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Digital graphic illustration of a diver in scuba gear swimming with a number of fishes and sea plantlife.

Commercial Diver

Job Sector: Energy, Environment, and Utilities

Potential Salary (USD):

Low End: $30,000.00 /yr
Avg/Med: $55,000.00 /yr
High End: $130,000.00 /yr

Education Required:

  • High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Diving Certification

Job Outlook:

The demand for commercial divers remains steady, driven by industries like marine construction, and environmental remediation. As global infrastructure ages and renewable energy projects expand, opportunities for commercial divers in maintenance and underwater inspections are expected to grow.

Career Profile Overview:

Commercial Divers work underwater to perform various tasks such as repairing infrastructure, conducting inspections, welding, and retrieving objects. They play a critical role in industries like construction, environmental remediation, and salvage operations. This profession combines technical skills with the ability to adapt to challenging underwater environments.

Marine biologist underwater swimming around a large school of fish.
Rolling waves along a beach with rocky cliffs in the distance
Two marine biologists looking at the camera underwater with full scuba gear.

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
  1. Entry-Level:
    • Dive Tender: Supports commercial divers by preparing equipment, assisting on-site, and ensuring dive safety.$30,000 – $45,000 annually (USD)
    • Inshore Diver: Handles shallow-water projects like inspections or minor repairs in controlled environments. $40,000 – $55,000 annually (USD)
    • Marine Construction Worker: Works on building or repairing structures like docks and seawalls, often assisting divers. $35,000 – $50,000 annually (USD)
  2. Mid-Level:
    • Underwater Welder: Specializes in welding and cutting metal underwater for infrastructure projects. $50,000 – $80,000 annually (USD)
    • Offshore Diver: Works on pipelines, conducting inspections and repairs in deep water.$60,000 – $90,000 annually (USD)
    • Salvage Diver: Focuses on recovering wreckage, debris, or valuable materials from underwater sites. $55,000 – $85,000 annually (USD)
  3. Senior-Level:
    • Dive Supervisor: Oversees dive operations, ensuring safety and efficiency while managing teams of divers.$70,000 – $110,000 annually (USD)
    • Marine Engineer (Diving Specialty): Designs and oversees construction or repair of underwater structures using diving expertise. $90,000 – $130,000 annually (USD)
    • Project Manager (Underwater Operations): Leads large-scale underwater construction or environmental projects, managing teams and budgets. $100,000 – $140,000 annually (USD)

(Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and specific employer)

  • Proficiency in operating diving equipment, underwater tools, and systems.
  • High level of endurance, strength, and ability to work in challenging conditions.
  • Quick thinking and adaptability to troubleshoot issues underwater.
  • Clear communication with surface teams and other divers.
  • Precision in tasks like welding or inspections.
  • Strong focus on following safety protocols and decompression guidelines.

United States:

  1. Divers Institute of Technology (Washington)
  2. Santa Barbara City College (California)
    • Program: Marine Diving Technology
    • Website: SBCC

Canada:

  1. Commercial Diving Institute of Canada (BC)
    • Program: Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver Program
    • Website: CDIC
  2. Atlantic Commercial Diving Centre (PEI)
    • Program: Unrestricted Surface Supplied Diver Certification
    • Website: ACDC
3 scuba divers swimming near the bow of a tipped over underwater shipwreck.
Two divers in full scuba gear sit on the side of a boat preparing to dive.
A solo diver with a flashlight swims toward the bow of an upright shipwreck.

Resources and Further Reading: