Commercial Divers

Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.

What They Do

Commercial divers work beneath the surface of oceans, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water to perform specialized underwater tasks that support industries like construction, oil and gas, shipping, and infrastructure maintenance. They use scuba gear or surface-supplied air systems to inspect underwater structures such as bridges, dams, pipelines, and offshore platforms, checking for damage, corrosion, or structural weaknesses. Their hands-on work involves welding, cutting, and assembling components underwater, removing debris or damaged equipment, and installing new structures in challenging aquatic environments. They operate power tools like drills, grinders, and torches specially designed for underwater use, often working in conditions with limited visibility, strong currents, and cold temperatures.