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Marine & Diving Careers

If you’re attracted to the idea of exploring the ocean and marine life, and desire a fun, interesting, and challenging career, then the marine and diving field may be just what you’re looking for.

The career opportunities within this industry are incredibly diverse. With training from a marine biology or diving school, you may be qualified for employment as a research diver, SCUBA instructor, rescue team member, as a commercial diver such as for oil, gas, and mining companies, in marine recreation at parks, as an oceanographer, operator of a charter boat, a marine biologist involved in environmental studies, for the government such as with NOAA or in homeland security, law enforcement, or underwater recovery, at an aquarium, university, as an underwater welder, or in the film industry as part of a crew performing underwater stunts, photography, and ensuring safety. The job possibilities are virtually endless.

The curriculum also varies widely depending on the specific career being pursued, such as environmental engineering courses being recommended when planning to become an oceanographer, but in general marine and diving instruction often emphasizes proficiency in advanced diving techniques, safety, commercial diving, marine science, first aid, nautical training, oxygen training, marine radio, and boat operation. Basic SCUBA diving and certification can be acquired alone in a very short period of time, often less than two weeks with evening classes available, and such training is sometimes provided by employers, the military, or private companies.

The salary range is just as broad as the career options in the marine and diving field, and are largely dependent on the job title, responsibilities, educational level, and experience acquired, ranging from an average of $40,000 in the government sector to an average of about $65,000 in the private sector, with some exceptions in positions with high demand, such as underwater welders who may earn upwards of $146,000.

Overall, the marine and diving field offers many different, exciting, and rewarding career prospects. If you like adventure and want to work in a nautical environment, consider taking an aptitude test or use career assessment software to find out if your interests and abilities are a good fit for the marine and diving industry. You can also use these assessment tools to narrow down which part of the marine and diving field you are best suited to work in.