Commercial Divers

Career summary

Commercial divers may also be called scuba divers or construction divers.

#from 3147 Commercial Divers, included info on law enforcement.

#review 3/25/19 lh

Some divers are also law enforcement officers. They usually volunteer to be on-call. Their duties include diving for evidence, salvaging lost items or persons, and rescue.

Commercial divers get written or verbal information about their tasks before entering the water. They also check the environmental conditions of the dive, such as the temperature and clarity of the water. With the help of dive tenders, they put on their gear and get into the water.

For some tasks, divers wear scuba gear. Scuba means Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. In this case, divers carry their air supply in tanks on their back. For deeper or longer dives, divers use umbilical systems. During these dives, divers wear helmets and use an air line to the surface.

Some divers construct and maintain underwater structures. They inspect structures for damage and repair them. For this work they use welding equipment, drills, and other tools.

Divers also construct structures underwater. They may remove rocks or other obstacles to make room for the structure or to level the ground. Some items can be removed by cutting them into smaller pieces. Divers sometimes must blow up rocks. They drill holes in the rock, add explosives, and set up other equipment needed to trigger the explosion. Once the area is clear, divers begin building the structure.

Some divers search for missing objects or people. When they find objects, divers attach rigging to them so they can be hauled to the surface. Some divers take photographs of underwater structures or marine life. They may also remove garbage and pollution from the water.

For safety reasons, divers keep track of the length and depth of their dives. They communicate with dive tenders by signal line or dive radio. Divers clean their diving gear after each use. They use brushes, detergents, and other cleaning solutions to remove salt and other contaminants. Divers also keep track of changes in diving gear and underwater tools by reading diving magazines and books.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Blue-Collar Worker Supervisors
• Boilermakers
• Chemical Plant Operators
• Firefighters
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Material Moving Machine Operators
• Millwrights
• Plumbers and Pipefitters
• Ship Captains and Mates
• Welders and Solderers

Military careers

• Divers
• Special Forces

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to commercial divers.

• Obtain information about diving task and environmental conditions.
• Descend into water with aid of dive tenders.
• Inspect hulls, pipelines, and other underwater structures.
• Construct or repair structures, using welding equipment and various tools.
• Remove underwater obstacles, using pneumatic and power hand tools.
• Drill holes and rig explosives for demolitions.
• Set or guide placement of objects underwater, such as pilings for docks.
• Search for lost or sunken objects, such as bodies or equipment.
• Attach rigging to objects so they can be lifted to the surface.
• Take test samples or pictures of underwater structures or marine life.
• Communicate with surface by signal line or telephone.
• Monitor length and depth of dive.
• Clean diving gear, using brushes and detergents.
• Keep track of changes in diving gear and underwater tools.
• Remove rubbish or pollution from water.

Common work activities

Commercial divers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Handle and move objects
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Evaluate information against standards
• Control machines and processes
• Teach others
• Document and record information
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Coordinate the work and activities of others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Guide, direct, and motivate others
• Assist and care for others
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Schedule work and activities
• Think creatively
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Coach others
• Develop and build teams
• Develop goals and strategies
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Process information
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, commercial divers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of social interaction. They constantly talk with other divers and supervisors above water.
• Communicate with others by telephone and face-to-face discussions. They also write letters, memos, and e-mail, but less frequently.
• Almost always work as part of a diving team.
• Are occasionally placed in conflict situations.
• Are greatly responsible for the health and safety of other divers.
• Are responsible for the work done by others.

Physical work conditions

• Often wear wet suits, air tanks, and other diving attire.
• Often work underwater. They rarely work indoors.
• Work physically near others, often within a few feet.
• Are often exposed to loud and distracting sounds and noise levels.
• Must monitor the length and depths of their dives to avoid getting "the bends." The bends are a potentially crippling build-up of nitrogen in the blood.
• Are occasionally exposed to whole body vibration.
• Sometimes work in very cold water.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that may produce cuts or burns.
• Occasionally work in cramped conditions in small boats.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous equipment.
• Sometimes work in dim light while under water. They may work in bright light when welding.
• Sometimes work in hazardous conditions.

Work performance

• Must fully complete and be exact in their work. Errors could cause serious injuries to themselves or other divers.
• Must be aware of changing conditions while they are underwater and keep pace with the speed of equipment.
• Must make decisions on-the-spot that greatly impact themselves and other divers.
• Are able to set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to others first.
• Repeat the same physical activities.
• Work in a moderately competitive atmosphere in which strict daily and weekly deadlines must be met.

Hours/travel

• Usually work about 40 hours a week.
• May work overtime to meet deadlines or help with emergencies.
• May work only part of the year. In some areas, commercial divers do not work in the winter.
• May work at sites in remote locations.
• Sometimes are away from home for extended periods.

Physical demands

Commercial divers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for commercial divers to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for commercial divers to be able to:

• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Commercial divers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Repair machines or systems.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Perceive and visualize

• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Know one's location in a physical setting and recognize where other objects are located in relation to oneself.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Construction Trades

Other programs of study to consider

• Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
• Maritime Sciences
• Welding Technology

Training

To work as a commercial diver, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a formal training program; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Many divers learn their skills through formal training programs. A few professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer commercial diving programs. In these programs you learn to dive, drive boats, and make marine repairs. You also learn about welding, drafting, and marine biology. Training is also available at special diving schools.

On-the-job training

Some companies train divers on the job. Training can last up to a year. Companies usually hire people who already know how to dive.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be divers. Training lasts five to 13 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

The military also trains a select group of people to be in the special forces. Training for this group lasts about two years.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements . You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Construction
• Drafting
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid
• Welding

Many commercial divers are self-employed. If you want to run your own business some day, you should consider taking these courses as well:

• Accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Introduction to Business

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire divers who are graduates of a training program. They also prefer divers who were trained by the military. Most diving schools have relationships with diver recruiters. Therefore, getting a job is usually not difficult for a trained diver. However, most divers start work as diver tenders.

A build-up of nitrogen in the blood can cause the potentially crippling condition known as "the bends." Studies have shown that divers’ bodies expel nitrogen at a slower rate as they get older. Some insurance companies will not insure commercial divers who are over 45 years of age. This can make it very difficult for some divers to find work.

Employers may require appliants to pass a drug screening test and background check. Divers may also need to have a First Aid/CPR card or other special certifications related to construction work and safety on the job site.

Tips

While underwater, physical labor can be very stressful and taxing on the body. Keep physically fit and active to withstand the rigors of this occupation.

Dependability and the ability to work safely and efficiently are very important, especially when working as part of a diving team. Divers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their fellow divers.

#Article from the News Tribune, 3/22/04. See occupation folder. CJ

Costs to workers

Workers may join professional associations, which may have annual dues. Divers usually must buy their own equipment.

#Took over national content to add last paragraph above tips from Seattle ad for Diver/Tender 2/19/18 cj.

Licensing/certification

Commercial divers must be certified by a professional diving school or recognized diving association and usually must pass a proficiency test given by the employer. Requirements may vary depending on the type of employer.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Commercial Divers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and the diver's level of experience.

Commercial divers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Self-employed divers must provide their own insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Between 2014 and 2024, it is estimated that there will be four openings annually due to new positions and four openings annually from workers leaving this career.

#Updated outlook 06.16 sd

In Washington, the outlook mainly depends upon economic conditions, the amount of construction or maintenance projects which involve underwater work, and the need for underwater salvage and criminal investigative work. Most jobs for commercial divers in the state occur in inland waters or shallower coastal waters. 

Most companies who hire offshore divers have upper age restrictions ranging from 40 to 45 years old. Therefore, some openings are expected to occur to replace workers who will be required to retire due to age restrictions. Since inland divers usually work at much shallower depths which place less strain on their bodies, they are often able to work into their 50s.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

About 13% of commercial divers are self-employed.

Major employers:

• Construction companies
• Diving companies

National outlook

Growth in this occupation will be high, however, it is a very small occupation and there will be very few new jobs created. Much growth in this occupation will occur in the construction industry. Many bridges in the US are old and in need of repair. Divers will be needed to check the condition of the parts that are underwater. They may also help to repair bridges.

Other resources

American Welding Society 
8669 NW 36 Street, #130
Miami, FL 33166
800.443.9353
305.443.9353

Association of Diving Contractors International 
5206 Cypress Creek Parkway Ste. 202
Houston, TX 77069
281.893.8388

International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers 
119 NW Ethan Place, Suite 101
Lake City, FL 32055
386.438.8312

Marinecareers.net 

Profiles in Ocean Careers 

Welding.com 

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Commercial Divers (49-9092.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Diver (899.261-010) 
• Scuba Diver (379.384-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising
• Realistic/Enterprising/Conventional

COPSystem

• Outdoor
• Technology Skilled