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Diving Vessel Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

This position will require scuba diving. Advanced scuba skills are a plus. * Job will require ... The ability to successfully pass a Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test as directed by the ...

Diving Vessel information

What is a diving vessel?

Diving vessels are specialized ships or boats designed to support underwater diving operations. They are equipped with facilities such as decompression chambers, diving platforms, and storage for diving gear. These vessels serve as a base for commercial, scientific, or recreational diving activities and can operate in various environments, from coastal waters to deep-sea locations. Diving vessels are essential for safely transporting divers, managing logistics, and providing emergency support during underwater missions.

What are the typical responsibilities and challenges of working on a diving vessel crew?

Crew members on a diving vessel are responsible for supporting underwater operations, including preparing diving equipment, ensuring diver safety, and maintaining clear communication between the surface and divers. A common challenge is working in variable weather and sea conditions, which can impact schedules and require adaptability. Teamwork is essential, as crew members collaborate closely with divers, engineers, and supervisors to ensure efficient and safe operations. Attention to detail and quick problem-solving skills are highly valued in this dynamic environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a diving vessel operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Diving Vessel Operator, you need a solid background in marine operations, navigation, and vessel safety, often supported by relevant maritime certifications and experience. Familiarity with navigation systems, radio communication equipment, and safety protocols is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, leadership, and problem-solving skills help ensure safe and efficient vessel operations during diving missions. These skills are critical for maintaining crew safety, adhering to regulations, and supporting successful underwater operations.

What is the difference between Diving Vessel vs Commercial Diver?

AspectDiving VesselCommercial Diver
Primary RoleOperates or manages vessels used for diving operationsPerforms underwater tasks such as inspection, repair, or construction
CertificationsMaritime certifications, vessel operation licensesCommercial diving certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentVessels at sea, offshore platformsUnderwater, at job sites, offshore or inland
Employer/IndustryMaritime, offshore oil & gas, underwater constructionConstruction, oil & gas, underwater inspection

While a Diving Vessel is a specialized ship used to support diving operations, a Commercial Diver is a professional who performs underwater tasks. Both roles are interconnected in underwater industries, but they focus on different aspects: one on vessel operation and support, the other on underwater work execution.

What are popular job titles related to Diving Vessel jobs in California?

For Diving Vessel jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Diving Vessel jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Diving Vessel jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Diving Vessel job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Small Boat Captain

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC
Water Transportation • 11 - 50 employees

$30 - $42/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Relocation: No relocation offered for this position
Worksite: NOAA Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
Status: Part-Time
Classification: Non-Exempt
Travel: Yes
Pay: $30-$42/hr, depending on license, qualifications, and experience
Job Summary
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an experienced and well-qualified captain to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary (CINMS) in Santa Barbara, CA. CINMS operates and maintains the 62' research vessel Shearwater , the 28' research vessel Minke , and occasionally other NOAA-owned vessels on the West Coast to conduct scientific research, monitoring, exploration, and education/outreach missions, while preserving submerged resources and increasing awareness of maritime heritage.
CPC is looking for a captain who is passionate about missions in the field of marine sciences (oceanographic missions, hydrographic missions, general research missions, etc.). Our ideal candidate will not only be a capable boat handler but also well versed in maintenance of small boats. and the vessels require regular maintenance and periodic troubleshooting.
Tasks
• Ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessels at all times, in accordance with all NOAA policy guidelines, vessel operations manuals, vessel standing orders, and specifically NOAA Small Boat Standards and Procedures Manual (NSBSPM), NOA 209-125, MARPOL, and COLREGS.
• Exercise prudent judgment at all times. Be willing, able, and capable of responding to shipboard emergencies and actively participate in drills.
• Ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with the NOAA Small Boat Program requirements. Conduct an Operational Risk Assessment with crew members prior to getting underway. This includes assessing weather and sea-state forecasts for the mission area.
• Coordinate and support emergent repairs to CINMS small boat assets as required. Provide oversight during shipyard and repair periods. Help coordinate engineering work requiring certified technician assistance from engineering contractors, naval architects, electricians, and marine surveyors if required.
• Verify cruise and float plans and communicate with the shore-side point of contact frequently when underway.
• Conduct the vessel pre-departure checklist, hold a safety briefing for all embarked personnel at the start of every cruise day, and ensure that all safety procedures are understood and adhered to while underway.
• Operate deck equipment including A-frame, scientific winch, capstan, boat crane, Nitrox dive air compressor and small skiff.
• Document all vessel-related activities in the ship's log.
• Be ready and available for emergency responses.
Requirements
Required certifications and experience
• Possess an active USCG license (100 tons or above).
• Current First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• At least 2 years of experience working on NOAA vessels, or similar research or law enforcement vessels.
• Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Experience operating overhead load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and small cranes.
• Experience with deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, divers, and vessel skiff using A frame, oceanographic winch, capstan and boat crane.
• Experience performing maintenance tasks on marine engines and systems; engineering/mechanical background and troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of current U.S. Coast Guard inland and International navigation rules.
• Working knowledge of FCC marine radio licensing requirements and operations procedures, including marine distress communications.
• Physically able to lift and carry 75 pounds to assist with mission mobilization and maintenance.
• Physically able to work in confined machinery spaces and in remote and rugged offshore environments.
Highly desired skills and experience
• Knowledge and experience with California coastline, especially around the Channel Islands.
• Experience driving/following transect lines at low speed.
• Experience with Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) tracking.
• Experience with vessel operations for SCUBA diving operations at anchor and live boating.
AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$30-$42/hr, DOE