Maritime Salvage Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the challenging world of maritime salvage, the role of a salvage diver is as critical as it is thrilling.

As the vast oceans continue to present unique opportunities and risks, the need for highly skilled professionals who can navigate, salvage, and protect our maritime resources is more important than ever.

But what does it truly mean to be a maritime salvage diver?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring diver seeking to understand the depths of this role,
• A maritime recruitment officer scouting for the perfect candidate,
• Or just fascinated by the adventurous world of salvage diving,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made maritime salvage diver job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Maritime Salvage Diver Duties and Responsibilities

Maritime Salvage Divers are involved in a variety of tasks related to underwater salvage, inspection, and construction.

These professionals need to be well-versed in the use of diving equipment and follow strict safety protocols due to the inherent risks of their job.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Perform underwater searches and surveys to locate and analyze potential salvage items
• Conduct underwater salvage operations, which may involve the use of complex rigging techniques and cutting or welding equipment
• Carry out inspections, maintenance, and repairs on maritime structures such as ships, offshore platforms, and underwater pipelines
• Utilize and maintain a variety of diving equipment, including scuba gear, submersible decompression chambers, and remotely operated vehicles
• Plan and prepare for salvage operations, including estimating costs and assessing potential risks
• Document and report on completed salvage operations, including details of the items recovered and any issues encountered
• Communicate effectively with team members and other relevant parties, both on the surface and underwater
• Adhere to strict safety protocols and procedures to minimize the risk of accidents
• Participate in emergency and rescue drills and scenarios
• Stay updated on new techniques, equipment, and best practices in the field of maritime salvage diving

 

Maritime Salvage Diver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Maritime Salvage Diver to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing salvage operations and inspections, underwater repairs, and locating and recovering lost or discarded materials.

The ideal candidate should possess strong swimming abilities, resilience, and a keen interest in maritime affairs.

They should be comfortable working in challenging environmental conditions and capable of handling physically demanding tasks.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform salvage operations including the recovery of sunken ships or their cargo
• Inspect and perform underwater repairs on marine structures and vessels
• Utilize appropriate equipment to locate and recover lost or discarded materials
• Conduct underwater surveys to map the seabed
• Ensure adherence to safety procedures and regulations at all times
• Maintain diving equipment and perform checks before each dive
• Collaborate effectively with the salvage team
• Provide detailed reports on each salvage operation

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a professional diver, preferably in salvage operations
• Excellent swimming and diving abilities
• Knowledge of diving equipment and its maintenance
• Understanding of safety regulations related to diving and salvage operations
• Strong physical condition and resilience
• Effective communication and teamwork skills
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Certification in diving from a recognized institution

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Training and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Maritime Salvage Diver
• Work Environment: This is a physically demanding role that involves outdoor work in various weather conditions and underwater environments. Travel may be required for salvage operations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Salvage Operations Manager or Team Leader.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $80,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• 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, relevant certifications, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Maritime Salvage Diver Do?

Maritime Salvage Divers are specialized professionals within the commercial diving industry, primarily responsible for underwater salvage operations.

These divers are trained to locate, recover, and sometimes repair objects or structures that have sunk, crashed, or become stranded in various bodies of water.

This may include sunken ships, aircraft, or other valuable assets.

In addition to salvage operations, they often conduct underwater inspections, maintenance and repair works on structures like offshore oil rigs, bridges, or dams.

Maritime Salvage Divers are equipped with various tools and diving equipment and use cutting-edge technology to carry out their tasks.

They work in challenging and sometimes hazardous conditions, such as murky waters, strong currents, or at great depths.

Their roles also include conducting underwater surveys to assess the conditions and potential risks before planning and executing the salvage operations.

They are also responsible for documenting their findings and maintaining accurate records of their operations.

Safety is a critical aspect of their job, and they are required to adhere to strict safety protocols and guidelines to ensure their own safety and the success of the operations.

 

Maritime Salvage Diver Qualifications and Skills

A Maritime Salvage Diver should possess a unique set of qualifications and skills that align with the challenging nature of this role, including:

• Advanced diving skills and extensive experience in underwater operations, essential for performing complex salvage missions.
• Physical fitness and stamina to handle the demanding nature of underwater tasks, withstanding extreme pressures, and dealing with harsh environmental conditions.
• Knowledge of underwater cutting and welding techniques, used for repairing or dismantling wrecked structures and vessels.
• Strong understanding of maritime safety regulations and salvage laws to ensure compliance during salvage operations.
• Proficiency in using a variety of diving equipment and tools, including deep-sea diving suits, underwater cameras, sonar systems, and hydraulic tools.
• Problem-solving skills to assess and manage potential risks, solve unexpected issues, and make quick decisions under pressure.
• Teamwork and communication skills to effectively coordinate with other members of the salvage team, both underwater and on the surface.
• First aid and emergency response skills, crucial for dealing with potential accidents or medical emergencies during diving operations.

 

Maritime Salvage Diver Experience Requirements

Maritime Salvage Divers are required to have substantial diving experience, often obtained through military training or a commercial diving school.

In these programs, they gain hands-on experience in underwater procedures, safety measures, and emergency protocols.

Entry-level Maritime Salvage Divers typically have at least 2 to 3 years of experience, often through training programs, internships, or part-time roles in commercial or naval diving.

They may have gained their initial experience in roles such as underwater welder, inspection diver, or off-shore diver.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience usually have a wide range of technical skills like deep-sea diving, underwater welding, cutting, rigging, and the use of hydraulic tools.

They might have been involved in various types of salvage operations like wreck removal, offshore oil and gas industry salvage, and rescue operations.

Those with more than 10 years of experience may have leadership or managerial experience in their background.

They have likely led salvage operations and managed teams of divers, and thus are ready for a supervisory or managerial position in maritime salvage operations.

Regardless of the years of experience, a Maritime Salvage Diver must have a strong physical condition, a good understanding of physics and engineering principles as they apply to diving and salvage operations, and the ability to work under intense and often hazardous conditions.

Finally, all Maritime Salvage Divers must have the necessary certifications from recognized diving bodies, and are often required to continuously update their skills and knowledge through various professional development programs.

 

Maritime Salvage Diver Education and Training Requirements

Maritime Salvage Divers, also known as commercial divers, typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

The main source of education and training is through a dive school that is accredited by the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

The school will offer a training program that focuses on diving physics, decompression theory, underwater inspections, use of tools, salvage operations and other practical areas.

A Commercial Diving Certificate is typically required, and this can only be obtained after successfully completing an accredited training program and a certain number of dives.

Commercial divers must also complete a commercial diving physical to ensure they are physically fit for the demanding nature of the job, which includes working in challenging underwater conditions.

Given the inherent dangers in the profession, having a certification in First Aid, CPR, and oxygen administration is usually mandatory.

Some divers may choose to advance their career by obtaining specialized certifications such as underwater welding, non-destructive testing, or remotely operated vehicle operations.

The job also requires excellent swimming skills, physical stamina, and comfort with working under extreme conditions.

Safety training is paramount in this field and divers are expected to stay updated with the latest safety protocols and procedures.

Continued education and training are critical for the role as techniques, equipment, and regulations often change.

 

Maritime Salvage Diver Salary Expectations

A Maritime Salvage Diver can expect to earn an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can significantly vary depending on factors such as the level of experience, location, the complexity of the salvage operation, and the employing company.

Commercial divers working on deep-sea salvage operations can earn up to $90,000 or more.

 

Maritime Salvage Diver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Maritime Salvage Diver need?

A Maritime Salvage Diver needs to have excellent swimming and diving skills, as well as being physically fit to handle the demanding underwater conditions.

They should have a good understanding of salvage operations and navigation skills.

Knowledge of decompression procedures, underwater construction, and demolition is also crucial.

Further, they should be proficient in using diving equipment and tools.

 

Do Maritime Salvage Divers need a degree?

A degree is not typically required to become a Maritime Salvage Diver.

However, divers usually need to complete a commercial diving course from an accredited diving school.

This training often includes education on diving theory, safety procedures, and practical underwater skills.

They must also obtain a professional diving certification and have a valid first aid and CPR certification.

 

What should you look for in a Maritime Salvage Diver resume?

A Maritime Salvage Diver’s resume should include certifications from accredited diving schools, and any relevant experience in commercial diving or salvage operations.

They should have a record of physical fitness and any specialized training such as welding, rigging, or hazardous material handling.

Also, check for a clean safety record and excellent problem-solving skills.

 

What qualities make a good Maritime Salvage Diver?

A good Maritime Salvage Diver is physically fit, has excellent problem-solving skills, and can work effectively under pressure.

They should have an understanding of safety procedures and the ability to remain calm in emergency situations.

They must be patient, detail-oriented, and adaptable to changing circumstances.

Teamwork is also critical as salvage operations often require a coordinated group effort.

 

Is it difficult to hire Maritime Salvage Divers?

Hiring Maritime Salvage Divers can be challenging due to the high-risk nature of the job and the specific skill set required.

It requires a combination of physical fitness, diving skills, and technical knowledge that not all candidates will possess.

Offering competitive salaries, comprehensive training, and ensuring a strong focus on safety can help in attracting suitable candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve navigated the deep and uncovered the true essence of being a maritime salvage diver.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about diving deep into the ocean.

It’s about reclaiming lost treasures and ensuring maritime safety, one dive at a time.

Armed with our comprehensive maritime salvage diver job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to dive into this challenging field.

But why halt your exploration here?

Submerge further with our job description generator. It’s your next destination for sculpting precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Keep in mind:

Every dive contributes to a safer, cleaner marine environment.

Let’s dive into the future. Together.

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