Commercial Divers

Also Called: Commercial Diver, Diver, Diver Tender

What Commercial Divers do

Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.

  • Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin.
  • Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges.
  • Communicate with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones.
Industry Areas:

Automotive & Machine Repair Construction

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Contact With Others
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Work With Work Group or Team

Tools

  • Diving instruments or accessories
  • Masks or fins or snorkels
  • Underwater cameras
  • Hoists
  • Utility knives

Technology

Data base user interface and query software
Diving logbook software
Remote operated vehicle ROV dive log software
Analytical or scientific software
Dynamic positioning DP software
Internet browser software
Web browser software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Quality Control Analysis

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
mechanical
building and construction
Math and Science
physics
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Business
customer service
Safety and Government
public safety and security

Education

  • 72% Post-secondary certificate
  • 12% Associate's degree
  • 8% High school diploma or equivalent

Experience

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

  • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Persistence
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Integrity

Values

  • Support
  • Independence
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Verbal
  • Controlled Movement
  • Ideas and Logic

This is what Commercial Divers across the country typically make.

$18.96 / hour
$39,430 /year

Entry Level

$29.47 / hour
$61,300 /year

Median Level

$65.86 / hour
$136,990 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Bright

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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