Underwater chainsaw - ALan Strong

Commercial divers work in a huge range of industries, with one thing in common the core work is performed below the surface of the water or sub-sea.

In the industry there are three main types of divers: those that work with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCUBA), those that work with surface supplied breathing apparatus (SSBA) and those that work in or from a closed bell (saturation.)

Depending on the job, the company, the location and the skills of the diver, the style of diving can vary wildly between these three forms. One thing is for certain though, no two divers are likely to have a similar career.

As a commercial diver, you can explore a range of employment opportunities across various industries, including underwater construction, oil and gas exploration, ship maintenance, and marine research. These roles not only offer competitive salaries but also the thrill of working in unique and dynamic environments. At our diving school, we provide the advanced certifications and specialized skills training you need to stand out in the job market. Our graduates, especially those skilled in underwater welding or deep-sea diving, are in high demand and can command higher wages. Whether you are looking for a stable, long-term career or the flexibility of project-based work, our comprehensive courses will prepare you for success in any region, regardless of seasonal challenges.

While a career in commercial diving is undoubtedly adventurous and lucrative, it also comes with its own set of challenges. The physical demands and risks, such as exposure to extreme conditions and potential decompression sickness, mean that divers must maintain peak physical condition and adhere to strict safety protocols. Our diving school emphasizes safety and physical preparedness in our curriculum, ensuring you are well-equipped to handle the rigors of the job. Even though the job market can fluctuate, particularly in sectors like oil and gas, the skills and training you receive with us will keep you competitive and resilient. Dive into a career that promises excitement, high earnings, and the opportunity to work in some of the most unique environments on earth.

Continue below to find more information on the different types of diving and the core roles.

SCUBA / Scientific

Graduates of the ADAS Part 1 Scientific Diving program can look forward to a range of exciting employment opportunities in the field of marine science and research. These trained divers are highly sought after by research institutions, environmental organizations, government agencies, and private sector companies engaged in marine and freshwater projects. With the ability to conduct underwater surveys, collect biological and geological samples, and perform ecological assessments, ADAS Part 1 certified divers play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of aquatic ecosystems. The specialized skills and knowledge gained through this program also open doors to positions in underwater media, underwater archaeology, habitat restoration projects, and environmental impact assessments. Overall, the ADAS Part 1 certification equips divers with a robust foundation to pursue fulfilling careers in various scientific and environmental fields, contributing significantly to the preservation and study of underwater environments.

Scientific Diver

A scientific diver is a diver whose main focus is likely research, such as research officers or PhD students. These divers are usually scientists first and divers second, who use diving as a means to complete their field work.

Media Diver

Media diving is a term that covers underwater photography and underwater filming. Media divers are trained camera operators who cover projects meant for either T.V or film.

Graduates of the ADAS Part 1 and 2 Onshore Diving programs are well-positioned to secure a variety of lucrative and fulfilling employment opportunities in the commercial diving industry. These certifications prepare divers for roles in underwater construction, maintenance, and inspection of critical infrastructure such as bridges, dams, pipelines, and water treatment facilities. The comprehensive training ensures that divers are skilled in tasks like underwater welding, cutting, and non-destructive testing, making them invaluable assets to engineering and construction firms.  ADAS Part 1 and 2 divers are frequently employed by marine salvage companies, environmental consulting firms, and ports for maintenance and repair projects. The robust safety training included in these programs also qualifies graduates for specialized roles in underwater emergency response and rescue operations. Overall, the ADAS Part 1 and 2 certifications provide a strong foundation for a stable and dynamic career in onshore commercial diving, offering excellent job security and opportunities for advancement.

Aquaculture Diver

An Aquaculture diver is a diver who supports the production of farmed marine species such as Salmon, or Tuna. An Aquaculture diver is usually responsible for ensuring the integrity of the nets and well being of the aquatic organisms.

Onshore Construction Diver

An onshore construction diver is a diver who works inland up to maximum depths of around 50 meters. These divers do a huge range of tasks and can have diverse work portfolios. The usual workload includes any work that involves construction activities. Think: assembly, demolishing, installation, clean, repair, photograph, maintain or salvage.

Police Diver

A police diver is usually a police officer first and a diver second. As such they have the typical responsibilities of a police officer as well as those added by

Military Diver

Military divers are most often Naval diver, who conduct Military operations underwater. however, the army also has work divers who carry out diving using surface supplied breathing apparatus and use hand, pneumatic, hydraulic and explosive tools.

Graduates of the ADAS Part 3 and 4 programs are equipped with the advanced skills and expertise required for high-demand roles in the commercial diving industry, particularly in complex and deep diving operations. These certifications enable divers to undertake sophisticated tasks such as deep-sea construction, detailed underwater inspections, and intricate repair work on major infrastructure projects, including offshore oil and gas installations, power plants, and large-scale underwater pipelines. The extensive training and experience gained in Part 3 and 4 also prepare divers for supervisory and project management roles, overseeing dive teams and ensuring safety and efficiency in challenging underwater environments. Additionally, these advanced certifications open doors to specialized sectors such as saturation diving, where divers work at significant depths for extended periods. With the ADAS Part 3 and 4 qualifications, divers can access some of the highest paying and most prestigious positions in the industry, ensuring a rewarding and progressive career path.

Offshore Diver

An offshore diver is a trained commercial diver who usually works in support of the exploration and production sector of the Oil and Gas industry. These divers are employed to undertake construction, inspection and maintenance tasks on offshore vessels, such as oil rigs and sub-sea pipelines.

Deep Ocean Diver

A deep ocean diver is a diver who works underwater at depths beyond the usual certification depth, for an ADAS diver this would be a diver who works beyond 50 metres. This diving requires special equipment and normally requires training and usage of a closed bell or saturation system.