Saturation Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of offshore exploration, the focus on saturation divers has never been more crucial.

As deep-sea operations advance, the demand for skilled individuals who can operate, maintain, and ensure safety under the sea grows exponentially.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a saturation diver?

Whether you are:

• An aspiring diver trying to comprehend the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the intense realm of saturation diving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable saturation diver job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Saturation Diver Duties and Responsibilities

Saturation Divers carry out various underwater procedures, often at extreme depths, which require detailed technical knowledge and physical stamina.

Their job involves many risks and requires a high level of physical fitness and mental resilience.

Their primary responsibilities include:

• Preparation of dive plans and risk assessments
• Performing underwater construction, installation, repair, and removal tasks
• Operating and maintaining diving systems and equipment
• Utilizing a variety of tools and equipment for underwater tasks
• Conducting underwater surveys and inspections
• Carrying out tests or experiments under the water
• Documenting and reporting on each dive, noting what was found or accomplished
• Ensuring the safety and integrity of the diving habitat and decompression systems
• Communicating with surface team and other divers during dives
• Performing emergency procedures when necessary

 

Saturation Diver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled and physically fit Saturation Diver to work on various underwater installations, inspections and repairs.

Saturation Diver responsibilities include performing complex tasks underwater at extreme depths, maintaining diving equipment, and ensuring the safety of the diving team.

Our ideal candidates must be proficient divers, with a strong understanding of engineering principles and underwater operations, and possess a high level of physical fitness.

Ultimately, the role of a Saturation Diver is to execute underwater operations with the utmost regard for safety, professionalism and efficiency, while adhering to industry standards and regulations.

 

Responsibilities

• Performing underwater operations at extreme depths, such as installations, repairs, and inspections.
• Maintaining and inspecting diving equipment and systems.
• Adhering to all safety regulations and procedures.
• Communicating with the dive team and surface crew during operations.
• Writing detailed reports on completed diving operations.
• Assisting with the mobilization and demobilization of dive systems.
• Participating in emergency drills and safety meetings.
• Ensuring the functionality and safety of the decompression chamber.

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Saturation Diver.
• Valid certification from an accredited commercial diving school.
• Proficiency in underwater operations and equipment maintenance.
• Excellent physical fitness and resilience.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and procedures.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Saturation Diver
• Work Environment: Offshore or inshore underwater environments, often at extreme depths. This position may require extended periods of time away from home.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dive Supervisor or Diving Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $100,000 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 cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Saturation Diver Do?

Saturation Divers are highly trained professionals who work in deep-sea diving for various industries, primarily in offshore drilling and oil field explorations.

Their primary task involves performing underwater maintenance, construction, inspection, and salvage operations on oil rigs, pipelines, and other offshore structures.

The job requires them to live in a pressurized environment for several days or weeks, known as a saturation system.

This environment replicates the pressure conditions at the work depth and enables them to dive multiple times without undergoing decompression sickness.

They work in teams and use a range of tools and equipment, including welding equipment, high-pressure water jets, and underwater cameras, to perform their duties.

Saturation divers may also be involved in emergency and rescue operations, requiring them to have thorough knowledge of first aid and emergency response procedures.

Their role is physically demanding and requires a high level of fitness and resilience.

They have to work in challenging conditions, and their safety depends on their ability to follow strict protocols and guidelines.

 

Saturation Diver Qualifications and Skills

A proficient saturation diver should have the skills and qualifications that correspond with the job requirements, such as:

• Underwater skills to perform various tasks at extreme depths for extended periods of time.
• Physical fitness to withstand the challenging and physically demanding nature of the job, including the ability to handle heavy equipment and operate machinery underwater.
• Knowledge of dive systems and equipment, including maintenance and troubleshooting.
• Strong communication skills to relay information to the surface and other team members clearly and effectively, despite challenging underwater conditions.
• Problem-solving abilities to address and resolve unexpected situations or difficulties that might occur during a dive.
• Resilience and mental toughness to cope with isolation, confinement, and high-stress situations.
• Understanding of health and safety protocols to ensure the wellbeing of oneself and the team during and after the dive.
• Technical skills to handle tasks like welding, cutting, installing, inspecting and repairing underwater structures or equipment.
• Emergency response and first aid skills to deal with potential crises or medical emergencies underwater.

 

Saturation Diver Experience Requirements

Becoming a saturation diver typically requires several years of experience and training in commercial diving.

Entry-level candidates usually start their career as Dive Tenders or Divers in Training, assisting experienced divers and learning the ropes of the profession.

They should have a certification from a recognized commercial diving school and must have logged a substantial number of underwater diving hours.

Candidates with 2-3 years of experience often move into roles as Air Divers or Mixed Gas Divers, where they are exposed to more challenging and deeper diving scenarios.

During this period, divers gain experience using different types of diving equipment and handling varied underwater tasks.

Those with more than 5 years of experience or having logged more than 1000 diving hours are usually eligible to train as Saturation Divers.

The saturation diving training itself is highly intensive and requires both physical and mental fitness.

Experienced saturation divers often work on complex underwater projects, including oil and gas exploration or underwater construction.

They may also have some supervisory experience, as they are often responsible for overseeing the safety and efficiency of dive operations.

Moreover, having a commercial diver’s medical certificate, offshore survival and firefighting certification would add to their prospects.

 

Saturation Diver Education and Training Requirements

To become a Saturation Diver, individuals must first become a commercial diver.

This typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent.

Then, they need to complete a commercial diving program approved by the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

This comprehensive program focuses on underwater construction and salvage, welding, cutting, inspection, and the use of hydraulic and pneumatic tools.

After graduation, these divers must work in the field for several years before they can become a Saturation Diver.

This experience is crucial as saturation diving is extremely physically and mentally demanding.

Saturation divers also must possess a valid commercial diving certification and a First Aid and CPR certification.

Further training is necessary to understand the complex systems and operations involved in saturation diving such as the use of mixed-gas diving equipment, decompression procedures, and emergency protocols.

Periodic re-certification and ongoing training are also essential due to the rapidly advancing technology and methods in the field.

Finally, saturation divers need to be in excellent physical condition and pass a diving physical exam, which typically includes a fitness test, vision test, and a hearing test.

While not required, some saturation divers pursue advanced training and certification in specific areas such as welding, medical technician training, or nondestructive testing.

 

Saturation Diver Salary Expectations

A Saturation Diver earns an average salary of $75,000 (USD) per year.

However, experienced divers working in offshore locations can make up to $150,000 (USD) annually.

The salary depends on the level of risk involved in the dive, experience, and the location of the job.

 

Saturation Diver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a saturation diver need?

Saturation divers should possess excellent swimming skills, physical fitness, and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

They must also be skilled in using various diving equipment and tools.

The ability to communicate effectively with the diving team is also important.

They should also be able to troubleshoot and repair equipment underwater.

 

Do saturation divers need any formal education or certification?

While a formal education is not necessarily required, most saturation divers undergo rigorous training programs through accredited diving schools.

These programs involve classroom instruction, pool training, and open water dives.

After completing the training, divers are required to obtain certification from recognized bodies, such as the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) or the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC).

 

What should you look for in a saturation diver resume?

Firstly, confirm that the candidate has the necessary certification from a recognized diving institution.

Look for experience in diving operations, particularly saturation diving.

Familiarity with maintenance and repair of diving equipment is a plus.

Additionally, check for any medical conditions that could affect their ability to dive safely.

 

What qualities make a good saturation diver?

A good saturation diver is physically fit, has excellent problem-solving skills, and is able to stay calm under extreme conditions.

They should be detail-oriented to ensure safety protocols are followed and equipment is functioning correctly.

Good team players who can effectively communicate with their diving and support teams are also desirable.

 

Is it difficult to hire saturation divers?

Hiring saturation divers can be challenging due to the high-risk nature of the job and the specialized skills required.

However, offering competitive wages, comprehensive training programs, and a strong emphasis on safety can attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into the life and duties of a saturation diver.

Guess what?

It’s not just about diving deep.

It’s about conquering the unseen depths, one dive at a time.

With our handy saturation diver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make a splash.

But why stop there?

Plunge deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dive is part of the bigger journey.

Let’s conquer the depths. Together.

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