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    Become a Commercial Diver

    Train for underwater construction, welding, inspection, and marine operations in one of the most specialized skilled trades.

    Duration
    6–12 months
    Certifications
    ADCI Entry-Level Tender/Diver Certification; OSHA Commercial Diver Compliance; CPR/First Aid; HAZWOPER
    Key Skills
    Physical fitness, mechanical aptitude, comfort in challenging environments, teamwork, safety awareness
    Work Settings
    Offshore oil and gas, inland diving contractors, marine construction, shipyards, hydroelectric facilities
    Job Outlook
    +7% (Faster than average)
    Salary Range
    $55K–$110K+

    What Is Commercial Diving Training?

    Commercial Diving programs teach students surface-supplied diving, underwater welding, hyperbaric chamber operations, commercial rigging, and safety procedures based on industry standards. Students gain experience working with hydraulic tools, cutting torches, lift bags, and underwater inspection methods. This career is ideal for physically fit, adventurous individuals who want a high-demand skilled trade with strong earning potential. Career-Bond partners with programs that train divers for offshore and inland jobs with employers nationwide.

    Offshore oil and gas, inland diving contractors, marine construction, shipyards, hydroelectric facilities, underwater inspection and salvage companies

    What You'll Learn in Commercial Diving Training Training

    Core Skills

    • Surface-supplied diving
    • Underwater welding and cutting
    • Rigging and lift operations
    • Hyperbaric chamber operations
    • Dive physics and medicine
    • Hydraulic and pneumatic tool use
    • Underwater inspections
    • Safety and emergency procedures

    Safety & Compliance

    • OSHA basics
    • PPE
    • Hazard awareness
    • Jobsite safety
    • Tool safety
    • Workplace professionalism

    Tools & Technology

    • ADCI Entry-Level Tender/Diver Certification
    • OSHA Commercial Diver Compliance Training
    • CPR/First Aid
    • HAZWOPER

    Admissions Requirements for Commercial Diving Training Training

    Most Commercial Diving Training programs have accessible entry requirements designed to help motivated students start their career.

    Minimum age requirement
    Ability to perform physical job tasks
    High school diploma/GED may be preferred

    Requirements vary by program and training provider. Career-Bond partners will confirm specific requirements during enrollment.

    Certifications for Commercial Diving Training

    This program prepares you for nationally recognized certifications that employers value.

    ADCI Entry-Level Tender/Diver Certification

    ADCI

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    OSHA Commercial Diver Compliance Training

    OSHA

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    CPR/First Aid

    Divers Alert Network (DAN)

    Exam Focus: Core competencies; Safety; Trade practices

    Certification requirements vary by state and employer. Career-Bond partners will help you understand the requirements in your area.

    Commercial Diving Training Salary & Job Outlook

    $55K–$110K+
    National Salary Range
    ~$83,000
    Median Salary
    +7% (Faster than average)
    Job Growth Rate
    High Demand
    Market Outlook

    Growing demand driven by underwater construction, inspection, and maintenance needs across marine infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects requiring specialized diving skills

    Career Outlook for Commercial Diving Training

    Work Settings

    Offshore oil platforms, inland waterways, marine construction firms, shipyards, hydro dams, underwater inspection companies

    Advancement Path

    Progress to advanced certifications; specialize in a niche; move into lead, supervisor, estimator, or business owner roles with experience.

    What Is the Difference Between Commercial Diving Training and Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Training?

    TL;DR: Commercial Diving Training emphasizes underwater construction, inspection, and repair, while NDT Training focuses on inspecting materials using non-invasive testing methods.

    Commercial Diving Training prepares students for physically demanding underwater work. NDT Training focuses on inspecting materials and structures without causing damage using techniques like ultrasonic testing and radiography.

    Comparing Programs
    Commercial Diving Training
    Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Training
    Primary Focus
    Commercial Diving Training

    Underwater construction, inspection, and repair

    Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Training

    Non-invasive inspection of materials and structures

    Core Skills
    Commercial Diving Training

    Underwater welding and cutting, rigging, inspection

    Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Training

    Ultrasonic testing, radiography, magnetic particle inspection

    Work Settings
    Commercial Diving Training

    Offshore sites, bridges, dams, ports

    Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Training

    Manufacturing plants, refineries, controlled environments

    Best For
    Commercial Diving Training

    Physically demanding, hands-on underwater work

    Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Training

    Technical inspection roles focused on precision

    Commercial Diving Training

    Choose Commercial Diving Training if you want hands-on, physically intensive underwater work.

    Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Training

    Choose NDT Training if you prefer technical inspection roles focused on quality control and safety assurance.

    Benefits of Commercial Diving Training Training

    Train for a high-adventure trade with strong job demand
    Learn industry-standard diving and welding techniques
    Prepare for ADCI certification
    Access offshore and inland career paths with strong income potential
    Work in a specialized field few people ever experience

    Commercial Diving Training Student Reviews

    "The hands-on training and real dive time gave me the confidence I needed to start working offshore right away."

    Jordan M.
    Commercial Diver Tender

    "Career-Bond connected me with a program that included ADCI standards—exactly what employers were asking for."

    Terrell B.
    Inland Diver

    "The training prepared me for real underwater welding and rigging tasks. It opened a career path I never thought possible."

    Sabrina L.
    Underwater Welder

    Commercial Diving Training FAQs

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    Ready to Start Your Commercial Diving Career?

    Find Commercial Diving programs that match your goals and prepare you for ADCI-recognized training.