If you were to look at the bottom of my resume, under additional qualifications, you would see "PADI Certified Open Water Scuba Diver." I am a scuba diver, and I let every potential employer know that. For me, it is highly unlikely that I would ever get a job that would utilize my dive certification, with the exception of writing about my experiences diving. I dive recreationally, and not to make money. For others, a scuba certification is a means to a rewarding and lucrative career.

What jobs are available that involve scuba diving? If you thought "instructor," you're partially correct. However, scuba instructors are just one type of career you could have if you become a certified scuba diver. If you worked as a commercial diver, you could be a valuable commodity to employers within the oil and gas, shipping, marine, and construction industries. You must be in excellent health, and most commercial diving jobs will require an annual physical. Here are some of the career paths you could take:

UNDERWATER WELDER: You will attend a commercial diving career and learn the aspects and risks of the job. Most commercial underwater welders are paid on a per-project contract basis. After you become experienced, you could become an underwater welding inspector or a consultant.

UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER: As an underwater photographer, you can share what you see below the water surface with the rest of the world. Your work could appear in textbooks, scuba magazines, and resort web sites. After you become experienced, you could become an instructor.

AQUARIUM MAINTENANCE: Large aquariums cannot be emptied of hundreds of fish every time there is a small problem or the tank needs to be cleaned. Often the water is very cold and dirty, and the tank could be filled with hundreds of sharks. Your job would be to vacuum up shark waste and pick up old fish heads.

NUCLEAR REACTOR DIVER: All 104 nuclear power plants in the United States depend on water to keep things going and prevent melting. The work is dangerous, with a constant risk of radiation exposure. The largest nuclear diving company in America is the Underwater Construction Corp.

If you want to learn more or actually apply for diver jobs or a commercial diving academy, continue your research online. Start by visiting the following web sites:

www.diversjobs.com
http://www.nauiww.org/scuba_jobs.php
http://www.scubajobsonline.com/.

Learn more about this author, Valerie Ashton.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

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