Professional Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of underwater exploration, the demand for professional divers is constantly on the rise.

As the mysteries of the deep continue to beckon, the need for skilled individuals who can expertly navigate, discover, and safeguard our underwater treasures gains momentum.

But let’s dive deeper: What’s truly expected from a professional diver?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring diver trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the depths and nuances of professional diving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we unveil a comprehensive professional diver job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s plunge right into it.

Professional Diver Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Divers perform a variety of tasks underwater in different environments and depths, using scuba gear or diving suits, often for industrial purposes such as underwater welding or inspections.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Performing underwater inspections of structures, such as bridges, ships, or offshore drilling rigs
• Repairing, removing, or installing equipment and structures underwater
• Using a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment
• Conducting tests or experiments, collecting samples, or conducting underwater photography or videography
• Checking, maintaining, and repairing diving equipment before and after dives
• Communicating with team members on the surface while underwater, using signal line pulls or radio devices
• Documenting all findings and completed work in a logbook
• Adhering strictly to safety procedures and protocols, and responding to emergencies or rescue operations as required

 

Professional Diver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and competent professional diver to perform a variety of underwater tasks.

These tasks may range from underwater construction and salvage operations to scientific research and exploration.

Our ideal candidate will be trained in dive safety protocols, equipment maintenance, and task-specific underwater operations.

They should have a strong physical constitution and the ability to stay calm and focused under extreme conditions.

Ultimately, the role of the professional diver is to execute underwater tasks efficiently and safely, adhering to industry standards and regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Preparation and maintenance of diving equipment
• Executing safe and efficient dives for a variety of tasks
• Perform underwater tasks such as construction, salvage, or inspection
• Communicate with dive team and surface support personnel
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and procedures
• Maintain accurate logs of dive operations
• Respond to emergency situations effectively
• Underwater photography or videography may be required
• Participate in pre-dive planning and post-dive debriefings

 

Qualifications

• Commercial diving certification from a recognized institution
• Physically fit and capable of performing strenuous tasks underwater
• Knowledge of diving equipment and maintenance
• Experience in underwater construction, salvage or other related fields
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to handle high-stress situations effectively
• First aid and CPR certified
• High school diploma or equivalent. Additional certification in engineering or related fields is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Diver
• Work Environment: Underwater environments ranging from shallow waters to deep seas. The job involves physical labor and exposure to potentially hazardous conditions.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dive Supervisor or Project Manager.
• 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 on-site)
• 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 Professional Diver Do?

Professional divers work in various industries such as oil and gas, salvage, civil engineering, scientific research, and even entertainment.

The scope of their work varies greatly depending on the industry in which they are employed.

In the oil and gas industry, divers play a critical role in the construction, maintenance, and repair of underwater structures and pipelines.

They may also inspect and test oil rig foundations, remove or recover debris, and help in the installation of underwater equipment.

In the scientific research sector, divers collect samples, conduct underwater surveys, and photograph underwater species and habitats.

They may work closely with marine biologists and oceanographers, assisting in their research.

Divers in the salvage industry are engaged in locating and recovering sunken ships, aircraft, and other structures.

This often involves intricate and dangerous work in deep and sometimes murky waters.

In the field of civil engineering, divers inspect, repair, and maintain bridges, dams, and other underwater structures.

They may also be involved in the construction of these structures.

Professional divers in the entertainment industry perform in shows at theme parks, aquariums, and other entertainment venues.

They may also work as stunt divers in film and television productions.

In all these roles, professional divers use a variety of diving equipment, including scuba gear, underwater cameras, sonar equipment, and cutting and welding tools.

They also have to ensure their own safety and the safety of their team members by following proper diving procedures and safety regulations.

 

Professional Diver Qualifications and Skills

A professional diver should possess a range of technical skills, safety knowledge and physical abilities to perform underwater tasks effectively, such as:

• Having a comprehensive understanding of diving procedures, techniques, and equipment to safely perform the dives.
• Displaying strong swimming skills and physical fitness to handle the physical demands of diving and to react quickly in case of emergencies.
• Utilizing problem-solving skills to quickly and efficiently address issues that may arise during the dive.
• Having knowledge of first aid and rescue procedures to handle potential emergencies underwater.
• Showing ability to work well in a team, often in challenging and changeable conditions, using effective interpersonal skills.
• Exhibiting excellent communication skills to effectively coordinate with team members and to understand and follow instructions carefully.
• Possessing a keen sense of orientation and spatial awareness to navigate underwater environments.
• Demonstrating patience and concentration, especially in difficult or hazardous conditions.
• Having technical skills to use electronic and photographic equipment underwater.
• Possessing professional certifications such as PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or equivalent, demonstrating a high level of competency in the field.

 

Professional Diver Experience Requirements

Professional Diver candidates generally need to be certified by a recognized diving school or organization.

This usually involves completing theoretical and practical training in topics such as diving physics, physiology, and emergency procedures.

Beginners typically start with a basic Open Water Diver certification and then progress to more advanced courses like Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and eventually, a Master Scuba Diver.

Entry-level divers might have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in marine conservation, marine construction, or dive tourism.

They should be comfortable with basic diving operations and have a solid grasp of diving safety.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are likely to have specialized expertise in a particular area of professional diving, such as underwater welding, commercial salvage, scientific research, or underwater photography.

They may also have experience in more challenging environments, such as deep diving, cave diving, or ice diving.

Professional divers with more than 5 years of experience are often highly skilled and knowledgeable in their area of specialization.

They may have leadership experience, having overseen dive operations or trained less experienced divers.

At this level, they may be ready for roles such as Dive Supervisor or Dive Master.

 

Professional Diver Education and Training Requirements

Professional Divers typically require a high school diploma or its equivalent.

The most crucial training is a certified diving course which is offered by organizations such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).

These certified diving programs provide both theoretical and practical training, covering topics like diving physics, diving physiology, safety procedures, and equipment handling.

These programs usually require a series of confined water (pool) dives and open water (ocean, sea or lake) dives to gain hands-on experience.

Depending on the specific job role, a professional diver may require additional specialized training.

For example, commercial divers might need training in underwater construction or welding, while scientific divers might need training in research techniques.

Most professional diver roles require a diver certification that meets the standards set by OSHA and the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

In addition to this, professional divers must have excellent swimming skills and physical fitness, and many jobs require divers to pass a physical examination.

Continuing education is important in this field, as equipment and safety standards can change over time.

Therefore, professional divers often engage in regular retraining and refresher courses.

Lastly, although not mandatory, some divers pursue advanced courses and certifications to improve their skills, knowledge, and employability, especially in highly competitive sectors.

 

Professional Diver Salary Expectations

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

However, this can significantly fluctuate depending on the type of diving, the level of experience, the complexity of the task, and the location of the job.

High-risk diving jobs, for example, may offer higher compensation.

 

Professional Diver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Professional Diver need?

Professional divers need to be competent swimmers with excellent physical fitness and stamina.

They should be skilled in using various types of diving equipment and techniques.

Furthermore, they need to have good problem-solving skills to handle unexpected underwater situations.

Understanding of safety protocols and emergency procedures is critical.

Some roles may also require skills in underwater repair, construction, or inspection.

 

Do Professional Divers need a certification?

Yes, Professional Divers require certification to perform diving work.

The certification requirements vary depending on the type of diving work.

Commercial Diving certification is necessary for those engaged in construction, salvage, or inspection work.

For recreational diving instructors, a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification is often required.

 

What should you look for in a Professional Diver’s resume?

A Professional Diver’s resume should include proof of diving certification and any specialized training, such as underwater welding or rescue diving.

It should also list the type of dives they’ve performed and the depth they’ve reached.

Important qualities to look for include physical fitness, precision, attention to detail, and the ability to work under extreme conditions.

Experience in dealing with emergencies can be a significant advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Professional Diver?

A good Professional Diver has a high level of physical fitness and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

They should have a keen attention to detail to carry out intricate tasks underwater and a strong understanding of safety protocols.

Good communication skills are also important as divers often work in teams and need to relay information effectively both underwater and on the surface.

 

Is it challenging to hire Professional Divers?

Hiring Professional Divers can be challenging due to the specific skill set and physical demands of the job.

The number of certified divers is limited, and not all may have the specific skills or experience required for certain jobs.

Therefore, offering competitive pay, clear progression opportunities, and an emphasis on safety can be key to attracting skilled Professional Divers.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we took a plunge into the depths of what it truly means to be a professional diver.

And guess what?

It’s not just about diving deep.

It’s about exploring the unknown, one dive at a time.

With our go-to professional diver job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to make a splash.

But why stop there?

Submerge yourself further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dive is a part of the bigger exploration.

Let’s discover that world. Together.