Divers and Diving Technicians

Participation in a summer cooperative work-study program of supervised ocean dives during college will provide useful experience for aspiring diving professionals.

You need more than excellent diving skills; diving is just the way you reach your work site. You should be mechanically inclined and able to operate and maintain a wide variety of equipment. You must understand drawings and simple blueprints; be familiar with piping and valves; know how to handle high-pressure gases, bottles, and gauges; and be able to write accurate reports, keep records, and do paperwork. An understanding of the physical and biological elements of the marine environment and the ability to work as a member of a team are crucial.

Divers and diving technicians who work in marine science must be familiar with the use of basic research and recording equipment and scientific research techniques.

Recreation specialists need excellent communications skills. With some employers, business management, marketing, and computer skills are also important.

Physical requirements for the career include overall good health, at least normal physical strength, sound respiratory functions, normal or better eyesight, and good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.