Diver

Career path and progression

You'd normally be self-employed as a commercial diver.

With experience and further training, you could take up roles with extra responsibility like a dive leader or instructor, or a life support technician, supporting divers in a compression chamber.

If working in a dive centre, you might move into management.

You could also set up a business, or work in a related field where diving skills are useful, like swimming pool or aquarium maintenance.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• physical skills like movement, coordination and balance
• observation and recording skills
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• persistence and determination
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

• pass a medical check

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Physics - Divers need to understand how pressure, buoyancy, and gas behaviour change at depth – these are core physics concepts that directly affect their safety and ability to work underwater. Knowledge of forces, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics helps them plan dives and use equipment correctly.
• Physical Education - Divers need excellent physical fitness, coordination, and stamina to work in demanding underwater environments. Strong swimming ability and an understanding of how the body performs under physical stress are essential for carrying out tasks safely at depth.
• Biology - Divers need to understand how the human body responds to pressure, cold water, and changes in oxygen and nitrogen levels – conditions that can cause decompression sickness or hypothermia. Those working in scientific research or marine environments also benefit from knowledge of marine ecosystems and underwater life.
• Engineering - Divers working offshore carry out underwater repairs, demolition, and salvage on structures like oil rigs, pipelines, and cables. Understanding engineering principles helps them assess structural integrity, use specialist tools, and carry out complex construction and maintenance tasks underwater.

Also relevant

• Design and Technology - Divers use a wide range of specialist tools and equipment, from welding gear to cutting tools, often in challenging conditions. Practical skills in working with materials and understanding how structures are built help them carry out repair and construction work underwater.
• Geography - Divers work in oceans, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, and need to understand tides, currents, water temperatures, and seabed conditions. Knowledge of physical geography and environmental systems helps them assess dive sites and work safely in different aquatic environments.
• Environmental Science - Divers involved in scientific research or offshore work need to understand the environmental impact of their activities on marine and freshwater ecosystems. They may also carry out environmental surveys or monitor underwater habitats as part of conservation or regulatory projects.
• Mathematics - Divers calculate dive times, decompression stops, gas mixtures, and pressure changes to ensure safe operations. Getting these calculations right is critical – errors can lead to serious injury or equipment failure.
• Business - Divers are often self-employed or run their own dive businesses, whether in commercial diving or the leisure sector. Understanding how to manage finances, price jobs, and market services is important for building a successful career.