Key Responsibilities

Underwater Construction and Repair

• Perform welding, cutting, and assembly work on underwater structures like pipelines and bridges.

Inspections and Maintenance

• Inspect underwater structures, vessels, and systems for damage, corrosion, or defects.

Salvage Operations

• Retrieve sunken vessels, aircraft, or cargo, often for environmental or recovery purposes.

Environmental Work

• Assist in projects like cleaning contaminated water systems, repairing ecosystems, or managing aquatic environments.

Dive Equipment Management

• Operate and maintain specialized diving gear, tools, and underwater equipment.

Safety Compliance

• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, decompression schedules, and emergency procedures.

Educational Path

High School

• Courses in physics, math, and mechanical skills are beneficial.

Specialized Training Programs

• Completion of a commercial diving program from an accredited diving school is required.
• Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) Certification
• Commercial Scuba Diver Certification

Advanced Certifications

• Underwater Welding Certification
• Hazardous Environment Diving Certification

Entry-Level

Dive Tender

• Supports commercial divers by preparing equipment, assisting on-site, and ensuring dive safety.

Inshore Diver

• Handles shallow-water projects like inspections or minor repairs in controlled environments.

Marine Construction Worker

• Works on building or repairing structures like docks and seawalls, often assisting divers.

Mid-Level

Underwater Welder

• Specializes in welding and cutting metal underwater for infrastructure projects.

Offshore Diver

• Works on pipelines, conducting inspections and repairs in deep water.

Salvage Diver

• Focuses on recovering wreckage, debris, or valuable materials from underwater sites.

Senior-Level

Dive Supervisor

• Oversees dive operations, ensuring safety and efficiency while managing teams of divers.

Marine Engineer (Diving Specialty)

• Designs and oversees the construction or repair of underwater structures using diving expertise.

Project Manager (Underwater Operations)

• Leads large-scale underwater construction or environmental projects, managing teams and budgets.

Skills and Qualities

Equipment Operation

• Proficiency in operating diving equipment, underwater tools, and systems.

Physical Endurance

• High level of endurance, strength, and ability to work in challenging conditions.

Problem Solving

• Quick thinking and adaptability to troubleshoot issues underwater.

Communication

• Clear communication with surface teams and other divers.

Detail Oriented

• Precision in tasks like welding or inspections.

Safety Compliance

• Strong focus on following safety protocols and decompression guidelines.

United States

Divers Institute of Technology | Washington

• Program: Commercial Diver Training
• Website: Divers Institute

Santa Barbara City College | California

• Program: Marine Diving Technology
• Website: SBCC

Canada

Commercial Diving Institute of Canada | British Columbia

• Program: Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver Program
• Website: CDIC

Atlantic Commercial Diving Centre | Prince Edward Island

• Program: Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver Certification
• Website: ACDC