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

Optional 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.

• 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