Commercial Diver

Education

If you are considering a career as a commercial diver, you should have a keen interest in:

• Marine biology and underwater ecosystems.
• Mechanical engineering and equipment maintenance.
• Environmental conservation and restoration efforts.
• Adventure and exploration in diverse aquatic environments.
• Safety protocols and emergency response techniques.

If you are a post-secondary student considering a career as a commercial diver, the following undergraduate programs are most applicable:

• Commercial diving certification
• Marine technology or marine science
• Underwater welding and inspection
• Marine biology and oceanography
• Naval architecture

Professional designations and certifications are essential for commercial divers, highlighting your expertise, dedication, and professionalism and ensuring you meet national occupational standards, are medically fit for diving, and possess the required skills for specific underwater tasks like welding.

• Canadian Working Diver Certification: Issued by the Diver Certification Board of Canada, this certification ensures that the diver has met the national occupational standards and is trained in Canadian underwater work practices.
• Occupational Diver's Medical Certificate: A current and valid diver's medical certificate is required, confirming the diver's fitness for underwater work.
• Underwater Welding Certification: A specialized certification for divers involved in underwater welding and cutting operations from the Canadian Welding Bureau or an equivalent international welding certification recognized in Canada.

Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.

Skills

Technical Skills

• Scuba diving certification
• Underwater welding and cutting
• Hyperbaric chamber operation
• Dive equipment maintenance
• Underwater photography and videography
• Marine biology and ecology
• Navigation and sonar operation
• First Aid and dive medicine
• Rigging and lifting
• Underwater inspection and survey techniques

Personal and Professional Skills

• Adaptability
• Teamwork
• Problem-solving
• Attention to detail
• Stress management
• Physical stamina and endurance
• Decision-making
• Communication skills
• Resilience
• Situational awareness

Environmental employers look for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with soft skills. Watch our free webinar Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry or take our Essential Skills courses.