Commercial Divers Job Description

A Commercial Diver works below the surface of water, using scuba gear to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures.

Primary Objectives:

• The Commercial Divers primary object is that in repairing equipment and structures.
• The Commercial Divers primary object is that of inspection of equipment and structures that are below the surface of water.
• The Commercial Divers primary object is also to make sure that any bad equipment or structure is safely removed.

The Commercial Diver in order to perform his job uses a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. The Commercial Diver may conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life. The Commercial Diver has many different titles in his field and they include the following names:

• Commercial Diver
• Dive Safety Officer
• Diver
• Handling System Operator
• Mechanical Technician
• Pilot
• Rov co-pilot
• Rov Maintenance Technician
• Rov Tech
• Rov Technician
• Systems Technician
• Underwater Welder

No matter the title given to a Commercial Diver his functions are primarily the same. He is in charge of making sure that all equipment and structures are repaired and in a safe condition under the surface of water. The Commercial Diver is the one who is responsible for checking this type of equipment and structure there he is also responsible to repair or replace any that is in need. The Commercial Diver must be a good swimmer and able to hold his breath for an extended period of time. He uses scuba equipment but in case of an emergency he still may need to hold his breath.

The Commercial Divers have specific tasks and duties to perform when it comes to completing their job function. The Commercial Diver carries out non-destructive testing such as tests for cracks on the legs or oil rigs at sea. The Commercial Diver checks and maintains diving equipment such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses and gauges. The Commercial Diver communicates with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones. The Commercial Diver must be able to cut and weld steel, using underwater welding equipment, jigs, and supports. The Commercial Diver descends into water with the aid of diver’s helpers, using scuba gear or a diving suit. Then he proceeds to inspect and test docks, ships, bouyage systems, plant intakes and outflows, and underwater pipelines, cables, and sewers, using closed circuit television, still photography, and testing equipment.

The Commercial Diver often is responsible for installing pilings or footings for piers and bridges. He may install, inspect, clean, and repair piping and valves. The Commercial Diver obtains information about diving tasks and environmental conditions before he under goes his duties. He also is responsible for a crew of divers and must make sure that the conditions for the dive are safe. The Commercial Diver operates underwater video, sonar, recording, and related equipment to investigate underwater structures or marine life. The Commercial Diver performs activities related to underwater search and rescue, salvage, recovery and cleanup operations when he has been assigned to do so by the company that he works.

The Commercial Diver performs offshore oil and gas exploration and extraction duties such as conducting underwater surveys and repairing and maintaining drilling rigs and platforms. The Commercial Diver recovers objects by placing rigging around sunken objects, hooking rigging to crane lines, and operating winches, derricks or cranes to raise objects. The Commercial Diver often removes obstructions from strainers and marine railway or launching ways, using pneumatic and power hand tools. The Commercial Diver repairs ships, bridge foundations, and structures below the water line, using caulk, bolts, and hand tools.

The Commercial Diver often works salvaging wrecked ships and or their cargo, using pneumatic power velocity and hydraulic tools, and explosive charges when necessary. The Commercial Diver is expected to be able to set or guide placement of pilings and sandbags to provide support for structures such as docks, bridges, cofferdams, and platforms. The Commercial Diver knows that he is suppose to take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths, and registering with authorities before a diving expedition is to begin. The Commercial Diver knows that before any repair work begins that he is responsible to take test samples and photographs to assess the conditions of the vessels and structures. The Commercial Diver is responsible to make sure that any rubbish is removed to prevent pollution in the sea.