1

Internship Commercial Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns ... The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by ...

We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns ... The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by ...

We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns ... The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by ...

We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns ... The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by ...

We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns ... The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by ...

We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns ... The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by ...

We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns ... The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by ...

Project Engineer - Newport, KY

Newport, KY · On-site

$67K - $86K/yr

With offices in Newport, KY, EGC services local and regional clients with general, commercial and ... EGC is committed to a divers e workforce.

Internship Commercial Diver information

See salary details

$11

$23

$44

How much do internship commercial diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship commercial diver in the United States is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can saturation divers earn over $300000 with years of experience?

Saturation divers can potentially earn over $300,000 annually with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, especially in high-risk environments like deep-sea construction or oil and gas industries. However, such high earnings are typically achieved through overtime, bonuses, and working in remote or hazardous locations, and are not guaranteed for all divers with years of experience.

What is the difference between Internship Commercial Diver vs Commercial Diver?

AspectInternship Commercial DiverCommercial Diver
CertificationsBasic diving certifications, safety trainingAdvanced certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, supervised environmentsUnderwater construction, inspection, repair
Experience LevelEntry-level, learning phaseExperienced, independent work
Job PurposeGaining skills, trainingPerforming underwater tasks professionally

Internship Commercial Divers are in training, focusing on gaining skills and certifications under supervision. Commercial Divers are experienced professionals performing underwater work independently. The internship prepares individuals for a career in commercial diving, which involves more complex tasks and responsibilities.

Is there a demand for commercial divers?

Commercial divers are in demand for underwater construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair projects across various industries such as oil and gas, shipping, and infrastructure. The job market for commercial divers is influenced by industry activity, safety regulations, and the need for specialized skills and certifications like commercial diving licenses.

What are Internship Commercial Divers?

Internship Commercial Divers are students or entry-level professionals who participate in hands-on training programs to learn the skills and safety procedures necessary for commercial diving. These internships provide practical experience in underwater construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair work, often under the supervision of experienced divers. Interns may work in various environments, such as offshore oil rigs, shipyards, or underwater infrastructure projects. The goal is to prepare participants for a full-time career in commercial diving by offering real-world exposure and industry certification opportunities.

What is the 120 rule in diving?

The 120 rule in commercial diving states that divers should not exceed 120 minutes of total underwater work time at a given depth without mandatory decompression stops. It helps ensure diver safety by limiting nitrogen absorption and reducing decompression sickness risk, especially during extended or repetitive dives. Proper planning and adherence to dive tables or computer guidelines are essential for compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Internship Commercial Diver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Commercial Diver, you need a solid understanding of diving techniques, basic underwater construction or inspection skills, and completion of an accredited commercial diving program. Familiarity with diving equipment, underwater communication devices, and safety certifications such as ADCI or IMCA diver qualifications are typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safety, effective underwater task completion, and successful collaboration during challenging underwater operations.

How much do diving apprentices get paid?

Diving apprentices or trainee commercial divers typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the work. As they gain skills and certifications, their pay can increase, and they may also receive additional compensation for hazardous conditions or overtime.

What types of tasks and responsibilities can I expect during an Internship as a Commercial Diver?

As an intern commercial diver, you’ll typically support experienced divers with underwater inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks. Your responsibilities may include preparing diving gear, assisting with surface support operations, and learning about safety procedures and dive planning. While you may not perform complex dives initially, you’ll gain hands-on experience through supervised practical tasks and exposure to real-world work environments, such as construction sites, oil rigs, or shipyards. Collaboration is essential, as you'll work closely with dive teams, supervisors, and engineers to ensure safe and efficient operations.
More about Internship Commercial Diver jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Commercial Diver jobs? Cities with the most Internship Commercial Diver job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Commercial Diver jobs? The most popular types of Commercial Diver jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Commercial Diver jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Commercial Diver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Internship Commercial Diver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Commercial Diver / Tender

Commercial Diver / Tender

Ballard

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description


WHY JOIN BALLARD MARINE CONSTRUCTION?
Ballard Marine Construction is a specialty marine and underwater contractor based in Washougal, WA, with regional offices and projects throughout North America.
Why join Ballard? It's simple. You get to work on amazing technical projects with likeminded team members. The Ballard culture is second to none, and because of that we are incredibly protective and particular on who we invite onto the team. We have a unique culture of true excellence; we hold each other accountable from our newest interns and engineers to our most senior leaders. You will always go to work knowing that everyone you are working with cares as much as you do and is working hard to reach common goals. You will get out of it what you put into it. Ballard is an amazing place to work and if what we've said resonates with you, you just might be right for us!
Job Summary:
The Commercial Diver / Tender's prime responsibility is to support construction activities by performing work as directed by the Project Manager / Dive Supervisor.
This project is based in Norfolk, VA, and we are actively looking for local Commercial Divers to assist with the work. Ideal candidates will be experienced, certified, and able to mobilize locally.
Ideal Candidate:
Core Attributes:
Grit and Resiliency - We dig deep to figure out how to make things happen no matter how impossible it seems. We never give up. We take on challenges that nobody else can or will.
Comradery and Inspirational - We are a hard-working team of likeminded individuals working toward a common goal. We regularly celebrate wins and like to have fun whether at work or at play. We come together each day looking for ways to instill life and energy into the world around us.
Driven and Competitive - We love competition. We love to win and love to learn when we lose. Not getting the job done is not an option. We are obsessed with doing our best and we do what it takes to win.
Trustworthy and Respectful - We are passionate about honesty, authenticity, and transparency. No lies. No drama. No politics. We value constructive conflict and ensure that even in conflict we treat others with respect.
Ownership and Accountability - When something goes wrong, we first "look in the mirror" before we "look out the window". We ask, "what could I have done differently?" and then we share lessons learned. Regularly challenging ourselves and those around us to be better is a way of life. "Me first" belongs here.
Education:
• Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School
• Current ADCI Certification for the type of diving being performed
• Current ADCI Compliant Dive Physical
• Current First Aid, CPR, AED, Oxygen Administration Certifications
• OSHA 10 Hour - Construction
• Valid Driver's License with current driving record free from serious or frequent violation
Experience:
• 1 + years' experience working in commercial diving operations
• Heavy equipment operation (if qualified)
Skills:
• Ability to read and follow dive tables (air and nitrox), altitude tables, treatment tables, etc.
• Ability to check and maintain diving equipment such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harness, and gauges.
• Must have good hand-eye coordination.
• Must be able to hear adequately enough to receive and understand instructions, be alerted by horns, sirens, shouting, or any other noise that is meant to convey a safety warning.
• Ability to clearly communicate with workers on the surface while underwater and with divers while you are running a dive station.
• Ability to cut and weld steel, using underwater welding / burning equipment, jigs, and supports.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, and the appropriate tools to construct objects, structures, dams, etc.
• Ability to work at heights of up to 50' or more.
• Ability to work in confined or enclosed spaces.
• Climb ladders or steps to reach objects.
• Ability to wear a hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, safety-toed boots, or other applicable PPE.
• Lift arms above shoulder level (i.e., lifts items into a truck or overhead area).
• Ability to walk moderate distances to reach work area (1/2 mile or more).
• Ability to sit in the operator's seat of equipment and reach all pedals, switches, levers, buttons, etc., required to safely operate the equipment.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instruction and observation, which takes place mainly in an on-the-job training setting.
• Ability to sit in the operator's seat of equipment and have an adequate field of vision of all instruments, gauges, warning lights, as well as an acceptable field of vision out of the windows/mirrors.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Must have common sense and be mentally stable and competent working in a fast-paced environment.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self and others.
• Must be committed to contributing to a culture of safety, looking out for yourself and others.
• Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials
• Be a contributing member of crews who will complete daily Job Hazard Analysis of every task that you are involved in throughout the work shift.
• Work with other divers, tenders, and Ballard personnel to plan for safe operations for commercial diving activities and other construction activities that occur throughout a project.
• Ability to travel and work for many weeks at a time away from home.
• Must have a positive attitude and willingness to learn, including good communication skills.
Responsibilities:
• Equipment set-up and breakdown
• Equipment load-out and maintenance
• Jetting / Dredging
• Dive tending
• Rack box operation
• In-water work assignments
• Decompression chamber operations
• Inspection with video documentation
• Burning / welding operation (wet or dry)
• Hand and power tool operation
• Pneumatic / hydraulic tool operation (wet or dry)
• Percussion tool operation (wet or dry)
• Saws and other cutting tools (wet or dry)
• Crane rigging and signaling (wet or dry)
• Placing flags or barricades
• Equipment spotting
• Salvage or environmental operations
• Additional duties as directed
Physical Demands / Working Environment:
• Move heavy objects (94 lbs. or more) short distances (20' of less).
• Move light objects (less than 94 lbs.) long distances (more than 20').
• Work long shifts with non-standard break times.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Work is generally performed in the field environment with various weather and field conditions.
• Lifting and pulling is required.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions with exposure to the elements.
• Employees may be subject to blood borne pathogens, varying weather conditions, varying walking and working surfaces and conditions, cleaners, and chemicals.
Hourly Rates:
• $25-$35/per hour
• Pay is commensurate on experience
EEO Statement:
Ballard Marine Construction, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or veteran status. A reasonable accommodation will be considered for qualified individuals with a disability if it does not create an undue hardship for the Company, consistent with the ADA as amended.