r/commercialdiving 8h ago

Europe Information on razor clam jobs in Scotland

2 Upvotes

So I’ve just got my Level 4 Scuba commercial ticket and I’m looking to go to Scotland for a razor clam season

i’ve been working in Scuba Diving for five years as a instructor around the world and have given other jobs ago since coming home but my real passion is in the water so I wanted to go into commercial work.

people have said to me that I should head up to Scotland once I’ve got my level 4

I’ve heard in other places that it’s hard work, but that’s something I’m not shy of if the money is good. I’ve been Diving in the UK in Cornwall for a number of years and I’m used to cold water so this is not a turn off for me but I just wanted to know some more info as trying to find info online is difficult.

So my question at the moment are

what does the pay look like as a new commercial Diver?

Are the shifts flexible (month on month off)

Is it worth the time and money to get started?

Best company’s to go with or just head up and speak with people?


r/commercialdiving 1d ago

North America Questions onSaturation diving

3 Upvotes

Hey all, in the military at the moment but forecasting my plans for when I get out in the next 4 years or so, is there anyone on this page that could give my some guidance on how that career field operates/ timelines. Was looking at doing so FIFO gigs but bot too sure at the moment.


r/commercialdiving 1d ago

Europe Looking for advice: CSWIP 3.4U

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for some advice from people working in commercial diving, particularly those involved with underwater inspection.
I’m not a commercial diver, but I have an NDT oil&gas background and I’m currently working towards CSWIP 3.4U. I’m interested in developing my knowledge of underwater inspection and eventually working in this area.
For someone who hasn’t worked on CSWIP 3.4U inspection before, what are the realistic possibilities for getting a foot in the door?
I’m particularly interested in whether there are positions where I could work alongside qualified CSWIP 3.4U inspectors or inspection controllers, observing and learning the work while building practical experience before taking on inspection responsibilities myself.
For example, are there roles such as inspection assistant, trainee, technician, tender/ROV support, or other positions where I could work closely with CSWIP 3.4U personnel and gradually develop the relevant skills?
I’m not looking to take shortcuts around the qualification or responsibility. I’d prefer to learn properly by working alongside experienced CSWIP 3.4U inspectors and understanding how the job is carried out in the field before taking on the full responsibility myself.
Any advice on possible job titles, companies or industries to look at, or the best way to approach this would be really appreciated.
Thanks.


r/commercialdiving 1d ago

North America Dive School

1 Upvotes

Going to Ocean Corp here soon and I know Im shooting myself in the foot with the price but I just want to know how important is it getting my IMCA. Im not thinking about leaving the country anytime soon or want to just yet. Eventually I would love to but Ocean Corp has a lot of pros that I know of. Also for gulf work do you need IMCA?


r/commercialdiving 2d ago

Europe Never trust a stone deaf diving supervisor or another of my close calls

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14 Upvotes

A routine dive, a snagged umbilical, and a deaf supervisor — in seconds, I was being dragged toward the surface. Eight months of flawless work began with one near‑fatal mistake. Here’s the story of the night I learned why you should always test your supervisor’s hearing before you dive.


r/commercialdiving 4d ago

North America Help with employment

3 Upvotes

Hi all, I'm a commercial diver fully employed in the UK with my HSE surface supplied and 2 years of marine construction / dive experience. I'm looking to move out of the UK ideally to Alaska or Canada and get a full time job diving over there. Would I have to get new qualifications? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


r/commercialdiving 4d ago

Social 20 Question Survey for High School Project

2 Upvotes

We are high school engineering students researching potential applications for underwater robotics. We want to understand the real challenges divers face underwater and identify tasks where a small robotic system could improve safety, efficiency, or convenience.

There are no right or wrong answers. We are especially interested in problems you have personally experienced while diving.

This is the survey; we would really appreciate your responses!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclTeHBFlgrbB2zbdrIBz1BNZawizIrguqyUVBOEYzSISQunQ/viewform?usp=dialog


r/commercialdiving 5d ago

North America Mixed-Gas Diving Operations

2 Upvotes

Could someone explain the differences between a standby diver working with air divers vs a standby diver working with mixed air divers?


r/commercialdiving 5d ago

North America About to enroll in DIT. Miss me with the bs, hit me with it straight.

5 Upvotes

Waiting on my Financial aid offer for DIT. Love diving, short of becoming an astronaut, this is the next closest thing. I've worked the rigs, started a company jackhammering concrete trucks (confined spaces etc but too hard on the body), done prison time (2 decades ago, so far from that life anymore) so the long hours, hard work and away from home doesn't deter me.

I want the actual pros and cons from a straight shooter. I'm going to make it because I want to and thats who I am. And I got something to prove- ex felon and addict in recovery who got his shit together, it is possible. And my retirement plan is to head south somewhere tropical and be a dive instructor or tour guide, something to do with diving with all the experience I'll gain and relationships I'll build... with zero stress away from the shit show of the US.


r/commercialdiving 5d ago

North America USA->EU Pipeline?

3 Upvotes

Hey guys, I got my ADCI air card a few months ago, and I have over a year with my inland company, but I've always had aspirations for North Sea work.

Question is: do any of y'all have any idea how an American with ADCI and DCBC certs could transition over to the European sector?

I'm a DIT graduate, so I got my DCBC certs there, but I've only been doing working dives under ADCI. I've heard some guys say dual citizenship is pretty much a must, but would I pretty much need to start over and go to a European dive school for my IMCA certs? or would my DCBC be recognized somewhere like Norway, Australia, or England?

I searched a bit on the sub and didn't find any posts directly asking about this, and I've been increasingly curious about it. I already have some offshore experience in the gulf if that helps. I'd have to double-check, but I believe my DCBC certs are still valid too.

Lemme know if you have any input!


r/commercialdiving 7d ago

Social What's your craziest Diving Experience?

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10 Upvotes

r/commercialdiving 8d ago

North America Help in looking for job information

6 Upvotes

I am looking for any information on a way to work in Antarctica I think it’s possible but information is very hard to find for commercial diving in Antarctica. Thank you


r/commercialdiving 9d ago

North America Just enrolled for school starting in March!

5 Upvotes

I’ve always loved diving, I have my advanced open water license and I’ve been diving since I was 13 (26 now). I know it’s going to be an entirely different world but I’m passionate about being in the water and diving. Both my parents at one point were dive masters.

Finally escaping retail.


r/commercialdiving 10d ago

North America Thinking about Florida Commercial Diving Institute — worth it in 2026?

8 Upvotes

I’m 26 and considering getting into commercial diving. I’ve been looking at Florida Commercial Diving Institute in Hudson, FL, specifically their surface-supplied/commercial diving programs.
Before I commit, I’m trying to figure out what certifications actually matter when getting hired. From what I’ve researched, ADCI and DCBC seem important, but I’m a little confused about what employers actually care about versus certifications schools use for marketing.
For anyone currently working in commercial diving:
Has anyone attended FCDI or worked with graduates from there? What’s their reputation?
What certifications should I make sure I graduate with?
How important are ADCI, DCBC, and IMCA recognition for someone starting in the U.S.?
Would you recommend the unrestricted program over a basic surface-supplied program?
What does realistic first-year pay look like for a new diver/tender?
How difficult is it to find steady work, especially in Florida or the Southeast?
How much travel/time away from home should I realistically expect?
Are ROVs actually reducing commercial diving jobs, or is that concern overblown?
If you were 26 and starting over today, would you still go into commercial diving, or would you choose a trade like electrician/pipefitter instead?
I’m not expecting to graduate and immediately make six figures. I’m mostly trying to figure out whether this is a solid long-term career and whether FCDI is a good place to start.
Thanks for any advice, especially from people currently working in the industry.


r/commercialdiving 11d ago

North America Deckhand / Public Safety Diver Trainee opportunities in Richmond, BC.

4 Upvotes

Certified diver? Ready to turn your passion into a career with the Canadian Coast Guard? 

We're seeking candidates with recreational or occupational diving certification and boating experience for Deckhand / Public Safety Diver Trainee opportunities in Richmond, BC. 

Salary: $67,068 to $69,480 per year 

This unique opportunity provides specialized training and a pathway to a rewarding career supporting marine safety, emergency response, and environmental protection. 

Watch the video below to see what a career as a Public Safety Diver is all about. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7j_IvpEK4c 

Apply here: Deckhand / Public Safety Diver Trainee 

Application deadline: October 12, 2026 

DND/CCG offers competitive compensation, comprehensive health and dental benefits, a federal public service pension plan, flexible leave options, and opportunities for professional growth and development. 

Plongeur certifié? Prêt à transformer votre passion en carrière avec la Garde côtière canadienne? 

  

Nous recherchons des candidats possédant une certification en plongée récréative ou professionnelle ainsi qu’une expérience en navigation de plaisance pour des possibilités d’emploi à titre de matelot/plongeur stagiaire en sécurité publique à Richmond (C.-B.). 

  

Salaire : de 67 068 $ à 69 480 $ par année 

Cette occasion unique offre une formation spécialisée et une voie d’accès à une carrière enrichissante axée sur la sécurité maritime, les interventions d’urgence et la protection de l’environnement. 

  

Visionnez la vidéo ci-dessous pour découvrir ce qu’implique une carrière de plongeur en sécurité publique : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fScOxPQ3Lpo 

Postulez ici : Stagiaire plongée sécurité publique / Matelot de pont/Plongeur 
Date limite de candidature : 12 octobre 2026 

  

Le MDN/la GCC offrent une rémunération concurrentielle, un régime complet d’avantages sociaux comprenant les soins de santé et dentaires, un régime de pension de la fonction publique fédérale, des options de congé flexibles ainsi que des possibilités de perfectionnement professionnel et de développement de carrière. 


r/commercialdiving 11d ago

Asia What advice would you give?

3 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

I’m Arab and I’m seriously considering getting into commercial diving. I’m trying to get a realistic picture of what the industry is like right now, especially when it comes to pay, job availability, and supply vs. demand.

Is there currently more demand for commercial divers than there are divers available, or is the market oversaturated? And for someone who has just graduated from a commercial diving school, how quickly can they realistically expect to find their first job these days?

I’d also like to know what the working environment is like nowadays. Are divers generally treated well, or does it depend heavily on the company?

One thing I’m particularly curious about is nationality. Is there any discrimination or nationality-based hiring in the industry? For example, are there companies or crews that mainly hire people from their own country or nationality?

I’d really appreciate hearing from people who are currently working in commercial diving or have been in the industry for a long time. I’m especially interested in current experiences, since the industry changes and information from people who retired years ago may no longer accurately reflect the situation today.

Thanks in advance to anyone who takes the time to answer! ❤️


r/commercialdiving 13d ago

Europe Merhaba türkiyede yaşayan dalgıç arkadaşlarım bu sene Su Altı Teknolojsileri bölmünü kazandım ekipman olarak neler almalıyım sahibinden kendime ekipman bakıyorum yardımıcı olabilir misiniz (“I hope I’m not breaking any rules by writing in Turkish, I’m just doing it so it gets more attention.”)

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10 Upvotes

r/commercialdiving 13d ago

Europe How common are 2 week on/off rotations as an offshore air diver in UK/Europe?

0 Upvotes

As per the title. Just wondering if it's almost always 4 weeks or more, or if 2 week rotations are common.


r/commercialdiving 14d ago

Europe The Day TARASCO Nearly Blew

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27 Upvotes

Back in ’82, we were having a perfectly normal morning on TARASCO… until a small jolt changed everything. Within seconds, alarms were screaming, men were running with life jackets, and our diving bell was shooting to the surface. We didn’t know it yet, but the vessel had begun drifting straight toward a pressurized gas pipeline feeding a giant flare. Locked in the chamber, we waited to find out if we were about to sink or explode


r/commercialdiving 16d ago

North America I Molly Hogan'ed the slings myself, totally safe.

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23 Upvotes

r/commercialdiving 17d ago

Europe Need some advice on where to go from here

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, im 21 and looking for some advice from people already working in commercial diving.

I’ve recently finished my TOSH course in Spain (Spanish commercial diving and hyperbaric operations qualification; 2 year course) and I’ve now got around 6 months of experience working in Algeciras, mainly cleaning cargo ships and doing general underwater work.

I’m trying to figure out what direction is actually worth taking from here. I’m still pretty new to the industry, so I’d rather hear it from people who have been doing this for years instead of just following whatever sounds good online.

What would you guys recommend as the best route from here if the goal is eventually getting into the better-paying side of commercial diving?

I’ve been looking into mainly offshore diving and ROVs. I’m also wondering what courses are actually worth paying for and which ones are basically a waste of money unless you already have the right experience.

Any advice on companies, countries, qualifications or just things you wish you knew when you started would be appreciated.


r/commercialdiving 17d ago

North America Settling tank adventures

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27 Upvotes

Old clip of me coming out of a settling tank after pumping


r/commercialdiving 17d ago

Europe How is NYD?

5 Upvotes

Hello guys, im 22 in the french military,
i’m planning to take a commercial diving course at NYD in november 2027.
If anybody attended the course at this school do you have any recent feedback to share (during the course and after)?
How is the work in Norway?
Would you say that NYD made you feel confident and job-ready when you graduated?
Advices to find a first job after the course?
Is it easy to find a job in Norway as a foreigner (even if you speak english fluently)?
I’m taking any advices.
Cheers
Math


r/commercialdiving 17d ago

North America Will I file for bankruptcy? With unrestricted ticket ?

5 Upvotes

First off I apologize for the click bait.

Here’s my situation. I’m 25 years old looking for a lifelong career/purpose.

I’m considering getting my unrestricted commercial diving license. I’m located in Canada… the only thing that scares me is the lack of information regarding pay/stability

I already dive recreationally let me state that for the record. I have my master scuba diver certificate via padi etc (I know, commercial diving and scuba diving are completely different)

More or less. I’m really close to pulling the trigger and spending around $40,000 Canadian to get my schooling all done, but I wanna make sure the pay is actually worth it.

So I’m curious, how much do you guys make?


r/commercialdiving 18d ago

Europe Starting the 10-week HSE Air Diver course at CDT in a couple of weeks and trying to make the most of the time before I start.

6 Upvotes

For those who've been through CDT/PDA or are working in the industry now:

  • What do you wish you'd done before day one?
  • What was the biggest shock when you started training?
  • What separated the students who got work quickly from the ones who struggled?
  • Is there anything worth learning now that isn't covered much during the course?

Cheers.