Diver
Divers carry out a range of duties underwater using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba), surface breathing apparatus or underwater work chambers.
Divers may perform the following tasks:
- check diving equipment before diving
- build, check and repair underwater constructions such as harbour wall foundations, ship hulls, jetties, piers and pipelines, sometimes using cutting or welding equipment
- use cables, flotation gear or ropes to bring underwater objects to the surface
- carry out underwater exploration
- carry out underwater search and rescue operations to recover bodies, stolen goods and other property (police divers)
- build and look after fish farms
- supervise and teach others to dive
- operate cameras for underwater filming (e.g. for nature documentaries)
- place recording instruments underwater
- operate recompression chambers.
Specialisations:
With experience and sometimes further training, divers may become a ship's diver or dive supervisor.
Offshore Construction Diver
An offshore construction diver assists in the construction and repair of pipelines and structures associated with the production of offshore oil and gas. They are also employed in routine inspections of these structures and use non-destructive testing. Often they are tradespeople such as boilermakers or welders.
Onshore Construction Diver
An onshore construction diver also known as a surface supply diver and normally dives to depths of no more than 30 metres. They work with a supply of compressed air from the surface and work on a variety of projects such as hull inspection and repairs, maintenance work and salvage operations. They also undertake a variety of tasks such as construction, inspection and repair of weirs, locks and dams.
Recreational Dive Instructor
A recreational dive instructor teaches at resorts and diving schools. Qualified divers supervise and assist recreational divers during lessons and on dives. They also work in diving equipment shops. Instructors start at divemaster level, assisting more experienced staff, and then progress to assistant and full instructor levels.
Saturation Diver
A saturation diver the most qualified diver and may descend to depths of 300 metres or more and work in underwater work chambers or diving bells. This work is usually for scientific research or maintenance of deep sea structures.
Scientific Diver
A scientific diver allowed to go to a depth of 30 metres and is licensed to use tools underwater, collect samples and carry out underwater analyses for scientific exploration.
Seafood Diver
A seafood diver works in hatcheries and assists in the building and maintenance of boats, cages, nets and other equipment. They inspect, repair and clean housings, keep an eye on the health of fish, remove dead fish, find and repel or kill predators, and report observations to the supervisor.
Professional diving is both physically and mentally demanding, with a lot of time spent working underwater. It is a potentially hazardous occupation so divers must work under strict safety standards.
Personal Requirements:
- physically fit and able to pass a strict medical examination
- responsible and safety-conscious
- able to work as part of a team
- able to solve simple mathematical problems.
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