Commercial Diving Supervisor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the industrial world, the demand for commercial diving supervisors is steadily increasing.

As marine construction projects and underwater interventions grow in complexity, the need for experienced professionals who can oversee, manage, and ensure safety during diving operations becomes paramount.

So, what exactly does a commercial diving supervisor do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager preparing the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the details of commercial diving supervision,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable commercial diving supervisor job description template, designed for quick and efficient posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Commercial Diving Supervisor Duties and Responsibilities

Commercial Diving Supervisors are responsible for overseeing and coordinating the activities of commercial divers.

They need to ensure that all diving operations are conducted safely and according to regulations.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Planning and organizing diving operations, including the selection of dive sites and equipment
• Supervising the work of divers and ensuring that safety procedures are strictly followed
• Conducting pre-dive briefings and coordinating emergency procedures
• Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing diving equipment and underwater structures
• Monitoring divers’ progress and physical condition during dives
• Keeping records of diving operations, including details of tasks performed, depths and durations of dives, and any incidents or accidents
• Maintaining communication with divers during operations, both verbally and using equipment signals
• Administering first aid and emergency treatment if needed
• Training new divers and providing guidance on diving techniques and safety procedures
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards in relation to diving operations

 

Commercial Diving Supervisor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are searching for a highly competent Commercial Diving Supervisor to oversee our diving operations.

The responsibilities include ensuring the safety and efficiency of diving operations, coordinating the dive team, scheduling maintenance of diving equipment, and overseeing adherence to safety and regulatory standards.

Our ideal candidate possesses in-depth knowledge of commercial diving operations, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.

Experience in underwater construction, salvage, or inspection would be advantageous.

Ultimately, the role of the Commercial Diving Supervisor is to ensure that all diving operations are carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with industry standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the commercial diving team
• Ensure diving operations comply with safety regulations and operational procedures
• Prepare and maintain diving operation records and reports
• Inspect, maintain, and repair diving equipment and systems
• Conduct pre-dive briefings and post-dive debriefings
• Plan and coordinate emergency response procedures
• Assess the risks and hazards of diving operations
• Coordinate with clients and other external parties regarding diving operations
• Provide training and guidance to divers
• Monitor the health conditions of divers

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Commercial Diving Supervisor
• Knowledge of diving operations, equipment, and safety procedures
• Ability to make decisions under pressure
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Diver Medic Technician (DMT) certification is an advantage
• Professional SCUBA Instructor certification
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, underwater and in adverse weather
• High school diploma is required; Degree in Marine Science or a related field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Travel allowances

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Commercial Diving Supervisor
• Work Environment: This role requires working in varying environments, often underwater and in challenging weather conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if travel is required)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Commercial Diving Supervisor Do?

Commercial Diving Supervisors oversee all aspects of commercial diving operations, usually for companies in industries like construction, salvage, or oil and gas.

They play a key role in planning and coordinating dives, ensuring that all safety regulations and procedures are followed.

This includes assessing risks, checking diving equipment, and verifying the health and fitness of the diving team.

During the operation, the Commercial Diving Supervisor is responsible for maintaining constant communication with divers, monitoring their progress, and managing any emergencies or unexpected situations that may arise.

They also make sure that all work done underwater, such as welding, cutting, or rigging, is performed correctly and efficiently.

Post-dive, they are tasked with debriefing the team, maintaining dive logs, and making sure all equipment is properly cleaned and stored.

Often, Commercial Diving Supervisors are experienced divers themselves, allowing them to provide guidance and support based on their own firsthand knowledge and experience.

 

Commercial Diving Supervisor Qualifications and Skills

A Commercial Diving Supervisor must possess a range of technical, leadership, and safety-related skills.

These include:

• Deep understanding of diving procedures, techniques and laws, ensuring all operations adhere to the highest standards of safety and legal compliance.
• Strong leadership skills to manage, instruct, and direct the diving team, fostering a team environment and ensuring efficient task completion.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively relay instructions to team members, report to management, and liaise with clients.
• Strong problem-solving skills to quickly and effectively respond to emergency situations or unexpected problems during diving operations.
• Technical knowledge of diving equipment, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Awareness of the physical and mental demands of commercial diving, including the ability to perform under pressure and in challenging environments.
• First aid and rescue training, including the ability to administer oxygen, perform CPR, and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
• Familiarity with project management principles to ensure the project is completed on time and within budget.
• Physical fitness and health required to cope with the physical demands of deep sea diving.

 

Commercial Diving Supervisor Experience Requirements

Commercial Diving Supervisors typically have extensive experience in the field of professional diving, often with a minimum of 5 to 7 years of prior experience as a commercial diver.

This includes practical experience in various underwater operations like welding, inspection, construction, or salvage operations.

In addition to this, they usually have solid experience in planning and managing diving operations, ensuring the safety of the diving team, and coordinating with other marine professionals.

Some may have gained this experience through progressively responsible roles in diving teams, starting as a diver and gradually taking on more supervisory tasks.

Those aspiring to become a Commercial Diving Supervisor should have a thorough understanding of the principles of diving physics, decompression procedures, and emergency procedures.

They should also have hands-on experience in handling different diving equipment and tools.

Prior experience in first aid, life-saving techniques, and crisis management is also beneficial.

As the role involves management of teams and potentially risky situations, some companies may look for candidates who have demonstrated leadership skills in previous roles.

In addition, a valid commercial diving certification and supervisor certification from a recognized training organization such as the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) or the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) is essential.

Those with more than 10 years of experience, including supervisory roles, may be ready for more senior managerial positions in the commercial diving industry.

 

Commercial Diving Supervisor Education and Training Requirements

Commercial Diving Supervisors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent education as a minimum education requirement.

Further to this, Commercial Diving Supervisors must complete a commercial diving program from an accredited dive school, which involves both classroom-based learning and hands-on training in the field.

Upon completion of the course, divers receive a certificate of completion.

However, a Commercial Diving Supervisor will need several years of professional experience as a diver before they can step into a supervisory role.

Certification is crucial in this field.

All divers, including supervisors, are required to be certified by organizations such as the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

These certifications ensure the safety and proficiency of the diver.

Additionally, many Commercial Diving Supervisors choose to pursue specialized courses in subsea engineering, underwater welding, or underwater non-destructive testing to enhance their skills and marketability.

A solid understanding of first aid and CPR is also a must-have, as Commercial Diving Supervisors are often the first response in case of an emergency underwater.

On-the-job training is an essential part of the career progression, as it provides practical experience and an opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals.

Commercial Diving Supervisors are also expected to engage in ongoing learning and skills development, staying up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and diving techniques.

 

Commercial Diving Supervisor Salary Expectations

A Commercial Diving Supervisor can expect to earn an average salary of $73,474 (USD) per year.

However, the actual income can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, level of certification, location, and the company they work for.

 

Commercial Diving Supervisor Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Commercial Diving Supervisor need?

Commercial Diving Supervisors should have a high school diploma or equivalent, a commercial diver certification, as well as a diving supervisor certification.

They may also need to have first aid and CPR training, as well as HAZMAT training.

Some employers may require a degree in a related field such as marine biology or engineering.

 

What are the duties of a Commercial Diving Supervisor?

The primary duty of a Commercial Diving Supervisor is to oversee and coordinate the activities of commercial divers.

They are responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of diving operations, which can include planning and briefing dive operations, ensuring proper equipment usage, coordinating emergency procedures, and overseeing the maintenance of diving systems and equipment.

 

What skills are required for a Commercial Diving Supervisor?

Commercial Diving Supervisors require a combination of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills.

They should have strong leadership abilities, be detail-oriented, and possess excellent communication skills.

Technical skills include knowledge of diving operations and equipment, understanding of underwater procedures, and ability to handle emergency situations.

 

What qualities make a good Commercial Diving Supervisor?

A good Commercial Diving Supervisor is one who is able to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations, ensuring the safety of the team.

They should have strong leadership abilities and effective communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of commercial diving operations.

They should also be physically fit, as the role can be physically demanding.

 

Is previous diving experience necessary for a Commercial Diving Supervisor?

Yes, previous commercial diving experience is generally necessary for a Commercial Diving Supervisor role.

This is because the supervisor needs to have a thorough understanding of the processes, equipment, and safety protocols involved in commercial diving operations.

This experience also aids in the ability to lead and instruct other divers.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the world of a Commercial Diving Supervisor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about diving deep.

It’s about orchestrating the unseen underwater operations, one dive at a time.

With our handy Commercial Diving Supervisor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop there?

Plunge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping-stone to detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dive is a part of a larger mission.

Let’s explore those depths. Together.

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