12 Commercial Diver Skills: Definition and Examples
Commercial divers are responsible for a wide range of underwater activities, from construction and maintenance to salvage and repair. They must be skilled in a variety of areas, including welding, diving, and first aid. Here are 12 essential skills that every commercial diver should possess.

Commercial Diver Skills
- Diving
- Commercial Diving
- Offshore Diving
- Deep Sea Diving
- Welding
- Cutting
- Burning
- Inspection
- Repair
- Installation
- Maintenance
- Salvage
Diving
A commercial diver is someone who works in underwater construction, inspection, and repair. They use a variety of tools and equipment to do their job, and need to be able to troubleshoot problems that arise.
Commercial Diving
Commercial diving is a type of diving that involves the use of specialized equipment and techniques to perform tasks underwater. It is often used in the construction, repair, and maintenance of underwater structures and facilities.
Commercial divers may be employed by government agencies, private companies, or military organizations. They may also be self-employed.
Offshore Diving
Offshore diving is a type of commercial diving that takes place in open water, typically more than 60 feet (18 meters) from the shore. It is considered one of the most dangerous types of diving, due to the remote location and potential for bad weather.
Offshore divers need to be able to handle long periods away from land, as well as have the physical and mental strength to deal with difficult and dangerous conditions. They also need to be able to work well as part of a team, as they will often be working with other divers in close quarters.
Deep Sea Diving
Deep sea diving is a skill that is needed in order to work as a commercial diver. This is because commercial divers often have to work at depths of 100 feet or more, and deep sea diving allows them to safely and effectively do this.
Welding
Welding is a process of joining two pieces of metal together by heating them to a high temperature and then cooling them so that they fuse together. It is often used in commercial diving to repair pipelines and other underwater structures.
Cutting
The ability to cut through objects underwater is an important skill for commercial divers, as it allows them to clear debris and perform repairs. This skill is typically learned through on-the-job training or through a commercial diving program.
Burning
Burning is a skill that commercial divers use to cut through metal or other materials. This skill is necessary in order to perform repairs or installations underwater.
Inspection
Inspection is a skill that commercial divers need in order to ensure that the underwater structures they are working on are safe and sound. This involves looking for any signs of damage or deterioration, and then reporting back to their superiors so that necessary repairs can be made.
Repair
The ability to repair underwater equipment is an important skill for commercial divers, as it can help them to extend the life of their tools and prevent costly downtime. This skill can be used to fix leaks, replace worn parts, and make other repairs as needed.
Installation
The installation skill for commercial divers is the ability to install underwater equipment and structures. This skill is necessary in order to properly install and secure underwater equipment, which can be critical to the success of a commercial diving project.
Maintenance
The ability to effectively maintain commercial diving equipment is critical for any commercial diver. This includes being able to identify and fix problems with the equipment, as well as keeping it clean and in good working condition.
Salvage
Salvage is the process of recovering sunken or lost property from underwater. It is a skill that commercial divers need in order to retrieve valuable items from shipwrecks and other underwater locations.
How to improve commercial diver skills
Commercial divers are the backbone of many industries, providing vital services to a wide range of clients. As such, it is essential that commercial divers are highly skilled and able to provide a safe and efficient service. There are a number of ways in which commercial divers can improve their skills, including:
- Undertaking regular training and development: This will help commercial divers keep up to date with the latest techniques and developments in the industry. It is also important for divers to stay physically fit and healthy, as this can impact on their safety underwater.
- Maintaining accurate records: Good record keeping is essential for any commercial diver. This includes maintaining accurate dive logs, which can be used to identify any areas where improvement is needed.
- Communicating effectively: Good communication is vital for commercial divers, as they need to be able to liaise with clients, colleagues and other professionals. This includes being able to give clear instructions and provide updates on progress.
- Being organised: Organised commercial divers are more likely to be efficient and effective in their work. This includes planning dives in advance, having all the necessary equipment ready and knowing where everything is.
- Managing risks: One of the most important aspects of commercial diving is managing risks. Divers need to be aware of the potential hazards involved in their work and take steps to minimise these risks. This includes undertaking risk assessments, using appropriate safety equipment and following safe working practices.
How to highlight commercial diver skills
As a commercial diver, you will need to be able to demonstrate a wide range of skills in order to be successful. You will need to be able to work independently and as part of a team, as well as being able to problem solve and think on your feet. You will also need to have excellent physical fitness and be comfortable working in challenging environments.
On a resume
In order to highlight your skills as a commercial diver on your resume, you should list any experience you have in the field, as well as any relevant certifications. You should also describe any experience you have working with different types of diving equipment. If you have any safety training, be sure to mention that as well.
In a cover letter
In your cover letter, you will want to highlight your skills as a Commercial Diver. You will want to detail your experience in the field, and what makes you a good fit for the job. You will also want to mention your safety record, and how you are able to maintain a high level of safety while working.
During an interview
In order to highlight your skills as a commercial diver during an interview, you should firstly ensure that you have a strong and up-to-date resume. Secondly, you should be prepared to discuss your experience in the industry and your specific skillset. Finally, you should be able to provide examples of your work in order to demonstrate your abilities.