by John Benson

Created on: August 03, 2009

The idea of being able to turn a hobby into a career is a very attractive prospect. If you have experience and the training then Scuba Diving can be a skill that can open up exciting career opportunities within a range of fields. Below are the top five jobs that require scuba diving as a central part of the role:

The Navy:

The Navy has a range of roles that require scuba diving. From underwater infiltration to mine detection and disposal, scuba diving is an essential part of the Navy's role. But the Navy also includes more search and rescue roles for divers, including assisting in the rescue of civilians from water, and in searching ships and vessels for survivors and bodies. The range of roles within the Navy is very broad for divers, although it can often be traumatic and dangerous.

Underwater Engineering:

Oil and civil engineering companies often require scuba divers to carry out maintenance work, surveys and exploration by either having trained divers as employees, or hiring scuba divers in especially for the jobs. For engineers who are looking for a little more excitement or to diversify a little, becoming a professional diver could expand the job roles available.

Marine Biological Research:

Marine Biologists often have to undertake extensive and intensive scuba diving training. This is an essential part of being able to undertake underwater research and the examination of marine life. Scuba diving is also important in environmental projects where researchers and volunteers can dive to research endangered environments and to undertake 'clean-up' projects and reef surveys.

Underwater photography and film making:

It may be that you can turn a talent for underwater photography/filming into a lucrative career. But television and film producers are often looking for professional divers to help shoot underwater footage for programmes and documentaries. This is an area that recreational divers can often take on, especially as the demands on the diver are limited and require less diving skill and ability than some of the other careers that require diving. If you are a keen diver this may well be the ideal area to earn extra income.

Hazardous Material Diving:

In contracts to the underwater photography/filming, HAZMAT diving requires divers who are very skilled and have a length of experience and aptitude. HAZMAT diving often involves repairing pipelines, recovering bodies, and controlling underwater pollution. This can be a very dangerous role, and requires divers to be in excellent physical condition and to undergo a range of physical and medical tests. This is definitely a role for only the very able and experienced divers, and for those whom dangerous environments do not cause concern or fear.

For recreational divers who are thinking about earning additional income from their diving skills becoming a diving instructor is a good way to improve your skills while earning money doing what you love. Good quality scuba equipment is a good next step for the recreational diver who wants to take the leap into professional, and it will provide the basis for your tools of your new trade!

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