Commercial diving is an essential profession that bridges the gap between underwater operations and industries that rely on maritime, construction, and engineering expertise. Trained divers play a crucial role in infrastructure development, resource extraction, environmental protection, and countless other applications. With demand for skilled commercial divers steadily increasing, professionals in this field can explore lucrative and rewarding career opportunities across various industries. Below, we explore the top industries hiring commercial divers today.

Offshore Oil and Gas Industry

One of the most well-known sectors employing commercial divers is the offshore oil and gas industry. Oil rigs and subsea infrastructure require continuous maintenance, inspection, and repairs to ensure safe and efficient operations. Commercial divers working in this sector perform tasks such as:

• Underwater welding and cutting – Repairing and maintaining pipelines, platforms, and drilling equipment.
• Pipeline inspections – Utilizing advanced imaging tools to assess structural integrity.
• Salvage operations – Recovering lost or damaged equipment from the ocean floor.
• Wellhead maintenance – Conducting routine upkeep of subsea oil well components.

Due to the high-risk nature of the job, offshore diving requires extensive training and compliance with stringent safety protocols. Divers in this field often work on a rotational basis, spending weeks at sea before returning to land.

Marine Construction and Civil Engineering

The marine construction industry relies heavily on commercial divers for the development and maintenance of submerged structures. Commercial divers assist with projects such as:

• Bridge and dam inspections – Evaluating structural conditions to prevent catastrophic failures.
• Harbor and pier construction – Installing pilings, docks, and breakwaters.
• Tunnel boring support – Providing underwater assistance for tunnel excavation projects.
• Seawall and bulkhead repairs – Protecting coastal infrastructure from erosion.

With urban expansion reaching coastal areas, demand for marine construction divers remains high. These projects often require working in murky waters with limited visibility, making it essential for divers to develop strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Commercial Salvage and Wreck Recovery

Salvage diving is a specialized field that involves the recovery of sunken vessels, cargo, and valuable artifacts from beneath the water’s surface. Salvage divers work in coordination with engineering teams to:

• Refloat or remove shipwrecks – Ensuring safe navigation in waterways.
• Retrieve lost cargo – Salvaging valuable goods from submerged transport vessels.
• Support insurance investigations – Assessing damage claims for maritime accidents.
• Underwater demolition – Clearing debris and hazards from industrial sites.

The unpredictable nature of salvage operations makes this a dynamic and challenging career path. Salvage divers often employ heavy lifting equipment, specialized cutting tools, and controlled explosive devices to execute recovery operations.

Military and Defense Contracting

Government agencies and defense contractors also rely on commercial divers for critical underwater missions. Military divers perform operations that include:

• Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) – Identifying and neutralizing underwater explosives.
• Ship and submarine maintenance – Conducting repairs on naval vessels without dry-docking.
• Search and rescue missions – Locating and recovering personnel and assets.
• Covert underwater operations – Supporting reconnaissance and security efforts.

Many commercial divers transition into defense-related diving positions, often working alongside elite military units. This sector demands exceptional physical fitness, technical expertise, and the ability to operate under extreme conditions.

Aquaculture and Marine Farming

The rapid expansion of the seafood industry has driven demand for commercial divers in aquaculture. Divers in this field assist with:

• Fish farm maintenance – Inspecting and repairing underwater enclosures.
• Harvesting and stocking – Managing fish populations within controlled environments.
• Environmental monitoring – Assessing water quality and ecosystem health.
• Predator control – Preventing marine predators from damaging infrastructure.

As global seafood demand increases, aquaculture divers play an integral role in ensuring sustainable marine farming practices. Working in this industry offers a stable and rewarding career for divers interested in environmental conservation and food production.

Scientific Research and Marine Exploration

Commercial divers often collaborate with scientists and marine researchers to explore ocean environments and conduct vital studies. This industry involves:

• Coral reef restoration – Assisting in rehabilitation projects for damaged reef systems.
• Underwater archaeology – Discovering and preserving submerged historical artifacts.
• Marine biology surveys – Collecting data on aquatic species and ecosystems.
• Climate change monitoring – Examining the effects of temperature shifts on marine environments.

Research diving requires a high degree of precision, patience, and knowledge of scientific methodologies. Divers in this sector frequently work with academic institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.

Inland and Municipal Water Services

While many associate commercial diving with ocean environments, there is a growing demand for inland divers who perform essential work in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and industrial water systems. Responsibilities include:

• Water treatment plant inspections – Evaluating submerged infrastructure within municipal facilities.
• Dam and reservoir maintenance – Conducting repairs on water containment structures.
• Utility pipeline assessments – Ensuring the integrity of submerged gas and water pipelines.
• Hydroelectric facility servicing – Supporting the operation and upkeep of underwater turbines.

Inland diving often provides more stable work schedules compared to offshore diving, making it an attractive option for those seeking long-term employment closer to home.

Underwater Welding and Fabrication

Underwater welding is one of the most technically demanding commercial diving jobs. This specialized trade is critical for maintaining offshore oil rigs, bridges, ships, and other submerged structures. Duties include:

• Wet welding – Conducting welding tasks in direct contact with water.
• Dry hyperbaric welding – Performing precision welding inside a pressurized chamber.
• Structural fabrication – Assembling and reinforcing underwater frameworks.
• Cathodic protection installation – Preventing corrosion of submerged metal structures.

Due to the high-risk nature of underwater welding, divers in this field must undergo extensive training and certification processes. The combination of commercial diving and welding skills leads to some of the highest-paying positions in the industry.

Renewable Energy and Offshore Wind Farms

With the increasing shift towards sustainable energy, commercial divers are in demand for the construction and maintenance of offshore wind farms. Key responsibilities include:

• Turbine foundation inspections – Ensuring the stability of submerged wind farm structures.
• Cable laying and repair – Installing and maintaining subsea power cables.
• Corrosion prevention – Applying protective coatings to prevent metal degradation.
• Environmental impact assessments – Evaluating marine ecosystems around renewable energy sites.

As investment in offshore wind energy grows, commercial divers will continue to play an essential role in expanding and maintaining green power infrastructure.

Start Your Commercial Diving Career Today

Commercial diving offers a broad spectrum of career opportunities, spanning industries from offshore energy and marine construction to scientific research and environmental conservation. Each sector presents unique challenges and rewards, making this profession both diverse and fulfilling.

If you’re ready to embark on an exciting and well-paying career in commercial diving, Florida Commercial Diving Institute (FCDI) is here to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and certifications necessary for success. At FCDI, we offer rigorous training programs designed to prepare students for real-world diving scenarios, ensuring they excel in safety, efficiency, and technical expertise.

Join us today and take the plunge into a thriving industry. Contact us to learn more about our programs and start your journey toward a lifelong career in commercial diving.