Scuba Divers

Job description

These individuals perform various underwater activities (construction, search and rescue, repair, photography, etc.). They are employed by companies that work on and in the sea.

Environment

  • Climatic conditions
  • Equipment, machinery, tools
  • Humidity
  • Uncontrolled ambient temperature
  • Hazardous workplaces
  • Vibration

Main tasks

  • Perform tasks related to offshore oil and gas exploration and extraction.
  • Operate underwater equipment for scientific or exploration purposes.
  • Inspect facilities and equipment visually and by non-destructive testing.
  • Carry out construction work (installation of hydraulic cribs or wharf piers).
  • Maintain facilities.
  • Handle cables and chains to raise submerged objects.
  • Set and detonate explosives to remove obstacles, dislodge, or raise submerged objects.
  • Participate in underwater search and rescue, refloating, salvage, and clean-up operations.
  • Check and maintain diving equipment.
  • Supervise and train other divers, as required.

Training and requirements

Formation

Most training programs are offered in French only.

College

Also required

  • Certificate of qualification.
  • Commercial diver certification or qualification obtained after completion of recognized training or dive training or a combination of training and practical experience.
  • Certificate of competence in diving.
  • Medical examination performed by a hyperbaric physician.

Sometimes required

  • Diving experience in the Armed Forces or Police may be required.
  • A Blaster’s certificate is usually required to install and detonate explosives.

Main skills and characteristics

Skills

  • Critical thought
  • Active listening
  • Monitoring operations
  • Oral expression
  • Quality control analysis
  • Data collection
  • Information processing
  • Operations and control
  • Time management
  • Reading comprehension
  • Coordination
  • Troubleshooting
  • Equipment maintenance
  • Judgment and decision-making
  • Repair
  • Solving complex problems
  • Teaching
  • Result evaluation
  • Active learning
  • Written expression
  • Negotiation
  • Social perception
  • Equipment selection

Abilities

  • Oral comprehension
  • Verbal skills
  • Awareness of issues
  • Hand-arm stability
  • Limb coordination
  • Control accuracy
  • Digital dexterity
  • Manual dexterity
  • Information organization
  • Deductive reasoning
  • Speech recognition
  • Near vision
  • Inductive reasoning
  • Physical flexibility in extension
  • Perception speed
  • Written comprehension
  • Static muscle power
  • Depth perception
  • Processing flexibility
  • Distance vision
  • Selective attention
  • Speech clarity
  • Classification
  • Endurance
  • Core strength
  • Time sharing
  • Colour perception and distinction
  • Reaction time
  • Visualization
  • Overall coordination of the body
  • Overall balance of the body
  • Written expression
  • Dynamic strength
  • Idea generation
  • Spatial orientation
  • Originality
  • Response orientation

Knowledge and attributes

  • Capacity to work under pressure
  • Sense of responsibility
  • Versatility
  • Tolerance to stress
  • Respect standards and regulations
  • Sense of observation
  • Knowledge of buildings and construction
  • Tolerance to frequent temperature variations
  • Timeliness
  • Knowledge of mechanics

Interests

  • Make, build, install
  • Work manually
  • Work outdoors

Personality profiles (RIASEC)

Realistic
People with this profile prefer carrying out concrete tasks and being physically involved in what they do.
Investigative
People with this profile prefer relying on theoretical knowledge before acting. They like observation, analysis and problem solving.
Social
People with this profile prefer to be in contact with others, in particular to entertain, help or teach them.

Last update: January 29, 2026

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