Published: July 25th, 2006
The Chronicle Herald
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS
Diving into the deep
Commercial divers always like to be under the sea
Description of the work
Commercial divers perform tasks related to construction, inspection, search, salvage, repair, seafood harvesting, aquaculture and photography.
For example, they perform offshore oil and gas exploration/extraction duties and operate underwater video/film production, sonar and recording equipment.
Also, they inspect vessels, buoyancy systems and pipelines; perform underwater construction; set up and detonate explosives; and participate in search and rescue operations. In addition, they are required to check and maintain diving equipment.
Skills/characteristics required
Divers should be adventurous yet cautious, alert, and able to remain calm under stress. Physical stamina and good health are also necessary. Agility, co-ordination and a mechanical aptitude are important.
Employment Requirements
Completion of a recognized commercial diving school program is required. Divers must meet Canadian Standards Association requirements to be considered for commercial work. As of May 1, 2006, commercial divers must meet the requirements of the new Nova Scotia Occupational Diving Regulations.
A provincial blaster's licence for the setting and detonation of explosives is usually required to work as an underwater blaster.
Many successful commercial divers have an additional specialty, such as welding or electronics.
Work Prospects
Experienced divers often move on to open their own contracting services or open dive centres. Construction divers may advance to management or supervisory positions in construction firms. Experienced divers may also become instructors for hobby divers.
This is very small occupational group, with a workforce of about 60, and the number of employers is limited. The workforce is relatively young, with an average age of 31.
The majority of commercial divers are male. Eighty per cent have post-secondary training or education. Two-thirds of divers work from the Halifax area, with the rest on the north shore or in southern Nova Scotia.
Labour Market Information
Estimated average annual number of job openings: 3
Estimated average earnings in 2005: $20.25 hourly
Quote
"If you like variety, then commercial diving is the job for you,Ãsaid Richard Engle, project manager at Connors Diving Services Ltd. of Halifax. " It's different every day. One day, you could be diving on a tanker in the harbour, the next, you could be down the shore doing a salvage job in beautiful, clear water.
"Commercial diving is as safe as you want to make it or as dangerous as you want to make it. There are so many safety precautions though that you're rarely in any real danger."
Typical Jobs
Seafood harvester
Underwater contractor
Underwater film production equipment operator
Underwater welder
Underwater worker
Offshore diver
Commercial diver
Diver
For more information on commercial diving, check the website for the Diver Certification Board, divercertification.com.
On the Job is a weekly column looking at employment options in Nova Scotia.
Information on 300 occupations for Nova Scotians can be found at the Education D
epartment's Career Options website, novascotiacareeroptions.ca.
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