What Is Commercial Diving? Your Path to an Exciting Career Underwater

Are you someone who loves adventure, the water, and working with your hands? If so, commercial diving might be the perfect career for you! Commercial divers work beneath the surface of the water to perform tasks like underwater construction, welding, inspections, and repairs. It’s not just a job—it’s an exciting opportunity to travel, learn valuable skills, and explore the world in a way most people never will.

What Does a Commercial Diver Do?

Commercial diving is much more than scuba diving for fun. These professionals use specialized equipment to work in underwater environments, from the depths of the ocean to rivers, lakes, and harbors. Divers often work on:

• Construction Projects: Building or repairing underwater structures like bridges, dams, and pipelines.
• Underwater Welding: Using cutting-edge techniques to weld and fix equipment beneath the surface.
• Ship Maintenance: Inspecting and repairing vessels like cargo ships, submarines, and oil rigs.
• Salvage Operations: Recovering valuable materials from shipwrecks and other underwater sites.
• Environmental Efforts: Assisting in scientific research and underwater cleanup projects.

Where Can This Career Take You?

One of the coolest things about commercial diving is the opportunity to travel. Commercial divers can work in diverse environments all over the world. Some projects might take you to tropical waters working on offshore oil rigs, while others may involve cold-water diving in places like Alaska or the Great Lakes. No two days are the same, and the work will keep you engaged and challenged.

Here are just a few places you could work as a commercial diver:

• Ports and Harbors: Conducting inspections and repairs for busy shipping hubs.
• Underwater Construction Sites: Building bridges, dams, and other massive projects that shape the world.
• Offshore Oil Rigs: Supporting the oil and gas industry by maintaining underwater infrastructure.
• Remote Locations: Working in unique and extreme environments, from frozen Arctic waters to coral reefs.

The Commercial Diving Advantage: High Placement Rate

At Divers Institute of Technology (DIT), our industry-based training sets students up for success. Did you know DIT has a 92% placement rate?* That means the majority of students find work soon after completing their training. This is because DIT focuses on providing real-world experience, certifications, and connections to employers in the industry.

*Of the 283 students available for placement between June 2022 and May 2023, 260 graduates or 92%, are gainfully employed in the commercial diving industry.

Is Commercial Diving Right for You?

Commercial diving is perfect for adventurous, hardworking, and team-oriented people. You’ll work in exciting environments, solve complex problems, and develop specialized skills that are always in demand. Whether you're building underwater pipelines, repairing ships, or exploring the depths of the ocean, this career is anything but ordinary.

Dive Into Your Career

So, are you ready to explore a career that combines adventure, hands-on work, and incredible opportunities? Start your journey today by learning more about Divers Institute of Technology and how they can prepare you for a rewarding future as a commercial diver.

High school students interested in starting a career in commercial diving can apply for an additional scholarship through Imagine America. DIT also offers federal financial aid for those who qualify, including loans, grants, and other resources to help cover tuition costs. The financial aid team at DIT is dedicated to working with students one-on-one, guiding them through the application process to ensure they maximize their financial aid options. Starting your training at DIT right after high school graduation is an excellent way to begin building a successful and adventurous career immediately.