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Diving Vessel Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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.

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


SAIC rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 79 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 224 rated it services


Job description

SAIC is looking for a Marine Mammal Assistant 1 for our San Diego, CA location.  In this role, the successful candidate will be required to perform preparation of rations, cleaning of food preparation areas, animal enclosures and commons areas, as well as maintaining and cleaning specialized equipment.  A successful candidate will be physically fit, excel at working outdoors, and on a boat in moderate to rough sea states.

JOB DUTIES:

  • Personnel are also responsible for the operation and maintenance of small watercraft.
  • Personnel perform feeding and administration of food supplements, perform observation of marine mammals, and assist with basic husbandry.
  • The personnel in this position may be trained to become a designated secondary handler for specific animals.  Sealion or dog handing experience is a plus.
  • As part of an integrated military function the MMA-1 performs tasks related to the care and training of marine mammals for specific marine mammal projects.
  • This position will require scuba diving. Advanced scuba skills are a plus.
  • Job will require working outdoors on boats in adverse weather conditions. Experience working at sea and on live-aboard boats is a plus.
  • All new hires will have to pass a swim & dive test in addition to possessing at minimum, a basic scuba certification.
  • Personnel must be able to work flexible work hours including weekends and holidays.
  • Deter the presence of nuisance animals following established NIWC processes and procedures.
  • A requirement for this position includes the ability to travel frequently with animals anywhere in the world, to include potentially harsh environmental and high-risk locations, within 72 hours' notice.
SAIC is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation to serve and protect our world. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, intelligence, and civilian markets includes secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering services, and professional services. We integrate emerging technology, rapidly and securely, into mission critical operations that modernize and enable critical national imperatives.

We are approximately 23,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.3 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.

Required Education, Experience and Clearance to obtain:

  • High school diploma (or equivalent).
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Must be able to obtain Secret security clearance after start.
  • Must be physically fit and able to repetitively lift 50 or more lbs. on a regular basis.
  • The ability to successfully pass a Maritime Vessel Operation Color Blind Test as directed by the contract.
  • Basic SCUBA, and ONE of the following:
  • One (1) year animal training experience, OR
    • Operational and navigation experience on small boats (30' or under), OR
    • USCG license (operator of un-inspected passenger vessels/6pac - 46 CFR 10.467) or higher/U.S. Navy Coxswain's certification, and Operational experience using maritime navigational devices, OR
    • Advanced scuba diving certifications (i.e. dive master, instructor, commercial diver certification, 1st or 2nd class Navy Diver classification), and current First Aid and CPR certification, OR
    • Two (2) years of college and 3 months experience as a marine mammal custodian.

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