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Master Scuba Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Master Scuba Diver information

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How much do master scuba diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for master scuba 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.

What is a master scuba diver?

A Master Scuba Diver is a highly experienced recreational diver who has completed advanced certifications but is not a professional dive instructor or divemaster. This designation, awarded by organizations like PADI, recognizes divers with extensive training in specialized areas such as deep diving, wreck diving, or underwater navigation. While it is not a paid job title, it signifies a diver's commitment to skill development and experience. Some Master Scuba Divers may use their expertise in roles like dive shop staff, underwater photography, or marine conservation.

How much do master scuba divers make?

Master Scuba Divers typically do not work as paid professionals but are recognized for advanced skills and experience. Those who pursue careers as dive instructors or dive shop employees can earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and employer. Income varies based on certifications, work environment, and additional skills such as rescue or specialty diving.

What jobs can you get as a master scuba diver?

A master scuba diver certification qualifies individuals for advanced diving roles such as dive instructor, dive guide, underwater photographer, or dive shop employee. These roles often require additional training, experience, and sometimes instructor certification, and involve working in environments like dive shops, resorts, or marine research facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the master scuba diver position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Master Scuba Diver, you need advanced scuba diving skills, extensive underwater experience, strong knowledge of dive safety procedures, and recognized certifications such as the PADI Master Scuba Diver rating. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater navigation tools, and various scuba equipment is typically required. Exceptional communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help divers work efficiently with others and handle unexpected challenges underwater. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safety, effective collaboration, and successful completion of complex or technical dives.

What are the typical work environments and conditions for a master scuba diver?

Master Scuba Divers often find themselves working in a variety of environments, including tropical resorts, dive tour companies, research expeditions, or even underwater construction sites. The role typically involves spending significant time outdoors and underwater, sometimes in remote or changing weather conditions. Collaboration with dive teams, instructors, and sometimes clients or researchers is a common part of the job. You can expect physically demanding work, strict adherence to safety protocols, and the need for flexible schedules, especially to take advantage of optimal diving conditions. This dynamic setting provides opportunities for skill development and can lead to specialized careers such as dive instruction, research diving, or underwater photography.

More about Master Scuba Diver jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Master Scuba Diver jobs?

The most popular types of Master Scuba Diver jobs are:

What states have the most Master Scuba Diver jobs?

States with the most job openings for Master Scuba Diver jobs include:

Infographic showing various Master Scuba Diver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

$22.13 - $40.40/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking experienced and well-qualified part-time / on-call small boat Captains to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) in Key West and Key Largo, FL. 


Designated on November 16, 1990, FKNMS protects 3,800 square miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami westward to encompass the Dry Tortugas, excluding Dry Tortugas National Park. Within the boundaries of the sanctuary lie spectacular, unique, and nationally significant marine resources including North America's only coral barrier reef, extensive seagrass beds, mangrove-fringed islands, shipwrecks and other archeological treasures and more than 6,000 species of marine life.


FKNMS operates a fleet of small boats and uses these vessels to support science, resource management, and stewardship of the resources within the Sanctuary. Operations performed by part-time/on-call Captains will include working dives in support of NOAA's Mission: Iconic Reefs, a large-scale coral restoration effort in the Florida Keys. Restoration efforts include outplanting of corals grown in a nursery and site preparation at Carysfort Reef, Horseshoe Reef, Cheeca Rocks, Newfound Harbor, Eastern Dry Rocks, Sombrero Reef and Looe Key Reef. These sites represent the iconic diversity and productivity of Florida Keys coral reefs, spanning the geographic extent of the region, a variety of habitats, and a range of human uses. They also have a history of restoration success or have characteristics that indicate restoration is likely to succeed.


 Tasks

  • Tow small vessels to and from yard to the dock and back (Bahia Honda or Marathon in Lower Keys or to Tavernier/Islamorada in Upper Keys) on days of mission.
  • Assist with vessel equipment loading and safety brief approximately 1 hour before driving away from dock. Be present for vessel equipment unloading and de-brief with crew and marine technician, ensure that all safety procedures are understood and adhered to while underway.
  • Maintain qualifications for serving as an Operator-in-Charge according to the NOAA small boat manual; ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessels, as indicated by the NOAA small vessel policy guidelines, vessel operation manual, and vessel's standing orders.
  • Ensure the efficient contribution of the vessel and its crew to the accomplishment of the vessel's mission.
  • Verify cruise and float plans and communicate with the shore-side point of contact frequently when underway.
  • Operate deck equipment including lifting equipment on small boats.
  • Document all vessel-related activities in the ship's Log.
  • Ready and available for emergency responses.
  • Work with other crew members and engineers to develop maintenance procedures, engineering work packages, major overhauls and configuration management.
  • Conduct maintenance and repairs and assist in training and evaluating other crew members. 
  • Ensure FKNMS small boats are operated and maintained in compliance with NOAA Small Boat Program requirements. 
  • Help coordinate and support emergent repairs to FKNMS small boat assets if and when required.
  • Coordinate with NMS sites and partners to develop cruise plans for vessels of opportunity including ships, ROVs, and manned submersibles.
  • Ensure current training for vessel operator and crewmembers; and keep record of credentials and qualifications.
  • Comply with safety stand-downs per NOAA procedures.
  • Review of all Project Instructions to an approving authority including Cruise Plans, and Float Plans, as directed.
  • Assist FKNMS in physical facilities assessments and planning as it relates to vessel operations.
  • Help schedule vessel maintenance and dry dock periods per NOAA procedures.
  • Review, revise, and implement pertinent policies and regulations related to NOAA small boats and applicable facilities.
  • Help coordinate and track training and resulting credentials of vessel operators, crew members, FKNMS staff members.
  • Assist FKNMS in maritime facilities assessments and planning.

Requirements

  •  Education/Experience: Requires a current 100-Gross Ton USCG Master License with at least 2 years of experience working on NOAA vessels, similar research vessels or law enforcement vessels embarked with scientific personnel. 
  • Must have experience directing and overseeing complex at-sea operations; experience in operating overhead load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and davits; operate dive compressor and fill SCUBA tanks; oversee scientific equipment and diver deployment.
  • Familiar with boat hull, electrical and mechanical routine ship maintenance and repairs. Have basic mechanical knowledge of boats for problem-solving in the field. Know when to call shore support and/or emergency services.
  • Must be able qualify/pass the NOAA component course certification prior to deployment. 
  • Able to lift and carry equipment and gear up to seventy-five (75) pounds to assist in mobilization.
  • Have familiarity with dive operations in waters around the Florida Keys, preferably as demonstrated through serving as a Captain on a dive boat or serving as a working diver.
  • Understand principles outlined in the NOAA small boat manual, such as requirements for drift dives and crew support for different types of operations.

Highly desired skills and experience

  • Current Frist Aid, CPR and AED certifications.

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 DutiesPlease 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.