Skills that are needed to work underwater, should first be taught above the water. These skills are best learned at a vocational school. After completing a two year voctech school, check out the six diving academies and enroll in one. As with any physical career, it is easier if you are younger. Most students range between the ages of 19 and 30. If you want adventure, start a career in diving. Another way to get involved with diving is to join the Navy.
Deep sea diving or commercial diving involves any manmade underwater equipment. Commercial divers work on ships, bridges, dams, critical pipeline systems, offshore oilfield sites, and search and recovery projects. Commercial divers may dive anywhere where there is water. Commercial diving is not something that you just go out and do. There has to be a lot of hands on time, things you can't learn from a book. Diving involves science and nuclear technology. Every dive is unique, exciting, and adventurous.
Check out the Diving Interview Page with links to other diving pages.< /A>
Earnings
Starting salaries range between $18,000 and $35,000 a year. The salary of a deep sea diver is determined by work experience, quality, and work attitude. Pay usually increases can range from $60,000 to $100,000.
Working Conditions
Deep sea diving can be very dangerous, but only if not taken seriously. Dives are made in clear blue water and range from 80 feet to 200 feet underwater. Diving is very hard, dirty work. One must work on anything that is underwater. Divers usually work only eight or nine months of the year. Along with underwater work, you also occasionally do paper work in the office.
Education & Training Needed
There are six accredited deep sea diving schools in the United States. They are located in Delaware, New Jersey, Texas, two in California, and one in Seattle, Washington. Training usually lasts four to thirteen months before becoming a journeyman. Accredited diving schools training meets all association requirements. Commercial divers must have a commercial diver certification and can advance with ASNT certified Level I NDT Technicians, and eventually certified as Diver Medics by National Association of Diver Medical Technicans. Before enrolling and earning degrees, you must be 18 and have either a high school diploma, GED, or pass different tests according to the school you are planning on entering. You must also be in good physical health. Another skill needed before entering a diving school is mechanical and swimming abilities. It is best to complete a technical or vocational school before entering a diving school.
Advantages
The advantages are endless if you want an adventurous career. Diving is exciting, demanding, and different. You are required to travel and see places that are not an everyday site. If you're good, the pay is great and promotions are regular. There is satisfaction, pride, and respect in the diving career.
Disadvantages
Along with advantages, there is a number of disadvantages. Obviously, if you don't want a demanding profession, deep sea diving isn't for you. You have to wear all of the diving gear in cold water and it can become very uncomfortable. Commercial diving is not an easy profession and can also be dangerous if you are not careful.
Future in Deep Sea Diving Career
As long as there is water, there is a need for commercial divers. There isn't a lot of daring people to work on construction underwater and so there is definitely a need for divers. There is always work if you want it and a shortage of entry level positions.