How to Become a Commercial Diver (Step-by-Step)

A clear, supportive path from beginner to qualified commercial diver—with real guidance from people who’ve been there.

🇬🇧 UK-focused

✓ Real-world advice

💬 Supportive community

Who We Are

Beyond the Surface is a community and podcast built by people with real experience in commercial diving. We’ve navigated the training schools, the medicals, the job hunt, and the realities of working underwater—from West Africa to the Middle East to the North Sea to inshore sites across the UK.

We created this community to help aspiring divers avoid the overwhelm, confusion, and costly mistakes that so many face. Whether you’re just starting to research the career or already midway through training, you’ll find clear guidance, honest answers, and support from people who understand the journey.

Training Clarity

Understand which qualifications you actually need and which schools are worth your investment.

Kit & Equipment Advice

Learn what gear matters, what’s overrated, and how to invest wisely without breaking the bank.

Safety Culture

Build the right mindset and habits that keep you safe and employable throughout your career.

Employability Support

Get feedback on your CV, hear about job opportunities, and learn how to network effectively in the industry.

Listen to Real Stories from the Industry

Get honest insights into commercial diving careers from someone with over 20 years in the industry. From diving accidents to salary realities, these episodes cover what other courses won’t tell you.

Episode 3: The Truth About Money – What Commercial Divers ACTUALLY Earn

Forget the inflated salary figures diving schools advertise. I break down what commercial divers really earn – from your first job as a trainee to experienced sat diver rates. Learn about day rates, rotation schedules, tax implications, and why that “£100k+ salary” promise isn’t quite what it seems. I cover offshore oil & gas, renewables, and inshore construction pay across different diving disciplines, plus the hidden costs nobody mentions until you’re already committed.

Episode 2: How I Became a Commercial Diver

From aimless post-military life to discovering diving in Oman, this episode covers my chaotic journey into commercial diving – including some extremely dangerous decisions, near-death experiences in underwater tunnels, and a disastrous first week offshore that nearly ended my career before it started.

Episode 1: The Diving Accident That Changed My Life

The career-ending accident nobody wants to talk about. I share exactly what happened during a routine dive that changed everything – the physical reality of working under pressure, how quickly things can go wrong even with decades of experience, and what the recovery process revealed about the true risks of commercial diving. This is the conversation diving schools avoid having with students.

Episode 4: Runs Ashore: The Good, The Bad, and ‘How Did We Survive That?’

Life offshore isn’t just about the diving – it’s about surviving weeks on boats and installations with the same crew, dealing with 28-day rotations away from family, the legendary (and sometimes regrettable) port calls, and the unique bond formed with people who understand this bizarre lifestyle. From North Sea platforms to Middle East projects, I share the reality of what commercial divers actually experience between dives.

Your Path to Commercial Diving

Step 1

Build Baseline Fitness & Swimming Competence

Before you invest in training, ensure you have solid swimming ability and general fitness. Most HSE-approved schools require you to demonstrate strong swimming skills (typically 200m continuous swim, treading water, retrieving objects underwater). Commercial diving is physically demanding—carrying heavy equipment, working in challenging conditions, and maintaining focus under pressure all require a good fitness foundation.

What to focus on: Regular swimming sessions, cardiovascular fitness, core strength, and comfort in the water.

Common mistakes: Underestimating the physical demands and arriving at training unprepared or unfit.

Step 2

Get Your HSE Diving Medical

The HSE diving medical is a thorough health assessment conducted by an HSE-approved doctor. It includes physical exams, lung function tests, hearing and vision checks & ECG. This medical certifies you’re fit to dive commercially and work under pressure. You’ll need to pass this before starting your HSE-approved training, and it must be renewed periodically (usually annually). Pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart problems, or ear issues can affect eligibility, so get this done early.

What to focus on: Book with an HSE-approved doctor, be honest about your medical history, and address any concerns early.

Common mistakes: Waiting until you’ve paid for training before discovering a medical issue that could disqualify you.

Step 3

Complete HSE-Approved Core Training

In the UK, commercial diving training must be HSE-approved. Most divers start with an HSE SCUBA course, then progress to Surface-Supplied (SSDE) training. These courses teach you diving physics, safety procedures, equipment handling, emergency protocols, and hands-on diving skills. Training schools vary in quality and cost (typically £8,000-£15,000+), so research thoroughly. Look for schools with good industry reputations, modern facilities, and strong safety records.

What to focus on: Choose an HSE-approved school with solid reviews, and fully engage with the training—this is where you build your foundational skills and safety mindset.

Common mistakes: Picking a school solely on price, or rushing through training without truly absorbing the safety culture and skills.

Step 4

Obtain Relevant Certifications & Safety Tickets

Beyond your core HSE diving qualifications, you’ll need additional “tickets” depending on the sectors you target. Offshore work typically requires BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) and HUET (Helicopter Underwater Escape Training). You’ll also need valid first aid certification, and potentially other tickets like rigging, lifting, or specialist equipment training. IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) standards are widely recognised and often preferred by employers, especially in offshore oil and gas.

What to focus on: Research which tickets are essential for your target sector and budget for these additional costs (£500-£1,500+ per ticket).

Common mistakes: Not budgeting for extra tickets, or collecting irrelevant certifications that don’t match your career goals.

Step 5

Build Experience, Develop Your CV & Safety Mindset

Qualifications alone won’t get you hired. You need to demonstrate a professional attitude, a strong safety mindset, and ideally some logged diving hours or relevant experience. Volunteer for diving projects, assist at your training school if possible, or seek entry-level roles (even non-diving support roles in the industry). Build a professional CV that highlights your tickets, any experience, and your commitment to safety. Employers want reliable, safety-conscious team members, not just ticket-holders.

What to focus on: Log your diving hours, build relationships within the industry, and always demonstrate a safety-first attitude.

Common mistakes: Expecting a job immediately after training without building experience, networking, or refining your CV.

Step 6

Network, Apply, and Secure Your First Contract

Getting your first role requires persistence. Register with diving recruitment agencies, apply directly to diving contractors, and stay active in industry communities (online and in-person). Attend events, connect with working divers, and ask for advice or referrals. Many first jobs are in inshore or civil diving, aquaculture, or support roles rather than offshore oil and gas. Be patient, stay visible, keep your skills current, and be ready to take opportunities as they arise. Realistic timelines range from a few months to over a year post-training, depending on the market and your approach.

What to focus on: Build genuine relationships, be responsive to opportunities, and remain flexible about your first role—it’s a stepping stone.

Common mistakes: Only applying online and giving up too soon; not networking or staying engaged with the community during the job hunt.

Get Guidance, Support and a Clear Path

The journey to becoming a commercial diver can feel overwhelming—endless acronyms, conflicting advice, and high costs. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Our community is here to give you clarity, answer your questions, and support you every step of the way.

Inside, you’ll connect with aspiring divers just like you, as well as experienced professionals who’ve navigated the training, the job hunt, and the realities of working underwater. You’ll get honest feedback, practical advice, and the confidence to make informed decisions about your career.

Clear guidance on training choices, qualifications, and which tickets you actually need
Honest advice on kit and equipment—what to invest in and what to avoid
Insights into employability, CV building, and networking in the industry
A supportive space to ask questions, share progress, and stay accountable
Real-world perspectives on safety culture, offshore vs inshore work, and career progression
Access to the Beyond the Surface podcast community and additional resources

Beyond the Surface Podcast

Our podcast brings you honest conversations with working divers, trainers, and industry professionals. We cover everything from training choices and career paths to safety culture and the realities of life underwater. It’s practical, unfiltered, and designed to give you the insights you won’t find in brochures.

Listen on your favorite platform

Join the conversation

“The community helped me choose the right training school and avoid wasting money on unnecessary tickets. Worth every penny.”

“I got my first inshore contract within four months of finishing training, thanks to the networking tips and CV feedback from the group.”

“Finally, a space where people give honest answers instead of just trying to sell you a course. Wish I’d found this sooner.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a commercial diver in the UK?

In the UK, you’ll need HSE-approved commercial diving qualifications, which include SCUBA, Surface-Supplied (SSDE), and potentially Closed Bell certifications depending on your career goals. You’ll also need an HSE medical certificate, valid first aid training, and relevant safety tickets (BOSIET, HUET for offshore work). Most divers start with an HSE SCUBA course at an approved training school, then build from there. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) sets the standards, and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) provides additional industry guidance.

How long does it take to get job-ready as a commercial diver?

The timeline varies, but realistically expect 6-18 months from starting training to securing your first role. Initial HSE SCUBA training takes 4-8 weeks, followed by additional tickets and certifications (2-4 weeks). Then you’ll need to build a professional CV, network actively, and potentially gain some volunteer or entry-level experience. Offshore roles may require more tickets (BOSIET, HUET) and further waiting for the right opportunity. Staying engaged with the community and being proactive significantly shortens this timeline.

What's the difference between HSE and IMCA?

HSE (Health and Safety Executive) is the UK government body that regulates commercial diving and sets mandatory safety and qualification standards. If you’re diving commercially in UK waters, you must comply with HSE regulations. IMCA (International Marine Contractors Association) is an industry trade association that provides best-practice guidance, training recommendations, and standards recognised globally—particularly in offshore oil and gas. Many employers prefer or require IMCA-compliant training and operations, even though it’s not legally mandated like HSE approval.

How fit do I need to be to become a commercial diver?

Commercial diving is physically demanding. You’ll need a solid baseline of cardiovascular fitness, strength, and swimming ability. Most training schools require you to demonstrate strong swimming skills (e.g., swimming 200m continuously, treading water for extended periods). You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but regular fitness training—especially swimming, core strength, and endurance work—will make training easier and safer. Maintaining fitness throughout your career is essential, as the work involves heavy equipment, long hours, and challenging conditions.

What does the HSE diving medical involve?

The HSE diving medical is a thorough examination conducted by an HSE-approved doctor. It includes a full medical history review, physical examination, hearing and vision tests, lung function tests, ECG, and sometimes chest X-rays. The doctor assesses your fitness to dive under pressure and in demanding conditions. You’ll need to pass this medical before starting HSE-approved training, and renewals are required periodically (usually annually). Pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart issues, or ear problems may affect your eligibility, so it’s wise to get the medical early in your journey.

How much does commercial diving training cost in the UK?

Expect to invest £8,000-£15,000+ for initial HSE commercial diving training, depending on the school and course package. This typically includes HSE SCUBA and Surface-Supplied training. Additional costs include the HSE medical (£200-400), safety tickets like BOSIET or HUET (£500-£1,500 each), first aid courses, and ongoing gear or certification renewals. Some schools offer payment plans, and funding or sponsorship opportunities occasionally exist. It’s a significant investment, but quality training from a reputable, HSE-approved school is essential for safety and employability.

How do I get my first commercial diving job or contract?

Getting your first role requires persistence and networking. Build a professional CV highlighting your qualifications, tickets, and any relevant experience (even volunteer work). Register with diving recruitment agencies and apply directly to diving contractors. Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with working divers who can offer advice or referrals. Many first jobs are in inshore or civil engineering diving, aquaculture, or support roles, rather than offshore oil and gas. Be patient, stay visible, and keep your skills and tickets current while you search.

Is offshore oil and gas work the only route for commercial divers?

No, there are many sectors. Offshore oil and gas is high-profile and often well-paid, but inshore and civil engineering diving, underwater construction, aquaculture (fish farm maintenance), scientific and archaeological diving, subsea cable and pipeline work, and nuclear decommissioning all employ commercial divers. Inshore work can be more accessible for new divers and offers a different lifestyle (less time away from home). Your career path depends on your interests, qualifications, and the opportunities you pursue.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

You don’t have to navigate this path alone. Join Beyond the Surface and get the clarity, support, and practical guidance you need to become a confident, competent commercial diver.

An independent community for aspiring and working commercial divers.