Career Details :: Commercial Divers
Description
Work below surface of water using scuba gear to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Tasks
- Photographs underwater structures or marine life.
- Cuts and welds steel using underwater welding equipment.
- Recovers objects by placing rigging around sunken objects and hooking rigging to crane lines.
- Removes obstructions from strainers and marine railway or launching ways, using pneumatic and power hand tools.
- Inspects docks, hulls, and propellers of ships, and underwater pipelines, cables, and sewers.
- Repairs ships and other structures below the water line, using caulk, bolts, and hand tools.
- Communicates with surface while underwater by signal line or telephone.
- Descends into water with aid of diver helper, using scuba gear or diving suit.
- Drills holes in rock and rigs explosives for underwater demolitions.
- Levels rails, using wedges and maul or sledgehammer.
- Sets or guides placement of pilings and sandbags to provide support for structures, such as docks, bridges, cofferdams, and platforms.
- Searches for lost or sunken objects, such as bodies, torpedoes, equipment, and ships.
Related Careers
Important Abilities
General Work Activities
- Performing General Physical Activities
- Repairing & Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, Material
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Important Skills
Frequent Work Context
- Consequence of Error
- Importance of Being Sure All Is Done
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Common Protective or Safety Attire
- Frustrating Circumstances
Institutions Offering Related Majors
No institutions found.