Fit Test™. These tools help evaluate your strengths and align your goals with a fulfilling career path.