Different Types of Scuba Diving Jobs

There are many different types of jobs related directly, or indirectly, to scuba diving. The different types of scuba diving jobs are determined by the level of certification achieved by the diver, what kind of work they enjoy, and whether they want a full or part time career.

Once certified as a professional scuba diver, a diver has many areas of business to work in. A diver can own or work in a retail store, assist the scientific exploration of the oceans, be a rescue specialist, or teach others how to scuba dive.

Most of the scuba diving jobs that are associated with recreation and vacation are geographically located in countries like Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, or the Caribbean.

Scuba Diving Job - Certification

A majority of scuba divers who seek certification choose the Professional Association of Diving Instruction, (PADI), an internationally recognized agency. Once enrolled in the program, they can step through increasingly difficult certification programs, from open-water private diver to rescue diver, dive-master, assistant instructor, instructor, and master instructor. Each time a level is achieved more opportunities open up for the scuba diver. Some scuba diving jobs are very specialized, such as underwater photography.

Scuba Diving Job – Dive Shop

One of the possible careers where you can put your love of scuba diving to work full time every day is to own or work in a dive shop. This is a great job because you work with other people that share your love of scuba diving. Working with a variety of scuba equipment, while testing it for safety, expands your product knowledge and makes you more valuable in the work place. Aside from drawing a steady salary with good benefits you are located in one spot and not constantly on the road.

Scuba Diving Job - Instructor

Scuba diving instructor is a very popular with young people who like to travel to many vacation destinations. The teaching usually involves a quick course, at the beginning of a vacation at a resort or onboard a cruise ship, about operation of the scuba equipment and proper underwater safety.

Scuba Diving Job - Oceanography

With the proper education, such as a degree in marine biology or oceanography, the lover of scuba diving is able to collect information that can be used in measuring the effects of global warming.

Scuba Diving Job – Offshore Oil Platform

A majority of the commercial demand for scuba divers comes from the large oil companies that operate off-shore. This work is extremely dangerous and usually involves building of underwater structures that are used in production and routine maintenance of the platform. Workers spend months at a time on these off-shore platforms that are at the mercy of the ocean.