Commercial Diving Schools

Let us take a look at commercial diving schools and what they entail. Commercial diving is essentially industrial construction that one performs while underneath the water.

Underwater welders are the guys you see on TV building bridges and repairing them, getting people out of sinking cars and fixing underwater pipe lines. It's really a cool job if you can get the training you need to get started. Commercial diving training programs may encompass various careers such as underwater welding, rescue and operations,underwater photography and videography, working on ships and cargo, and also building, maintaining and repairing bridges, installation and securing of pipelines and other structures like fiber optics, as well as other skills that require one to be underwater for an extended period of time. This profession calls for one to be alert at all times including being able to multitask while submerged in deep water. In many cases it helps to be scube diving certified.

Commercial Diving Training and Education

This career will require a variety of skills and a solid education, backed by lots of experience. Jobs that are usually already difficult are complicated by the fact that they must take place under the water. One who is interested in this field must be able to work under time constraints calmly, and also be capable of consecutively performing a lot of varied tasks in demanding situations. Commercial Diving schools can offer the training that is needed to prepare one for this field.

At first, requirements to train as a commercial diver are a prerequisite. One must be a high school graduate and successfully complete a diving physical, as well as another examination proving that they are a strong swimmer. It also helps if the individual is knowledgeable and at least interested in tools and mechanical work. The vast majority of those in this field are men, and most are under the age of thirty-five, although it is open to anyone who is willing to work hard to succeed.

Commercial diving training programs requirements vary and the amount of training that is needed will also depend on the job type one is considering. A basic certification will only take a couple of months and small investment to complete. However, those who wish to go to a real diving school for extensive training will need to plan at least a year to complete the course work, and have a lot of funds. This type of education will be expensive.

In addition to formal training from commercial diving schools, those who wish to be eligible for work as a commercial diver will have to get certification from the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI). This group holds high standards for its divers, and requires those wishing to earn advanced certification to undergo real log time underwater experiences. Minimum requirements usually expect at least 635 hours of training time. There are a few diving schools which require their students to be certified before they can be admitted.

Commercial Diving Careers

Since Hurricane Katrina and the gulf oil spill, there has been a great increase in job opportunities for those in this field and commercial diving jobs is increasingly important in coastal cities. Thousands of oil rigs are in need of repair, and there have not been enough experienced trained divers to complete the work. Others work in areas like bridge repair and maintained, ship repair, underwater welding, undercover photography and videography among other professions.

There are also thousands of in-shore diving jobs for which businesses and manufacturers are constantly in need of educated divers. One can get more specialized training for different specific job types such as underwater crime scene investigation, emergency medical technician, or sonar operation.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Outlook

While this field is quite demanding and physically taxing, the rewards are quite generous. Starting salaries for commercial divers range from $40,000 to $60,000 per year, plus full benefits. Those who have experience and proof of their efficiency can earn three times this much, up to $150,000 yearly, with added bonuses for depth, safety, and achievements.

While there are a lot of job opportunities in commercial diving available today, many stress the importance of getting the best possible training and experience. Those with a good education from commercial diving schools will have a much better opportunity to obtain their dream job.

Commercial diving schools and underwater welding training programs