# Commercial Divers

> Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 49-9092.00
- **Summary:** Work below surface of water, using surface-supplied air or scuba equipment to inspect, repair, remove, or install equipment and structures. May use a variety of power and hand tools, such as drills, sledgehammers, torches, and welding equipment. May conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph structures or marine life.

## Aliases

- Commercial Diver
- Diver
- Diver Tender
- Tender
- Hard Hat Diver
- Non Destructive Testing Under Water Welder (NDT U/W Welder)
- Salvage Diver
- Aquarium Diver
- Area Commercial Diver
- Certified Diver
- Deep Sea Diver
- Dive Tender

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.g |
| Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Communicate with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Descend into water with the aid of diver helpers, using scuba gear or diving suits. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Obtain information about diving tasks and environmental conditions. | Core | 4.A.1.a.1.f |
| Supervise or train other divers, including hobby divers. | Core | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| Inspect the condition of underwater steel or wood structures. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Inspect and test docks, ships, buoyage systems, plant intakes or outflows, or underwater pipelines, cables, or sewers, using closed circuit television, still photography, and testing equipment. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Repair ships, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using caulk, bolts, and hand tools. | Core | 4.A.3.b.4.d |
| Recover objects by placing rigging around sunken objects, hooking rigging to crane lines, and operating winches, derricks, or cranes to raise objects. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Operate underwater video, sonar, recording, or related equipment to investigate underwater structures or marine life. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.e |
| Take test samples or photographs to assess the condition of vessels or structures. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.e |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Communicate with coworkers to coordinate installations or repairs. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Monitor work areas or procedures to ensure compliance with safety procedures. | 4.A.1.a.2.g |
| Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Maintain work equipment or machinery. | 4.A.3.b.5.a |
| Travel to work sites to perform installation, repair or maintenance work. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Gather information about work conditions or locations. | 4.A.1.a.1.f |
| Inspect systems to determine if they are operating properly. | 4.A.1.b.2.g |
| Test mechanical equipment to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.1.b.2.l |
| Repair non-engine automotive or vehicle components. | 4.A.3.b.4.d |
| Operate welding equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.ai |
| Attach rigging to objects so they can be moved. | 4.A.3.a.2.at |
| Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment. | 4.A.3.a.3.h |
| Install structural foundations. | 4.A.3.a.2.a |
| Record images needed to address work issues. | 4.A.3.b.6.e |
| Install piping for installation or maintenance activities. | 4.A.3.a.2.aq |
| Repair pipes to stop leaking. | 4.A.3.b.4.a |
| Repair structural components. | 4.A.3.b.4.a |
| Respond to emergencies to provide assistance. | 4.A.4.a.5.e |
| Train others in operational procedures. | 4.A.4.b.3.d |
| Supervise employees. | 4.A.4.b.4.a |
| Drill holes in parts, equipment, or materials. | 4.A.3.a.2.ad |
| Decontaminate equipment or sites to remove hazardous or toxic substances. | 4.A.3.a.1.c |
| Survey land or bodies of water to measure or determine features. | 4.A.1.b.3.d |
| Repair production equipment or tools. | 4.A.3.b.4.c |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 4.12 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 4.07 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 4 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 4 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 4 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.88 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.88 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.88 |
| Building and Construction | knowledge | 3.76 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.75 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.75 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3.75 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.62 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.62 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.62 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.62 |
| Physics | knowledge | 3.55 |
| Quality Control Analysis | transferable_skill | 3.5 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.5 |
| Extent Flexibility | ability | 3.5 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.38 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Equipment Maintenance | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Troubleshooting | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Repairing | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.25 |
| Static Strength | ability | 3.25 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.25 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.25 |
| Customer and Personal Service | knowledge | 3.2 |
| Mathematics | knowledge | 3.14 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.13 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Diving logbook software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Diving table software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Dynamic positioning DP software | Analytical or scientific software | no | no |
| Remote operated vehicle ROV dive log software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Web browser software | Internet browser software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.69 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.61 |
| Contact With Others | 4.59 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.55 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.52 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.38 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.36 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.26 |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.22 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 4.19 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.18 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.14 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 4.03 |
| Physical Proximity | 4 |
| Consequence of Error | 3.99 |
| Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection | 3.98 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.98 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.86 |
| Time Pressure | 3.85 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 3.82 |
| Spend Time Standing | 3.78 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.66 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 3.65 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 3.49 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.49 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.48 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 3.48 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.41 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.39 |
| E-Mail | 3.38 |
| Outdoors, Under Cover | 3.34 |
| Level of Competition | 3.24 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.17 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.14 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 3.14 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 3.05 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.98 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.91 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 2.89 |
| Spend Time Walking or Running | 2.7 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 3
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- **Experience:** Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- **Svp Range:** (6.0 to < 7.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 72.4 |
| Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 11.57 |
| High School Diploma | 7.7 |
| Bachelor's Degree | 5.02 |
| Some College Courses | 3.3 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 6.32 |
| Dependability | work_style | 6 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 5 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 4.18 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 4.01 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 4 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 3.6 |
| Nature/Outdoors | specific_interest_area | 3.27 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 3.1 |
| Self-Control | work_style | 3 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 2.67 |
| Construction/Woodwork | specific_interest_area | 2.33 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 2.3 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 2.28 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 49-9096.00 | role-49-9096-00 | Riggers | Primary-Short |
| 47-2152.00 | role-47-2152-00 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | Primary-Short |
| 53-5031.00 | role-53-5031-00 | Ship Engineers | Primary-Short |
| 53-5011.00 | role-53-5011-00 | Sailors and Marine Oilers | Primary-Short |
| 47-2011.00 | role-47-2011-00 | Boilermakers | Primary-Short |
| 47-5023.00 | role-47-5023-00 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | Primary-Long |
| 47-5012.00 | role-47-5012-00 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | Primary-Long |
| 53-7031.00 | role-53-7031-00 | Dredge Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-2151.00 | role-47-2151-00 | Pipelayers | Primary-Long |
| 17-2121.00 | role-17-2121-00 | Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | Supplemental |
| 47-3013.00 | role-47-3013-00 | Helpers--Electricians | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Supply Chain & Transportation | supply-chain-transportation |

## Education Level

- **Category:** Postsecondary nondegree award

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 61130
- **Mean Wage:** 78110
- **Pct10Wage:** 39130
- **Pct25Wage:** 49370
- **Pct75Wage:** 93840
- **Pct90Wage:** 152580
- **Employment:** 3430
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 1220 | 63240 | 6.07 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 1050 | 61420 | 5.81 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 640 | 63900 | 3.89 |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 170 | 38190 | 2.89 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 120 | 71210 | 0.5 |
| 541330 | 541330 | Engineering Services | National industry | 60 | 69560 |  |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 40 | 81510 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 56 | 56 | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | Sector | 1220 | 6.07 |
| 23 | 23 | Construction | Sector | 1050 | 5.81 |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 640 | 3.89 |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 170 | 2.89 |
| 54 | 54 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | Sector | 120 | 0.5 |
- **Count:** 7

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.18 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -1.102728 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | -0.7830058 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -1.08214 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 19
- **Percentile:** 16
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 14 | felten_aioe |
| 18 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 24 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -1.102728 | 14 | Low | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.13333333333333333 | 18 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.08372654873016848 | 24 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.18
- **Percentile:** 33
- **Band:** Low
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0
- **Beta:** 0.06666666666666667
- **Gamma:** 0.13333333333333333

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Operate underwater video, sonar, recording, or related equipment to investigate underwater structures or marine life. | 0.0023622791269016347 | 3.87 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 8.5
- **Growth Percentile:** 89
- **Direction:** Growing fast
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 0.4
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 6
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 4.2
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 4.5

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 23
- **Skills:** 31
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** 69fe56412befee5f