Aquarists

Certification or Licensing

Aquarists must be able to scuba dive, in both contained water, to feed fish and maintain tanks, and in open water, on trips to collect new specimens. You'll need to have scuba certification, with a rescue diver classification, for this job. Organizations like PADI provide basic certification. Potential employers will expect you to be able to pass a diving physical examination before taking you on as an aquarist. You may also need to have a special collector’s permit from the state in which you work that allows you to gather samples for your aquarium.