Salvage Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of marine exploration, the focus on salvage divers is as deep as the ocean itself.

Maritime recovery continues to advance, and with each dive, the demand for skilled professionals capable of retrieving, preserving, and assessing submerged artifacts increases.

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

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager crafting the profile of the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the underwater world of salvage diving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we submerge into a tailored salvage diver job description template, designed for effortless sharing on job boards or career sites.

Let’s plunge right into it.

Salvage Diver Duties and Responsibilities

Salvage Divers are professionals who perform underwater operations in salvage and recovery efforts.

The duties and responsibilities of Salvage Divers include a wide range of tasks from underwater inspections to heavy lifting, and they require a unique combination of diving skills, technical knowledge, and physical strength.

Salvage Divers undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

• Conduct underwater surveys and inspections of structures or vessels to ascertain the level of damage or assess risks
• Use a variety of tools and equipment to cut through or dismantle underwater structures
• Rig and lift sunken objects using cranes, winches, and other heavy machinery
• Assist in the planning and execution of salvage operations
• Perform underwater welding and cutting to repair damaged structures
• Set and detonate explosives underwater for salvage purposes when necessary
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and procedures
• Document findings, operations and procedures for records and reports
• Conduct regular maintenance of diving equipment and machinery

 

Salvage Diver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a skilled and certified Salvage Diver to join our crew.

As a Salvage Diver, you will be required to perform diving operations to locate, recover, and salvage submerged objects and structures.

Our ideal candidate is an expert in underwater inspections, demolitions, salvage operations, and has excellent knowledge of diving equipment and safety procedures.

Your role will be crucial in carrying out our marine operations efficiently, maintaining safety standards, and ensuring the success of our salvage missions.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspecting and conducting underwater salvage operations
• Utilize a variety of diving equipment including scuba gear or deep-sea diving suits
• Perform underwater tasks like cutting, welding, and rigging to facilitate salvage
• Conduct maintenance and repair of diving equipment
• Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Carry out underwater searches to locate and recover lost or discarded items
• Communicate with surface team to relay information and receive instructions
• Conduct underwater surveys and inspections for pre-salvage planning

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a professional diver, ideally in salvage operations
• Current diving certification (Commercial Diving, ADCI, or equivalent)
• Knowledge of underwater salvage techniques, tools, and equipment
• Ability to swim and dive to significant depths
• Understanding of emergency response procedures
• Physical fitness and the ability to cope with physical and mental stress
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Salvage Diver
• Work Environment: Outdoor, marine environment with varying weather conditions. The role requires significant physical effort and time spent underwater.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Salvage Operations Manager or Dive Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 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 and a copy of your current diving certification to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Salvage Diver Do?

Salvage Divers are specialized diving professionals who work in underwater salvage operations.

This can include salvaging sunken ships, aircraft, and other structures from the ocean or other bodies of water.

Their job involves a range of activities including underwater cutting, welding, rigging, heavy lifting, and the use of hydraulic tools and explosives.

They are also responsible for conducting preliminary surveys of salvage sites, assessing the condition of the object to be salvaged, and planning the salvage operation.

Salvage Divers are often tasked with the retrieval of valuable materials or equipment, recovery of historical artifacts, and the removal of hazardous materials.

They may also participate in the cleanup of oil spills or other environmental disasters.

In addition, Salvage Divers may be required to perform underwater construction and repair tasks, and they often work closely with engineers, maritime archaeologists, and other specialists.

Due to the nature of their work, Salvage Divers need to be highly skilled divers, capable of operating in challenging conditions, and they must have a deep understanding of diving safety procedures and emergency protocols.

They should also possess knowledge of materials, engineering principles, and the effects of water pressure and other environmental factors on various materials and structures.

Often, they work for commercial diving companies, marine construction firms, or government agencies, but may also work as independent contractors on specific projects.

 

Salvage Diver Qualifications and Skills

Salvage Divers should have a diverse set of technical and soft skills to perform their duties efficiently in underwater recovery, including:

• Advanced scuba diving skills and deep-sea diving experience to navigate safely in high pressure and potentially hazardous underwater environments.
• Knowledge of salvage operations and underwater construction techniques to effectively recover objects or perform tasks underwater.
• Physical fitness and endurance to withstand the physical demands of diving, including carrying heavy equipment and working in difficult conditions.
• Risk assessment skills to identify potential hazards in each diving operation, and develop and implement safety protocols to minimize risks.
• Strong communication skills to effectively communicate with the dive team and surface crew, often under challenging circumstances.
• Problem-solving skills to quickly respond to unforeseen situations or equipment failures.
• Technical skills to operate and maintain a variety of diving equipment, including underwater cutting and welding tools, lift bags, sonar equipment, and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs).
• First aid and emergency response training to handle medical emergencies that may occur during diving operations.

 

Salvage Diver Experience Requirements

For entry-level positions as a Salvage Diver, candidates are typically required to have 1 to 2 years of experience in professional diving, often gained through dive internships, military diving, or part-time roles in related fields such as underwater construction.

In most cases, divers must complete a formal training program from a school that is accredited by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

This program offers both theoretical knowledge and practical experience required for the role.

Candidates with more than 3 years of professional diving experience often develop their technical skills and knowledge in entry-level salvage diving roles or in related fields like underwater welding, marine archaeology, or underwater photography.

Those with more than 5 years of diving experience may have some leadership experience and are usually considered for roles such as Dive Supervisor or Operations Manager.

Such roles may require advanced skills in salvage operations, project management, and safety regulation compliance.

Regardless of the years of experience, all salvage divers must have valid diving and first aid certifications, and often need additional specialized training depending on the type of salvage operations they will be involved in.

 

Salvage Diver Education and Training Requirements

Salvage Divers generally require a high school diploma or equivalent education as a basic prerequisite.

The primary education for this role comes from specialized professional diving schools certified by organizations like the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

These programs offer a mix of classroom-based theoretical learning and practical training.

Courses typically cover a range of topics including diving physics, decompression procedures, underwater cutting and welding, search and recovery methods, and emergency procedures.

Many employers also prefer candidates with qualifications in underwater construction, marine engineering, or similar fields, which require a higher level of technical skill.

Some positions may require a bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or related fields.

Most states and countries require divers to be licensed or certified, with criteria including a specified amount of diving experience, completion of training, and passing a medical examination.

Advanced certifications such as commercial diving or salvage diving are highly sought after, and these typically require additional training and experience.

Continuing education is important in this field, as technology and techniques in diving and salvage operations are constantly evolving.

Regular medical checks are also crucial due to the physically demanding and potentially hazardous nature of the work.

 

Salvage Diver Salary Expectations

A Salvage Diver can expect to earn an average salary of $54,800 (USD) per year.

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

 

Salvage Diver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Salvage Diver need?

Salvage Divers should have excellent swimming skills and physical strength.

They must be able to work well under extreme pressure, both literally and figuratively.

Their work often requires problem-solving skills, as they might need to figure out how to move large, heavy objects underwater.

They must also have knowledge of diving equipment and safety procedures to minimize risks.

 

Do Salvage Divers need a degree?

A degree is not typically required for Salvage Divers, but they do need to undergo extensive training.

This might include a professional diving course where they learn about diving physiology, use of diving equipment, underwater work techniques, and safety procedures.

Some Salvage Divers might have a degree in marine biology or a related field, but this is not usually a requirement.

 

What should you look for in a Salvage Diver resume?

Look for evidence of professional diving certification, experience in underwater work, and physical fitness.

Also look for any special skills or experience that might be relevant to the particular job, such as experience with underwater welding, knowledge of marine biology, or experience in underwater archaeology.

Make sure they have completed training in CPR and first aid.

 

What qualities make a good Salvage Diver?

A good Salvage Diver is physically fit and mentally strong.

They have the ability to remain calm and focused under extreme conditions.

They are excellent problem solvers and can think on their feet.

Good Salvage Divers also respect safety rules and procedures, as their work can be quite dangerous.

 

Is it difficult to hire Salvage Divers?

Hiring Salvage Divers can be challenging, as it is a specialized field that requires unique skills and experience.

There are also inherent risks associated with the job, which can limit the number of individuals willing to do this type of work.

However, offering competitive pay and benefits can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve plunged deep into the depths of what it means to be a salvage diver.

Guess what?

It’s not just about diving into the water.

It’s about uncovering the mysteries of the deep, one dive at a time.

With our comprehensive salvage diver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to dive in.

But why restrict yourself to the surface?

Dive deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting top-tier job listings or polishing your resume to flawlessness.

Remember:

Every dive is a part of the bigger adventure.

Let’s unravel that mystery. Together.

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