Many people would do just about anything to get out of the 9-to-5 cubicle rut, so why not choose a career in which an office existence is not even an option? If you enjoy scuba diving as a hobby, consider commercial diving as a career. Commercial divers can find employment in the marine, shipping, construction, and natural resource industries-and they don't have to worry about reading interoffice memos, either.

Much of the work that commercial divers do in the depths of the ocean involves welding, including the installation and securing of pipelines and other structures. In addition to oil and gas pipelines, like those that are found in the Gulf of Mexico, commercial divers will also be given the task of building, maintaining, and repairing telecommunication equipment that is buried beneath the ocean floor. Research conducted underwater for future construction projects, such as tunnels, is also assigned to commercial divers, who gather the data necessary to draw up blueprints and design specifications.

Dive into an Exciting Career
The majority of job seekers today are looking for employment in offices, classrooms, and other buildings-all above ground. As someone who is looking to become a commercial diver, you'll be looking for work many hundreds of feet underwater, which means you'll need a lot more than just a resume and cover letter. You will need to complete an accredited program to become certified as a commercial diver, as well as have your high school diploma or GED.

Commercial diving curriculum involves classes both in and out of the water such as: diving physics and physiology, hyperbaric chamber operations, welding, underwater equipment and tools, equipment maintenance, rigging, first aid and CPR, underwater photography, and hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER). As with any job that requires manual labor, there are significant risks. Diver medics are an important part of any commercial dive, as they are trained to help keep divers safe each and every time they dive below the water's surface. Should a commercial diver become injured while on a job site, a diver medic will immediately start the process of raising the diver safely to the surface for medical care. Additionally, a good commercial diving curriculum include a healthy dose of safety and first aid classes as a precaution for divers.
 
Since much of a commercial diver's day is spent many feet below water, one obviously must enjoy being in the water. In fact, it is not unusual for someone certified as a scuba diver to make the transition into commercial diving so as to turn an interest into something that can pay the bills.  

It is difficult to estimate an average salary for commercial divers since wages do vary greatly and are paid on a per-project basis. According to the American Welding Society, there are some commercial divers who do make it into the six-figure salary range, though there are also many others who make quite a bit less. As the U.S. government continues to look for other sources of energy, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, there will be significant attention paid toward underwater exploration, which will benefit those looking for employment as commercial divers. So dive in-the water's fine!