Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Commercial Diver
What commercial divers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a commercial diver?
Dive briefing. From there, the day usually includes inspect underwater structures, weld and cut underwater, and install equipment. Irregular, project-based schedules with travel.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a commercial diver working full time.
- Dive briefing.
- Check dive gear.
- Tend another diver.
- Dive to inspect pilings.
- Decompress.
- Underwater cutting job.
- Log dives.
Where commercial divers work
Divers work in harbors, rivers, lakes, dams and offshore.
Hours and schedule
Irregular, project-based schedules with travel.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Inspect underwater structures
- Weld and cut underwater
- Install equipment
- Repair docks and pipelines
- Recover objects
- Maintain dive gear
- Work as tender topside
Tools you’ll use every day
- Dive helmets
- Umbilicals
- Underwater welders
- Cutting torches
- Cameras
- Decompression chambers
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- High pay potential
- Adventurous work
- Specialized skill
- Travel
What’s hard
- Serious hazards
- Irregular work
- Cold, dark water
- Time away
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love the water
- I stay calm in danger
- I’m physically fit
- I can travel
- I like welding
- I want adventure
Not sure? Take the free Commercial Diver fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Always have a standby diver
- Follow decompression rules
- Lock out underwater hazards
- Pass dive medicals