how much is a commercial diving course

by Jerrod Hudson 7 min read

Training Programs and Certification
A program that provides the basic entry-level commercial diver certification will cost around $8,000, and take roughly two months to complete.
Mar 4, 2015

How much does commercial diver training cost?

There are broad variations in the format and content of commercial diver training programs. A program that provides the basic entry-level commercial diver certification will cost around $8,000, and take roughly two months to complete.

How do I get a commercial diving certification?

The first step in obtaining basic certification is to complete a program from a school with a course of instruction that is comparable to what the Association of Commercial Diving Educators (ACDE) recommends. The ACDE is a non-profit organization overseen by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

Why choose a commercial diving school?

Commercial diving schools can help you gain the practical skills, technical expertise, and industry-recognized credentials required to pursue an adventurous and exciting career.

What is commercial scuba diving?

Commercial diving is a term that covers a remarkably broad spectrum of activities. It involves a variety of trades and skills, all of which are complicated by the hostile environment in which they are performed. Jobs like welding are tough, but even tougher when performed in the inky, cold blackness 400 feet below the surface.

How long does it take to become a commercial diver?

Most accredited programs require 900 clock hours of training. Some commercial diving schools mandate six-hour days, some up to ten hours. Some only train students three days per week, which can extend the program several weeks.

Do commercial divers make good money?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, commercial divers and underwater welders have a mean (average) hourly wage of $26.32, while the mean annual wage is approximately $54,750. Additionally, the top percentile (90%) can make approximately $93,910 or more.

How much do commercial divers earn UK?

Inshore divers carrying out unskilled work can earn around £100 to £120 a day. On average, they work around 180-200 days a year. However divers working regularly on offshore wind projects can earn up to £100,000 a year. Offshore divers in Scotland can earn around £600 a day.

Is it hard to get a job as a commercial diver?

Very little. The fantastic thing about becoming a commercial diver is that there are relatively few requirements. Applicants don't even need to be qualified scuba divers. Commercial diving centers are operated by experienced divers who have years of experience between them.

What is the highest paying trade?

The Highest-Paid Trade JobsRadiation Therapists. ... Nuclear Medicine Technologists. ... Dental Hygienists. ... Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians. ... Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians. ... Boilermakers. ... Construction and Building Inspectors. ... Electricians.More items...

Are commercial divers in demand?

Commercial divers are in high demand. Now is a great time to enter the industry.” Another factor is an uptick in the number of storms and hurricanes.

How do I become a commercial diver UK?

To become a commercial diver you must attend a commercial diver training school. A leisure diving qualification isn't suitable for 99% of the work that's done underwater. It can cost several thousand pounds to train as a diver and the training lasts about 2 – 3 months.

Does underwater welding shorten your life?

Topside Manufacturing. If we look at these numbers at face value, it paints a disturbing picture: An underwater welder life expectancy is about 5 – 10 times lower than laborers working in construction or manufacturing.

How do I start a diving career?

Contact your local PADI Dive Center or Resort and to learn more about becoming a PADI Professional. Some dive shops host special events where you can meet local dive professionals and learn about their career path. You can also read interviews with people in a variety of full-time scuba jobs on our website.

Where do commercial divers make the most money?

The commercial diving profession receives most of their employment opportunities in construction....America: Top 5 Paying StatesNew Jersey: $91,840.New York: $79,470.New Hampshire: $57,980.Virginia: $55,090.Michigan: $52,970.

How much do police divers get paid?

The salaries of Police Divers in the US range from $68,369 to $96,734 , with a median salary of $77,107 . The middle 57% of Police Divers makes between $77,107 and $83,601, with the top 86% making $96,734.

What jobs can a commercial diver do?

Commercial divers use construction tools such as welders and saws, in combination with scuba equipment, to perform maintenance and repair installations that are either partially or totally submerged in water. Divers may also perform other underwater work such as photographing marine wildlife or rigging explosives.

How to become a diver?

This includes being at least 18 years old, holding either a high school diploma or GED, or being able to pass a battery of tests before enrollment. In addition, you must be physically fit, demonstrate a high degree of mechanical aptitude and be a good swimmer. In addition, although it’s not a requirement, having prior experience as a recreational diver is certainly a plus. In fact, at some schools the prospective student is required to be certified as a sports diver in order to help keep training cost affordable.

Is deep sea diving a good career?

Divers must be willing to undergo extensive training, be willing to work extremely hard, and be able to travel for long periods of time in order to be successful in this endeavor. That hard work can pay off, in time, with salaries that can be quite lucrative compared to other careers with similar training and experience.

Is the commercial diving industry booming?

While many industries today are feeling strained financially, the commercial diving industry is one that is booming. In fact, the demand for qualified divers far exceeds the numbers of jobs available. Part of this need was created when Hurricane Katrina hit in the summer of 2005, severely damaging several hundred oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico that are now in need of divers to help repair.

What are the courses required to become a commercial diver?

Then, you’ll jump into coursework around potential job types within commercial diving. Thus, this includes offshore and hazmat diving, and then, underwater welding, salvage diving, and hydraulics. Finally, you’ll explore inland diving job opportunities and deep diving.

What do you get at the end of commercial diving?

At the end of your commercial diver training, you will receive a certificate that indicates your ability to dive professionally all around the world. However, before you choose to dive into this challenging career, you should learn a little more about the qualifications and requirements of prospective divers.

How long does it take to become a commercial diver?

Commercial diver training is intensive, challenging, and rewarding. As a result, typical programs take five to seven months to complete and cover a range of important subjects for a successful commercial diver. Typical courses at the beginning of training include physics, medicine, equipment, and rigging. After an introduction to how diving works ...

What are the qualities of a commercial diver?

Additionally, the best candidates for commercial diving have the following qualities. A positive attitude. A high mechanical aptitude. An ability to work effectively with a team. Tenacity and perseverance.

Why do welders do underwater training?

Underwater welding training happens in a controlled tank facility to ensure safety, monitor student progress, and allow for real-time instruction. However, training dives happen in open water at varying depths to give students real-world experience that can’t be duplicated in pools, tanks, or quarries.

Is there a commercial diving program?

There are not many commercial diver training programs in the world. Most people interested in becoming a certified commercial diver look to the training programs closest to their homes. So, while this is a smart and common tactic, it may benefit you to seek out programs in other parts of the world. The truth is that not all commercial dive programs ...

How much does it cost to become a commercial diver?

A program that provides the basic entry-level commercial diver certification will cost around $8,000, and take roughly two months to complete. However, many schools provide a more extensive training curriculum that costs the student between $15,000 ...

What is commercial diving?

Commercial diving is a term that covers a remarkably broad spectrum of activities. It involves a variety of trades and skills, all of which are complicated by the hostile environment in which they are performed. Jobs like welding are tough, but even tougher when performed in the inky, cold blackness 400 feet below the surface.

What is the ACD certification?

The basic ACD Commercial Diver certification is Entry Level Tender/Diver. To earn more advanced certifications, a diver must log experience in the field (called “field days”) and underwater (referred to as “working dives”). Divers are required to receive on-the-job training to be eligible for more advanced commercial diver certification unless they received the required formal training through an accredited commercial diving school, military dive school, or the equivalent.

How long can you be away from home for commercial diving?

Offshore commercial divers are usually away from home for longer periods of time, as much as six weeks at a time with one week off in between. Inland and coastal commercial diving may be a better fit for those with families who prefer not to be away for as long at a time. Often, divers in this sector of commercial diving will have more “normal” working hours and shorter days, allowing them to spend more time at home. However, even the inland and coastal commercial diver may still travel for weeks at a time to perform the work required by larger contracts.

How many members does ADCI have?

Although ADCI has no regulatory jurisdiction, it has more than 500 member companies representing business, educational and medical communities from 41 nations around the world, and is considered the industry watchdog for safe commercial diving.

What is the ADCi?

The Association of Diving Contractors Internationa l (ADCI), founded in 1968, is a nonprofit organization that was formed to establish industrywide standards for commercial diving in the United States.

How much does a commercial diver make?

For those willing to take on the demands of commercial diving, the rewards are generous. Starting annual pay for a commercial diver is in the $40,000 to $60,000 range, including full benefits. Once a diver gains experience and proves himself, the pay can grow to $100,000 to $150,000 a year.

How long does a commercial diving class last?

The length of a Commercial Diving class can vary depending on the coursework; however, some last up to six weeks to six months.

What is commercial diving?

The primary concept is… performing a job underwater! Commercial Divers work as scuba divers that work on any type of repair, installation, or maintenance on equipment under a body of water, such as pipelines, oil rigs, or bridges, and the like.

What certifications do you need to be a commercial diver?

Students who complete the program earn the ADCI Entry-Level Tender/Diver and ACDE Commercial Diver certifications aside from the certificate of technical studies . Other professional-level certifications awarded are SafeGulf, Water Survival/HUET (METS), API Approved Rigging and DAN DFA Pro.

What is CDA Technical Institute?

CDA Technical Institute (CDA) takes pride in its rigorous Air/Mixed Gas Commercial Diver program because of its comprehensive coverage. Learners acquire every crucial skill for success as a commercial diver in a competitive industry. The diving instructors are some of the best in the country with their extensive professional experience.

How many gallon tanks are there in the SCUBA training tank?

The training facilities include a gigantic 44,000-gallon dive tank where students learn SCUBA diving in a range of configurations and perform related tasks. These include keeping records of dives, communicating with others underwater, and operating decompression chambers. Topside and underwater welding are also on the curriculum since commercial divers also perform these jobs. Students perform several in-water projects for this purpose.

How much does a commercial diver make?

According to the BLS, the average salary for a Commercial Diver is $71,850 annually; however, the highest 10% earn upwards of $111,130 per year.

What is CDT underwater burn?

CDT also offers an Underwater Burning Specialist program that trains students in underwater oxy-arc cutting operations’ safe and effective performance. This is a standalone program for certified commercial divers whose employment opportunities increase due to the added credential.

What is an unrestricted surface supplied air diver?

Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diver Certification with Occupational SCUBA Diver Endorsement, issued by the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) for the Canadian Standards Association (CSA): This certification allows you to work globally and opens you up to international job opportunities and world travel.

How many hours does a DIT take?

Upon completion of our 900-hour program, and meeting the requirements set forth by each certifying authority while in school, DIT graduates can earn these certifications in addition to their commercial diving diploma.

What is an ADCI certification?

2. Association of Dive Contractors International (ADCI) Entry Level Tender/Diver–International Endorsement Certification: This certification allows you to obtain dive jobs in the US market and certain international markets.

How deep can you dive in a commercial dive?

For nearly all those wanting to become a commercial diver, it is mandatory to hold an air diving certificate as these allow you to work with various tools and depths potentially up to 50 metres.

Where do commercial divers work?

Commercial divers work in a huge range of industries, with one thing in common the core work is performed below the surface of the water or sub-sea.

What is SSBA 30 M?

SSBA to 30 M (ADAS Part Two) introduces the commercial diver in the usage of SSBA as the basis for underwater construction activities, this course would be done by all divers wanting to work in construction on shore. how ever it is limited in that it can only be used up to 30 M and is not accepted at all offshore.

What is SSBA certification?

Commercial Air Dive Training or Surface Supplied Breathing Apparatus (SSBA) is the most in demand diving qualification you can hold. Air diving certifications allow you to work in most construction activities onshore and offshore (depending on the level of air diving certificate you hold).

What certification do you need to be a scuba diver?

Before you can complete commercial Scuba training with almost any training organisation you must first hold your recreational diver certificate. This can be any well known certifaction including Padi, SSI and Naui

What is a scientific diver?

A scientific diver is a diver whose main focus is likely research. these divers are usually scientists first and divers second, who use diving as a means to complete there field work.

What is offshore diver?

An offshore diver is a trained commercial diver who usually works in support of the exploration and production sector of the Oil and Gas industry. These divers are employed to undertake construction, inspection and maintenance tasks on offshore vessels, such as oil rigs and sub-sea pipelines.

Where do commercial divers work?

Inland commercial divers work in water towers all over the world.

What percentage of commercial diving hours are worked in the Gulf of Mexico?

Ninety percent of all Commercial diving billable hours are worked in the Gulf of Mexico!

What is advancement in diving?

Advancement in Commercial Diving is based on personal performance. Divers who do their jobs well have potential to move ahead fast. The people you will work for in this field are divers themselves. They do not care where you came from

Where is TOC diving?

TOC students and their instructor take a moment to pose for a photo at their week long open water dives at the Texas A&M campus in Galveston Texas.

Where are TOC students training?

TOC students at offshore safety and survival training at the Texas City natatorium.

How far away are companies from our front door?

companies are located within 300 miles of our front door!.

Can you work offshore with Ocean Corp?

Many Ocean Corp graduates choose to work offshore but, there is a wide variety of diving opportunities available inland for trained commercial divers as well. Divers routinely perform inspections, repairs and support services for a variety

What are the areas of commercial diving?

Some of the areas encompassed by commercial diving can include: Underwater construction. Shipwreck salvaging.

How to get a diving certification?

The first step in obtaining basic certification is to complete a program from a school with a course of instruction that is comparable to what the Association of Commercial Diving Educators (ACDE) recommends . The ACDE is a non-profit organization overseen by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It provides academic and training expertise to some commercial diving schools (as well as military dive schools and other related facilities) that meet or exceed the curriculum and training requirements for ADCI Entry Level Tender/Diver certification. These requirements are categorized into three separate areas:

What certifications do you need to be a scuba diver?

Basic recreational and commercial SCUBA certification through an accredited program—usually accredited by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) or the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) First aid and CPR certificates. A diving medical examination from a qualified doctor.

What is a commercial diver?

A commercial diver is someone who has been trained as an advanced diver and is able to perform a wide range of tasks related to underwater industrial construction. Many people tend to confuse commercial divers with underwater welders, but, in reality, they are two very different careers.

How long does it take to get a commercial SCUBA certification?

Commercial SCUBA accreditation can normally be completed in five weeks as long as you have already logged the minimum required dives (usually 20) within the past year.

How much will the number of commercial divers increase in 2028?

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the number of jobs for commercial divers in the U.S. is expected to rise by seven percent between 2018 and 2028, which is faster than average. Of course, the employment prospects might be better in some industries and locations than others, as shown by OES data from 2018.

What are the broad concepts of diving?

Some of the broad concepts typically found in training programs include: Diving physics. Decompression procedures. Prevention and treatment of diving-related diseases and injuries. Commercial diving technology. Industrial and offshore safety concepts.

How much do first year divers make?

It is expected that most first year divers, should make about $80,000 a year working at either Tassal or Petuna, depending on the amount of diving and overtime worked.

What is an aquaculture diver?

An Aquaculture diver is a diver who supports the production of farmed marine species such as Salmon, or Tuna. An Aquaculture diver usually has the benefit of being a salaried employee – think holiday pay, superannuation etc.

What is a scientific diver?

A Scientific Divers job is to conduct research. Compensation is often not linked to their diving ability but to their specific researchers role. As such qualifying to become a scientific diver by completing the ADAS Part 1R course may not generate a great salary boost, but instead is a requirement of the job to ensure the researchers diving basic diving capabilities.

What are the jobs onshore divers do?

onshore Divers, work in a wide variety of tasks, resulting in different pros and cons in regards to remuneration and benefits. The most common occupations onshore in Australia are, Aquaculture, Civil and Construction as well as the various sciences.

Do offshore divers make a killing?

Offshore Divers in Australia make a killing. Maybe that seems like a dramatic usage of words, yet it is true, the union rate for offshore divers is staggering and it pays dividends to work towards getting offshore for at least one dive stint.

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The Essence of Commercial Diving

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Commercial diving is a term that covers a remarkably broad spectrum of activities. It involves a variety of trades and skills, all of which are complicated by the hostile environment in which they are performed. Jobs like welding are tough, but even tougher when performed in the inky, cold blackness 400 feet below the surface. …
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Requirements and Prerequisites

  • At the outset, the requirements for becoming a commercial diver are not overly difficult to meet. “The basic requirements include a high school diploma or equivalency. Applicants must also pass a diving physical,” says Bob Browning of The Ocean Corporationin Houston. Beyond the basic requirements are good swimming skills, and a strong desire to take on a difficult challenge. “A st…
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Training Programs and Certification

  • There are broad variations in the format and content of commercial diver training programs. A program that provides the basic entry-level commercial diver certification will cost around $8,000, and take roughly two months to complete. However, many schools provide a more extensive training curriculum that costs the student between $15,000 and $20,0...
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Degree Programs

  • Santa Barbara City Collegein Santa Barbara, California, offers an associate’s in science degree in marine diving technologies (MDT). Beyond its ACDE/ANSI-1988 accredited program, available electives include such diverse topics as emergency medical technician (EMT) training, biological oceanography, ROV sonar operation, electronics, and underwater crime scene investigation. “As …
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Job Prospects and Pay

  • Much of the current demand for commercial diving in the United States is repairing oil rigs as a consequence of hurricanes. Another area of high demand is the surge of inspection and repair of bridges, dams and other structures due to floods. For those willing to take on the demands of commercial diving, the rewards are generous. Starting annual pay for a commercial diver is in th…
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The Fast Track

  • Considering the high earnings potential for commercial diving, the price of becoming a commercial diver is a bargain. Ocean Corp’s 30-week commercial diver program is $16,000, and federal financial aid is often available for qualified students. “In addition,” Browning says, “Many companies who hire divers have incentive programs to pay for all or part of a diver’s training whe…
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The Realities of Commercial Diving

  • Despite what might sound like “easy money,” commercial diving is hard physical work, and there’s not much in the way of sitting around on coffee breaks. Don’t expect to be packing your lunchbox for a 9-to-5 day as a commercial diver, either. A commercial diver in the Gulf might be out at sea working for two to six weeks at a time, which is tough on some individuals. Ten-hour workdays a…
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Choosing A Commercial Diving School

  • Training to become a commercial diver is available from a variety of schools across the United States, and while they all certify commercial divers, there are distinct differences in their offerings. The challenge is to decide which school offers the best package for you. Here are some of the questions you may want to consider when making that important choice: 1. When can I start trai…
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What Commercial Divers Do

  • Commercial divers perform a spectrum of work activities that entail a variety of hard-won skills. The following list identifies some of the jobs that commercial divers may perform. These jobs may be performed in a variety of diving environments and depths. Bridge inspection, construction and repair Fabrication of equipment Flotation devices maintenance Gravity surveying Grouting G…
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