Becoming a commercial diver is a
big step in anyone's life! Knowing what the industry is like and what
your chances of employment are at the end of your course are important
factors in determining whether you undertake the necessary training
to become an occupational diver.
Commercial or occupational diving is defined as diving performed in
the course of employment, irrespective of whether diving is the principle
function of employment or merely an adjunct to it. Commercial diving
comprises all diving carried out as part of a business, a service,
for research, or for profit.
Types of commercial diving include fish farming, abalone and pearl
diving, scientific diving, commercial construction diving and recreational
diving instruction. For information on the legislative requirements
for commercial diving click here.
For information on employment opportunities as a commercial diver
click here.
The Underwater Centre can help you gain employment. To find out what
we can do to assist you to find employment click here.
Finally, what you may get paid will also assist you to make the decision
to become a diver. To find out some base rates for diver's pay click
here.
As in all commercial ventures, gaining employment depends
to a large extent on the individual's ability to attract a prospective
employer's interest through the skill and experience he or she has
to offer, plus their adaptability and availability to carry out the
job, particularly at short notice. Maintaining employment depends
upon proving these attributes and becoming a dependable member of
the dive team with a professional attitude to all aspects of the job.
Employment as an occupational diver is, by and large, on a casual
contract basis. Availability of contracts is dependent on the onshore
(or civil) and offshore construction or maintenance work available
for a given period. Currently, work for ADAS certified divers is available,
though it must be stressed that this is at the moment. Seasonal variations,
offshore construction tasks and acts of God (cyclones!) do influence
the availability (or otherwise) of work. Additionally, work in the
construction industry is very much dependent upon a diver’s
ability to do a "task" underwater. Divers with trade or
practical work backgrounds will gain employment more readily than
those without, having already demonstrated the type of skills needed
for the sub-surface work being undertaken.
Employment within the recreational diving industry is seasonal, with
good job prospects available in summer. Employment in scientific disciplines
and aquaculture industries depends on the skills and/or tertiary qualifications
you bring to those jobs.
The Underwater Centre Fremantle is the only ADAS diver training
establishment in WA and we have attained a worldwide reputation for
our standard of training.
We are constantly monitoring the employment situation and will help
new graduates wherever we can to find work. Students can be provided
with
• An
up-to-date list of diving companies to whom you may apply on a more
personal level.
• Assistance
to compile or update your own personal CV to further increase your
chances of success in the job market. We maintain
your CV on our database and will continue
to upgrade copies for you for life. Once you start your career with
TUCF our commitment is ongoing.
• The
maintenance of your personal contact details on our database. Diving
contractors looking for potential employees
regularly approach The Underwater Centre Fremantle. Your
details can be passed on to these contractors if you are looking for
work.
Pay and conditions for the employment of divers
in Australia is covered by the "Professional Divers' - Maritime
Union of Australia Award 1992". Onshore casual pay rates start
at around AUD$250.00 per day plus allowances. Offshore rates and allowances
are considerably higher than this at almost AUD$1,300.00 per day.
Work overseas is generally paid under individual contracts negotiated
with employers. Daily pay rates start around US$500.00.
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