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Commercial Diver Resume Examples & Templates

Looking to dive into your next opportunity? Our commercial diver resume examples can help you showcase your underwater skills and safety expertise, ensuring you catch the eye of potential employers.

Gabriela Hernandez
by Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer
Last Updated: November 24, 2025

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Jane Jones

Tacoma, WA 98411
(555)555-5555
Jane.Jones@example.com

Skills

  • Underwater Welding
  • Subsea Inspection
  • Dive Planning
  • Hyperbaric Support
  • Marine Salvage
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Deepwater Operations
  • Technical Diving

Languages

  • Spanish - Beginner (A1)
  • French - Beginner (A1)
  • German - Beginner (A1)

Professional Summary

Experienced Commercial Diver skilled in subsea operations, underwater welding, and marine salvage. Proven track record in increasing team efficiency and managing dive projects successfully.

Work History

Commercial Diver
DeepSea Solutions - Tacoma, WA
January 2023 - November 2025

  • Performed underwater welding on pipelines
  • Inspected and repaired subsea structures
  • Managed dive team operations for 20+ projects

Underwater Technician
Marine Technologies - Spokane, WA
January 2020 - December 2022

  • Conducted subsea equipment installations
  • Completed underwater inspections for oil rigs
  • Provided hyperbaric support to dive teams

Dive Specialist
Aqua Engineering - Tacoma, WA
January 2018 - December 2019

  • Executed salvage operations at depths of 150 feet
  • Recovered marine assets
  • Maintained diving gear for operations

Certifications

  • Commercial Diver Certification - IMCA
  • Underwater Welding Certification - AWS

Education

Master's Degree Marine Engineering
Marine Institute of Technology San Diego, California
May 2017

Bachelor's Degree Marine Biology
University of Miami Miami, Florida
May 2014

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How to Write a Commercial Diver Resume Summary

Your resume summary is your chance to make a lasting impression on potential employers. It’s the first thing they see, so it should effectively showcase your qualifications and readiness for the role of a commercial diver.

As a commercial diver, you should highlight your technical skills, safety certifications, and experience in underwater operations. This profession requires not only physical stamina but also precise knowledge of diving equipment and protocols.

To illustrate what makes an effective resume summary, here are some examples that will help clarify what works well and what doesn't:

Weak resume summary

I am a commercial diver with years of experience and various certifications. I am seeking a role where I can use my diving skills and contribute to the company’s success. A job that offers good pay and benefits is important to me, as well as chances for advancement.

Why this summary misses the mark:
  • Contains broad statements about the applicant's experience without detailing specific skills or accomplishments relevant to commercial diving
  • Emphasizes what the applicant desires from employment rather than highlighting unique contributions or strengths they would bring to an employer
  • Uses generic phrases that do not effectively showcase the job seeker's qualifications or differentiate them from others in the field

Strong resume summary

Experienced commercial diver with over 7 years in underwater construction and inspection, specializing in high-pressure welding and salvage operations. Successfully completed over 150 projects, consistently maintaining a 98% safety record while reducing project completion times by 20%. Proficient in using advanced diving equipment and underwater robotics, alongside certifications in deep-sea diving and hyperbaric medicine.

Why this summary works:
  • Starts with clear experience level and specific expertise in commercial diving
  • Highlights quantifiable achievements that showcase safety and efficiency improvements
  • Mentions relevant technical skills and certifications that are important for the role
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PRO TIP

If you're entering the commercial diving field without extensive work experience, consider crafting a compelling career objective instead of a summary. This approach can effectively highlight your passion and goals. You can find resume objective examples that are tailored to guide you through this process.

Showcasing Your Work Experience

The work experience section is essential to your resume as a commercial diver, serving as the main focus and containing the bulk of your content. Good resume templates always emphasize this critical section.

This part of your resume should be organized in reverse-chronological order, detailing your previous roles. Use bullet points to highlight key achievements and specific skills acquired during each position.

To help you craft a powerful work history, we will present a couple of examples that clearly illustrate effective entries for commercial divers. These examples will show what works well and what pitfalls to avoid:

Weak work experience

Commercial Diver

Oceanic Explorers Inc. – San Diego, CA

  • Performed underwater inspections.
  • Used diving equipment and tools.
  • Worked with team members on various projects.
  • Followed safety protocols while diving.
Why this work experience section misses the mark:
  • Lacks specific accomplishments or results from the projects undertaken
  • Bullet points are too generic and do not highlight specialized skills or expertise
  • Does not mention any relevant certifications or training that improve credibility
Strong work experience

Commercial Diver

Oceanic Exploration, Inc. – Newport, RI

March 2020 - Current

  • Conduct underwater inspections and repairs on marine structures, improving safety compliance by 30%.
  • Use advanced diving equipment to execute complex salvage operations, recovering assets valued over $1 million.
  • Train and mentor junior divers in safe practices and equipment handling, contributing to a 40% reduction in incident reports.
Why this work experience section works:
  • Starts each bullet with effective action verbs that clearly show the applicant's contributions
  • Incorporates specific metrics that highlight tangible results of the applicant's work
  • Demonstrates relevant skills tailored to the commercial diving field through detailed accomplishments

While your resume summary and work experience are important components, don't overlook the importance of other sections. Each part plays a role in showcasing your qualifications effectively. For more detailed guidance on crafting a standout resume, check out our comprehensive guide on how to write a resume.

Top Skills to Include on Your Resume

A skills section is important for any strong resume as it allows you to showcase your qualifications at a glance. It helps employers quickly assess if you have the technical skills necessary for the role, making your application more compelling.

For a commercial diver, it’s essential to highlight both technical and safety skills. Include expertise in underwater welding, equipment maintenance, and familiarity with diving software like DiveLog or Subsurface to demonstrate your skill in this specialized field. Mention soft skills like unwavering focus and calm composure under immense pressure in hazardous environments, disciplined adherence to rigorous safety protocols, and clear, non-verbal communication to coordinate complex tasks efficiently with the surface support team.

Hard skills refer to technical abilities like underwater welding, equipment maintenance, and diving operations that promote safety and efficiency in different marine settings.

Soft skills, such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication, play a key role in collaborating with crew members and tackling challenges under pressure during fieldwork.

When selecting skills for your resume, it’s important to align with what employers expect from an ideal applicant. Many organizations employ automated screening systems that filter out applicants lacking essential resume skills.

To improve your chances, carefully review job postings for insights on which resume skills to highlight. This strategy helps you tailor your resume effectively, appealing both to recruiters and ATS algorithms alike.

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PRO TIP

Ensure your resume stands out to employers by using our ATS Resume Checker. This tool helps you tailor your resume to navigate applicant tracking systems successfully by identifying over 30 common mistakes.

10 skills that appear on successful commercial diver resumes

To attract recruiters' attention, it’s important to highlight high-demand skills that commercial divers possess. These sought-after abilities can significantly improve your resume and demonstrate your qualifications effectively. By the way, you can see these skills illustrated in various resume examples, giving you insights into what resonates with hiring managers.

Consider adding the following 10 skills to your resume if they align with your experience and job requirements:

  • 1

    Underwater welding

  • 2

    Surface supply diving

  • 3

    Scuba diving skill

  • 4

    Hazardous materials handling

  • 5

    Equipment maintenance

  • 6

    Teamwork and collaboration

  • 7

    Problem-solving abilities

  • 8

    Physical fitness and endurance

  • 9

    Attention to detail

  • 10

    Safety compliance knowledge

Based on analysis of 5,000+ marina boating professional resumes from 2023-2024

Resume Format Examples

Choosing the appropriate resume format is important for a commercial diver, as it effectively showcases essential skills, certifications, and experience in underwater operations to potential employers.

Entry-Level 0 - 2 years

Functional

Focuses on skills rather than previous jobs

Functional

Best for:

Recent graduates and career changers with up to two years of experience

Mid-Career 3 - 7 years

Combination

Balances skills and work history equally

Combination

Best for:

Mid-career divers focused on demonstrating their skills and potential for growth

Experienced 8+ years

Chronological

Emphasizes work history in reverse order

Chronological

Best for:

Experienced divers excelling in underwater inspections and team leadership

Commercial Diver Salaries in the Highest-Paid States

Our commercial diver salary data is based on figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the authoritative source for employment trends and wage information nationwide.

Whether you're entering the workforce or considering a move to a new city or state, this data can help you gauge what fair compensation looks like for commercial divers in your desired area.

New York
$144,310
Washington
$139,630
New Jersey
$103,810
Wisconsin
$98,930
California
$98,210
Hawaii
$96,070
Vermont
$95,210
Indiana
$79,840
Virginia
$79,570
Maine
$66,550
Missouri
$66,070
Florida
$64,030
$0$75K$150K

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely, including a cover letter can significantly improve your application by showcasing your enthusiasm and giving depth to your qualifications. If you're looking for guidance, explore our tips on how to write a cover letter or use our Cover Letter Generator to get started quickly.

When applying for jobs abroad, use a CV instead of a resume as it is often the standard format. For guidance on CV formatting and writing, explore our detailed resources that provide CV examples and tips tailored for international applications. Additionally, learn how to write a CV effectively with our comprehensive guide.

Soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are essential for commercial divers. These interpersonal skills facilitate effective collaboration with crew members and improve safety during underwater operations, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and securely.

Highlight your transferable skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability from previous roles. These qualities are invaluable in commercial diving, showcasing your ability to handle challenges effectively. Use concrete examples from your past that relate directly to the tasks you’ll encounter in this field. This approach will illustrate your readiness and potential impact on the team.

To format a cover letter for commercial diver positions, begin with your contact details and follow with a professional greeting. Incorporate an engaging introduction that highlights your passion for diving and safety. In the body, clearly outline your relevant skills and experiences. Always tailor the letter to match the job description, concluding with a strong closing statement inviting further discussion.

Including a personal mission statement on your resume is advisable, as it highlights your core values and aspirations as a commercial diver. This approach is powerful, especially when targeting companies that prioritize safety, sustainability, or community engagement in their culture.

About the Author

Gabriela Hernandez large profile photo

Gabriela Hernandez CPRW, Career Advice Writer

Gabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Gabriela holds a B.A. in journalism from the University of Puerto Rico and offers more than four years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation.

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