Navy Diver (ND) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Navy Divers questioning whether dive quals translate to civilian paychecks—they absolutely do. Your surface-supplied diving expertise, underwater welding and cutting, salvage operations, hyperbaric chamber operations, Diver Medical Technician training, and proven performance under extreme conditions make you a prime candidate for commercial diving, offshore oil and gas, underwater construction, nuclear power plant diving, and marine salvage. Realistic first-year salaries range from $50,000-$70,000 as an entry tender/diver, scaling to $90,000-$120,000 for experienced journeyman divers, and $150,000-$300,000 for elite saturation divers on offshore projects. Your Navy dive training is recognized industry-wide—leverage it correctly and you'll earn serious money.

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every Navy Diver separating hears the same question from civilians: "What exactly do you do with diving skills in the real world?"

Here's the answer: Commercial diving is a multi-billion dollar industry that keeps the world running.

You didn't just "scuba dive." You:

Performed surface-supplied air and mixed-gas diving operations to 190+ feet
Executed underwater welding, cutting, and construction in zero-visibility conditions
Operated and maintained hyperbaric chambers for treatment and saturation diving
Conducted ship husbandry, salvage, and underwater repair on critical naval assets
Served as Diver Medical Technician managing diving injuries and recompression treatment
Led dive teams in high-risk operations with complex safety protocols
Worked rotating watches in extreme environmental conditions
Maintained $1M+ in dive equipment with 100% accountability

That's technical mastery, crisis management, risk mitigation, and operational leadership. The offshore oil industry, underwater construction companies, nuclear power plants, and marine contractors need exactly those skills—and they pay well for proven professionals.

Best civilian career paths for Navy Divers

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where Navy Divers consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.

Offshore oil and gas diving (highest pay potential)

Civilian job titles:

Entry tender/diver helper
Apprentice diver (air diver)
Journeyman diver (mixed-gas diver)
Saturation diver
Dive supervisor

Salary ranges:

Entry tender/diver helper: $40,000-$50,000
Apprentice air diver (1-3 years): $50,000-$70,000
Journeyman mixed-gas diver (3-7 years): $70,000-$95,000
Experienced journeyman/lead hand: $90,000-$120,000
Saturation diver (elite level): $150,000-$300,000+
Dive supervisor: $100,000-$150,000

What translates directly:

Surface-supplied diving operations
Mixed-gas diving (helium-oxygen, nitrox)
Underwater welding and cutting (burning)
Hyperbaric chamber operations
Dive team leadership and safety protocols
Equipment maintenance and pre-dive checks
Emergency response and rescue procedures

Certifications needed:

ADCI (Association of Diving Contractors International) Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diver certification (your Navy quals provide foundation—most Navy Divers can challenge or accelerate through programs)
Offshore Survival Training (BOSIET, HUET—helicopter underwater escape)
HAZMAT/HAZWOPER 40-hour certification
TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential—$125, required for offshore)
Offshore medical clearance (annual physical)
Advanced underwater welding certifications (AWS D3.6 standard)

Reality check: Offshore diving is where the money is, but it's physically brutal. You're working 12-hour shifts, 28 days on/28 days off (or similar rotations), in the Gulf of Mexico, North Sea, or international waters. The work is dangerous—depth, currents, visibility, heavy equipment, and unpredictable conditions.

Saturation diving (living in pressurized chambers for weeks, diving to 300-1,000+ feet) is the most lucrative but also the most demanding. Only the most experienced divers qualify, and the work requires extended time away from family.

Entry-level tenders start by supporting divers topside—manning communications, handling umbilicals, operating compressors. You'll work your way up through air diving, then mixed-gas, then potentially saturation work.

Navy Divers have a significant advantage—your training is recognized, your work ethic is proven, and offshore companies actively recruit military divers.

Best for: Navy Divers who want maximum earning potential, can handle extended offshore rotations, and are willing to work in physically demanding and high-risk environments.

Inland/underwater construction diving (most consistent work)

Civilian job titles:

Inland commercial diver
Bridge and dam inspection diver
Underwater construction diver
Marine construction specialist
Pier and dock repair diver

Salary ranges:

Entry-level inland diver: $45,000-$60,000
Experienced inland diver (3-5 years): $65,000-$85,000
Senior diver/supervisor: $80,000-$110,000
Project manager (with diving background): $90,000-$120,000

What translates directly:

Surface-supplied diving in rivers, lakes, harbors
Underwater inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT)
Underwater welding and construction work
Salvage and recovery operations
Working in zero-visibility and swift-current conditions
Documentation and reporting

Certifications needed:

ADCI Air Diver certification
Underwater welding certification (AWS D3.6)
NDT certifications (visual inspection, ultrasonic testing)
OSHA 10 or 30-hour construction safety
First aid/CPR
State-specific commercial diving certifications (varies)

Reality check: Inland diving is steadier work than offshore—you're typically working Monday-Friday, regional projects, and home most nights. The pay is lower than offshore, but lifestyle is better.

The work involves bridge and dam inspections, pier repair, pipeline installation, underwater construction on ports and harbors, salvage operations, and municipal water system maintenance. It's often zero-visibility, working by feel in cold, swift-moving water.

Companies like Underwater Construction, Brasfield & Gorrie, Great Lakes Diving, and regional marine contractors hire inland divers year-round. Navy Divers with cold-water and zero-vis experience excel in this environment.

Best for: Navy Divers who want consistent stateside work, home time, and prefer rivers/lakes/harbors to deep offshore operations.

Nuclear power plant diving (specialized niche)

Civilian job titles:

Nuclear diver
Nuclear facility inspection diver
Radiation safety diver
Spent fuel pool diver

Salary ranges:

Nuclear diver (entry with training): $60,000-$80,000
Experienced nuclear diver: $85,000-$110,000
Senior nuclear diver/supervisor: $100,000-$130,000

What translates directly:

Surface-supplied diving in confined spaces
Technical inspections and maintenance
Strict safety protocols and procedural compliance
Working in hazardous environments
Documentation and regulatory reporting
Team coordination in high-consequence operations

Certifications needed:

ADCI commercial diving certification
Nuclear diving training (specialized courses—radiation safety, contaminated water diving)
HAZMAT/HAZWOPER certifications
Radiation worker training
Extensive background checks and security clearances

Reality check: Nuclear diving is specialized work. You're diving in reactor cooling pools, spent fuel pools, and containment systems—performing inspections, preventive maintenance, and emergency repairs. The water is radiologically contaminated (low-level), requiring specialized training and strict exposure monitoring.

The work is highly procedural, safety-focused, and technically demanding. Companies like UCC Dive, Mainstream Commercial Divers, and utility companies (Duke Energy, etc.) hire nuclear divers.

Pay is solid, work is consistent (nuclear plants operate year-round with scheduled outages), and you're stateside. Background requirements are stringent—criminal history, drug testing, and psychological evaluations are standard.

Best for: Navy Divers who are comfortable with technical procedures, confined-space diving, and regulatory environments, and want stable work at premium facilities.

Marine salvage and recovery (adventure + skill)

Civilian job titles:

Salvage diver
Recovery diver
Marine surveyor
Wreck removal specialist
Emergency response diver

Salary ranges:

Salvage diver: $55,000-$80,000
Experienced salvage specialist: $75,000-$100,000
Salvage operations manager: $90,000-$130,000

What translates directly:

Salvage rigging, lifting, and recovery operations
Underwater cutting and demolition
Emergency response and crisis management
Deep diving and mixed-gas operations
Working in challenging conditions (wrecks, debris, hazards)

Certifications needed:

ADCI commercial diving certification
Marine surveyor certifications (if pursuing that path)
Heavy rigging and lifting certifications
Explosive handling certifications (for demolition work)

Reality check: Salvage work is project-based and unpredictable. A ship runs aground, a platform needs decommissioning, a hurricane damages a port—you're called in for weeks or months of intensive work, then it's quiet.

Companies like Resolve Marine, Donjon Marine, and T&T Salvage hire experienced divers for salvage operations. Navy Divers with ship husbandry and salvage backgrounds are ideal candidates.

Pay varies widely depending on project complexity and location. International salvage work can be lucrative but requires extended travel.

Best for: Navy Divers who thrive in dynamic, problem-solving environments, enjoy technical challenges, and want variety over routine.

Underwater inspection and NDT (technical path)

Civilian job titles:

Underwater inspector
Non-destructive testing (NDT) diver
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)—underwater
Marine structural inspector
Pipeline inspection diver

Salary ranges:

Underwater inspector (entry): $55,000-$70,000
NDT diver (experienced): $75,000-$95,000
CWI underwater inspector: $85,000-$115,000
Senior inspector/lead: $95,000-$120,000

What translates directly:

Underwater inspection procedures
Technical report writing and documentation
Quality assurance and defect identification
Working to engineering standards and specifications
Photography and videography for documentation

Certifications needed:

ADCI commercial diving certification
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification (requires exam and experience)
ASNT NDT Level II certifications (visual, ultrasonic, magnetic particle testing)
API 570/510/653 (piping, pressure vessel, tank inspection—for oil and gas)
NACE certifications (corrosion inspection—valuable for offshore)

Reality check: Inspection work is technical, detail-oriented, and less physically demanding than heavy construction or saturation diving. You're assessing welds, pipelines, platforms, ship hulls, dams, and other underwater structures—documenting defects, corrosion, damage, and structural integrity.

Pay is strong because certified inspectors are in demand. Offshore inspection work pays premium rates. The career path leads toward senior inspector, QA/QC manager, or project management roles.

Navy Divers with strong technical backgrounds, attention to detail, and interest in engineering excel in this path.

Best for: Navy Divers who prefer technical work over heavy construction, want to work toward professional certifications (CWI, NDT), and enjoy problem-solving and documentation.

Diver Medical Technician (DMT) roles (specialized medical)

Civilian job titles:

Diver Medical Technician (DMT)
Hyperbaric chamber operator
Dive safety officer
Diving medical support specialist

Salary ranges:

DMT (commercial diving support): $60,000-$85,000
Hyperbaric facility operator: $55,000-$75,000
Dive safety officer (offshore): $75,000-$100,000
Senior DMT/supervisor: $85,000-$110,000

What translates directly:

Hyperbaric chamber operations
Diving medical emergency response
Recompression treatment protocols
Dive accident investigation
Medical monitoring and dive physiology

Certifications needed:

NBDHMT Diving Medical Technician (DMT) certification (if you earned it in Navy, maintain it)
EMT or Paramedic certification (strengthens medical credentials)
Hyperbaric Technician certification (CHT from NBDHMT)
CPR/First Aid/AED instructor certifications

Reality check: DMT roles are specialized. You're supporting commercial diving operations (offshore, inland, or facility-based), managing hyperbaric chambers, providing medical oversight, and responding to diving emergencies.

The work is critical but not always full-time independent employment—many DMTs work as part of larger dive teams, or at hyperbaric medicine facilities (wound care centers, hospitals).

If you earned your DMT in the Navy, it's a valuable credential that sets you apart. Companies hiring saturation divers and offshore operations require DMTs on-site.

Best for: Navy Divers with DMT qualifications who want to focus on medical support, dive safety, and hyperbaric operations rather than diving itself.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Navy Diver" on your resume without context. Translate it into language commercial diving employers and HR understand:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
Navy Diver (ND rating)	Commercial Surface-Supplied Diver with 6+ years technical diving operations
Surface-supplied air diving	Unrestricted surface-supplied air diver qualified to 190 feet
Mixed-gas diving	Mixed-gas diver proficient in helium-oxygen and nitrox operations
Underwater welding/cutting	AWS-compliant underwater welding and burning operations in zero-visibility
Hyperbaric chamber operations	Operated and maintained multi-person recompression chambers for treatment and saturation ops
Diver Medical Technician	NBDHMT-certified DMT with emergency dive medicine and hyperbaric treatment expertise
Dive supervisor	Led dive teams of 5-8 personnel; managed dive operations with strict safety protocols
Ship husbandry operations	Executed underwater maintenance, repair, and inspection on naval vessels and submarines
Salvage operations	Conducted complex salvage rigging, lifting, and recovery operations in challenging environments
Equipment maintenance	Maintained $1M+ inventory of dive systems, compressors, chambers, and life-support equipment

Use quantifiable results: "Completed 200+ dives with zero safety incidents," "Supervised 50+ dive operations managing teams of 6 divers," "Maintained hyperbaric chamber with 100% operational readiness."

Drop Navy-specific jargon. Don't write "MK-21 MOD 1" or "DISSUB ops"—write "mixed-gas diving system operations" and "submarine rescue and salvage operations."

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits as a Navy Diver:

High priority (get these first):

ADCI Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diver certification - Industry-standard commercial diving certification. Your Navy training puts you ahead—many schools offer accelerated programs for military divers. Cost: $10,000-$20,000 for full commercial diving program (GI Bill eligible). Time: 6-9 months. Value: Required for most commercial diving jobs.

Underwater Welding Certification (AWS D3.6 standard) - Critical for construction and offshore diving. Underwater welding pays premium rates. Cost: $5,000-$10,000 (included in many commercial dive schools). Time: 2-4 months. Value: Increases earning potential 20-30%.

TWIC Card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) - Required for offshore and port facility access. Cost: $125. Time: 6-8 weeks for approval. Value: Mandatory for offshore work.

Offshore Survival Training (BOSIET/HUET) - Helicopter underwater escape and offshore survival. Required for Gulf of Mexico and international offshore work. Cost: $1,500-$2,500. Time: 3-5 days. Value: Required for offshore employment.

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) - AWS certification for weld inspection. Opens inspector roles with higher pay and less physical demand. Cost: $1,500-$3,000 for prep + exam. Time: 3-6 months prep. Value: Leads to $85K-$115K inspection careers.

NDT Level II certifications (ASNT) - Visual, ultrasonic, magnetic particle testing. Inspection and QA/QC roles. Cost: $2,000-$4,000 per method. Value: Technical career path with strong demand.

HAZMAT/HAZWOPER 40-hour - Required for hazardous material diving (oil and gas, contaminated sites, nuclear). Cost: $300-$600. Time: 1 week. Value: Expands job options.

Paramedic or Advanced EMT - If you want to leverage or upgrade your medical training. Valuable for DMT roles, offshore medical support, and dive safety positions. Cost: $3,000-$8,000 (GI Bill eligible). Time: 12-18 months.

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

Saturation diving certifications - Specialized training for sat diving. Usually employer-provided after you're hired and have significant experience. Cost: Employer-paid. Value: Required for $150K-$300K sat diver roles, but you need 5-10 years experience first.

ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) pilot training - If you want to transition toward robotic underwater systems. Different career path from diving. Cost: $10,000-$20,000. Value: Growing field, but separate from traditional diving work.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Be honest. There are civilian diving industry differences you need to understand:

Commercial diving culture: Navy diving is military—strict ranks, clear orders, regimented procedures. Commercial diving is contract work—you're hired per project, work for multiple companies, and negotiate your own rates. You need to manage your career like a business.

Union vs. non-union work: Offshore diving in the Gulf is heavily unionized (International Divers Union). Inland work is typically non-union. Understand the pros and cons—union means higher pay and benefits, but less flexibility and seniority-based job assignments.

Self-employment and contracting: Many divers work as independent contractors, especially at senior levels. You'll need to understand invoicing, taxes, business licenses, and insurance. It's not like getting a W-2 military paycheck.

Continuous certifications: Commercial diving requires annual medicals, regular skills assessments, and cert renewals. Budget time and money for maintaining credentials.

Business networking: Jobs come through relationships. Join ADCI, attend dive conferences, connect with former Navy Divers working commercially, and build your reputation. The diving industry is small—your name and work ethic matter.

Real Navy Diver success stories

Mike, 27, former Navy Diver (E-5) → Offshore journeyman diver

After 6 years, Mike separated and enrolled in a commercial dive school using his GI Bill. Completed in 7 months, earned ADCI cert and underwater welding cert. Started as a tender in the Gulf at $45K, promoted to apprentice diver after 1 year at $62K. Now a journeyman mixed-gas diver making $95K working 28-on/28-off rotations. Banking money and considering saturation diving track.

Carlos, 31, former Navy Diver (E-6) → Nuclear power plant diver

Carlos did 8 years, served as a Diver Medical Technician. Got out and pursued nuclear diving work. Completed HAZMAT and radiation safety training, hired by a major contractor supporting Duke Energy nuclear facilities. Makes $105K, works scheduled outages (intense 60-day periods), then lighter workload rest of year. Stays stateside, home every night during non-outage periods.

Jessica, 29, former Navy Diver (E-5) → Certified Welding Inspector

Jessica did 6 years, earned her underwater welding quals. Got out and used GI Bill for associate's in welding technology while working inland diving at $58K. Earned her CWI certification after 3 years total diving experience. Now works as an underwater welding inspector for offshore platforms making $108K. Less physically demanding, better long-term career prospects.

Tom, 34, former Navy Diver (E-7) → Dive supervisor (saturation)

Tom did 12 years, made Chief. Got out and immediately hired by an international offshore contractor based on his Navy leadership and experience. Worked as journeyman diver for 2 years ($98K), then promoted to dive supervisor ($135K) managing saturation diving operations in West Africa. Long rotations (8 weeks on, 4 off), but makes $180K+ with bonuses. Plans to retire by 45.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's your transition roadmap:

Month 1: Assessment and documentation

Get 10 certified copies of your DD-214
Request your VMET (DD Form 2586) documenting all dive training and certifications
Collect dive logs, quals, and Navy certifications (DMT, chamber operator, etc.)
Research commercial diving schools (Divers Institute of Technology, Commercial Diving Academy, CDA Technical Institute, Dive School International)
Connect with former Navy Divers on LinkedIn working commercially—ask about their paths
Determine your target: offshore oil and gas, inland construction, nuclear, or inspection work
Check GI Bill eligibility and approved diving schools

Month 2: Training and certifications

Enroll in ADCI-approved commercial diving school (use GI Bill)
Focus on schools that recognize military experience and offer accelerated programs
Ensure program includes underwater welding (AWS D3.6 certified)
Get your TWIC card application started (required for offshore—takes 6-8 weeks)
Complete HAZMAT/HAZWOPER 40-hour if not already done
Network with classmates—many are former military and building industry connections
Research companies hiring in your target sector (offshore, inland, nuclear)

Month 3: Job search and positioning

Apply to commercial diving companies 30 days before school graduation
Target Gulf of Mexico operators: Cal Dive, Oceaneering, Sub-Sea, Epic Diving, Global Diving & Salvage
Target inland companies: Underwater Construction, Great Lakes Diving, Brasfield & Gorrie Marine
Expect to start as a tender—it's normal. You'll advance quickly with Navy experience.
Be willing to relocate (Gulf Coast for offshore, varies for inland/nuclear)
Join ADCI and International Divers Union (if targeting offshore)
Prepare for physicals, drug tests, and background checks (all standard pre-employment)

Bottom line for Navy Divers

Your Navy Diver training isn't a "military-only skill"—it's the foundation for a high-paying civilian career in commercial diving.

You've proven you can handle extreme pressure (literally and figuratively), master technical procedures, lead teams, manage safety-critical operations, and perform under conditions that wash out most people. The commercial diving industry needs exactly that.

Offshore oil and gas, underwater construction, nuclear power, marine salvage, and inspection work are proven paths. Thousands of Navy Divers have transitioned successfully before you.

First-year income of $50K-$70K as a tender/apprentice is realistic. Within 3-5 years, $80K-$100K as a journeyman diver is standard. If you pursue saturation diving, $150K-$300K is achievable within 7-10 years.

Your Navy credentials give you a head start. Don't waste it on non-diving work unless you genuinely want a career change. Commercial diving pays well, values your skills, and offers clear career progression.

Get your ADCI cert, stay in shape, network aggressively, and target the right companies. You've got the hardest part done—you're already a proven diver.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every Navy Diver separating hears the same question from civilians: "What exactly do you do with diving skills in the real world?"

Here's the answer: Commercial diving is a multi-billion dollar industry that keeps the world running.

You didn't just "scuba dive." You:

Performed surface-supplied air and mixed-gas diving operations to 190+ feet
Executed underwater welding, cutting, and construction in zero-visibility conditions
Operated and maintained hyperbaric chambers for treatment and saturation diving
Conducted ship husbandry, salvage, and underwater repair on critical naval assets
Served as Diver Medical Technician managing diving injuries and recompression treatment
Led dive teams in high-risk operations with complex safety protocols
Worked rotating watches in extreme environmental conditions
Maintained $1M+ in dive equipment with 100% accountability

Best civilian career paths for Navy Divers

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where Navy Divers consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.

Offshore oil and gas diving (highest pay potential)

Civilian job titles:

Entry tender/diver helper
Apprentice diver (air diver)
Journeyman diver (mixed-gas diver)
Saturation diver
Dive supervisor

Salary ranges:

Entry tender/diver helper: $40,000-$50,000
Apprentice air diver (1-3 years): $50,000-$70,000
Journeyman mixed-gas diver (3-7 years): $70,000-$95,000
Experienced journeyman/lead hand: $90,000-$120,000
Saturation diver (elite level): $150,000-$300,000+
Dive supervisor: $100,000-$150,000

What translates directly:

Surface-supplied diving operations
Mixed-gas diving (helium-oxygen, nitrox)
Underwater welding and cutting (burning)
Hyperbaric chamber operations
Dive team leadership and safety protocols
Equipment maintenance and pre-dive checks
Emergency response and rescue procedures

Certifications needed:

ADCI (Association of Diving Contractors International) Unrestricted Surface Supplied Air Diver certification (your Navy quals provide foundation—most Navy Divers can challenge or accelerate through programs)
Offshore Survival Training (BOSIET, HUET—helicopter underwater escape)
HAZMAT/HAZWOPER 40-hour certification
TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential—$125, required for offshore)
Offshore medical clearance (annual physical)
Advanced underwater welding certifications (AWS D3.6 standard)

Navy Divers have a significant advantage—your training is recognized, your work ethic is proven, and offshore companies actively recruit military divers.

Best for: Navy Divers who want maximum earning potential, can handle extended offshore rotations, and are willing to work in physically demanding and high-risk environments.

Inland/underwater construction diving (most consistent work)

Civilian job titles:

Inland commercial diver
Bridge and dam inspection diver
Underwater construction diver
Marine construction specialist
Pier and dock repair diver

Salary ranges:

Entry-level inland diver: $45,000-$60,000
Experienced inland diver (3-5 years): $65,000-$85,000
Senior diver/supervisor: $80,000-$110,000
Project manager (with diving background): $90,000-$120,000

What translates directly:

Surface-supplied diving in rivers, lakes, harbors
Underwater inspection and non-destructive testing (NDT)
Underwater welding and construction work
Salvage and recovery operations
Working in zero-visibility and swift-current conditions
Documentation and reporting

Certifications needed:

ADCI Air Diver certification
Underwater welding certification (AWS D3.6)
NDT certifications (visual inspection, ultrasonic testing)
OSHA 10 or 30-hour construction safety
First aid/CPR
State-specific commercial diving certifications (varies)

Best for: Navy Divers who want consistent stateside work, home time, and prefer rivers/lakes/harbors to deep offshore operations.

Nuclear power plant diving (specialized niche)

Civilian job titles:

Nuclear diver
Nuclear facility inspection diver
Radiation safety diver
Spent fuel pool diver

Salary ranges:

Nuclear diver (entry with training): $60,000-$80,000
Experienced nuclear diver: $85,000-$110,000
Senior nuclear diver/supervisor: $100,000-$130,000

What translates directly:

Surface-supplied diving in confined spaces
Technical inspections and maintenance
Strict safety protocols and procedural compliance
Working in hazardous environments
Documentation and regulatory reporting
Team coordination in high-consequence operations

Certifications needed:

ADCI commercial diving certification
Nuclear diving training (specialized courses—radiation safety, contaminated water diving)
HAZMAT/HAZWOPER certifications
Radiation worker training
Extensive background checks and security clearances

The work is highly procedural, safety-focused, and technically demanding. Companies like UCC Dive, Mainstream Commercial Divers, and utility companies (Duke Energy, etc.) hire nuclear divers.

Best for: Navy Divers who are comfortable with technical procedures, confined-space diving, and regulatory environments, and want stable work at premium facilities.

Marine salvage and recovery (adventure + skill)

Civilian job titles:

Salvage diver
Recovery diver
Marine surveyor
Wreck removal specialist
Emergency response diver

Salary ranges:

Salvage diver: $55,000-$80,000
Experienced salvage specialist: $75,000-$100,000
Salvage operations manager: $90,000-$130,000

What translates directly:

Salvage rigging, lifting, and recovery operations
Underwater cutting and demolition
Emergency response and crisis management
Deep diving and mixed-gas operations
Working in challenging conditions (wrecks, debris, hazards)

Certifications needed:

ADCI commercial diving certification
Marine surveyor certifications (if pursuing that path)
Heavy rigging and lifting certifications
Explosive handling certifications (for demolition work)

Companies like Resolve Marine, Donjon Marine, and T&T Salvage hire experienced divers for salvage operations. Navy Divers with ship husbandry and salvage backgrounds are ideal candidates.

Pay varies widely depending on project complexity and location. International salvage work can be lucrative but requires extended travel.

Best for: Navy Divers who thrive in dynamic, problem-solving environments, enjoy technical challenges, and want variety over routine.

Underwater inspection and NDT (technical path)

Civilian job titles:

Underwater inspector
Non-destructive testing (NDT) diver
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)—underwater
Marine structural inspector
Pipeline inspection diver

Salary ranges:

Underwater inspector (entry): $55,000-$70,000
NDT diver (experienced): $75,000-$95,000
CWI underwater inspector: $85,000-$115,000
Senior inspector/lead: $95,000-$120,000

What translates directly:

Underwater inspection procedures
Technical report writing and documentation
Quality assurance and defect identification
Working to engineering standards and specifications
Photography and videography for documentation

Certifications needed:

ADCI commercial diving certification
AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification (requires exam and experience)
ASNT NDT Level II certifications (visual, ultrasonic, magnetic particle testing)
API 570/510/653 (piping, pressure vessel, tank inspection—for oil and gas)
NACE certifications (corrosion inspection—valuable for offshore)

Pay is strong because certified inspectors are in demand. Offshore inspection work pays premium rates. The career path leads toward senior inspector, QA/QC manager, or project management roles.

Navy Divers with strong technical backgrounds, attention to detail, and interest in engineering excel in this path.

Best for: Navy Divers who prefer technical work over heavy construction, want to work toward professional certifications (CWI, NDT), and enjoy problem-solving and documentation.

Diver Medical Technician (DMT) roles (specialized medical)

Civilian job titles:

Diver Medical Technician (DMT)
Hyperbaric chamber operator
Dive safety officer
Diving medical support specialist

Salary ranges:

DMT (commercial diving support): $60,000-$85,000
Hyperbaric facility operator: $55,000-$75,000
Dive safety officer (offshore): $75,000-$100,000
Senior DMT/supervisor: $85,000-$110,000

What translates directly:

Hyperbaric chamber operations
Diving medical emergency response
Recompression treatment protocols
Dive accident investigation
Medical monitoring and dive physiology

Certifications needed:

NBDHMT Diving Medical Technician (DMT) certification (if you earned it in Navy, maintain it)
EMT or Paramedic certification (strengthens medical credentials)
Hyperbaric Technician certification (CHT from NBDHMT)
CPR/First Aid/AED instructor certifications

The work is critical but not always full-time independent employment—many DMTs work as part of larger dive teams, or at hyperbaric medicine facilities (wound care centers, hospitals).

If you earned your DMT in the Navy, it's a valuable credential that sets you apart. Companies hiring saturation divers and offshore operations require DMTs on-site.

Best for: Navy Divers with DMT qualifications who want to focus on medical support, dive safety, and hyperbaric operations rather than diving itself.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Navy Diver" on your resume without context. Translate it into language commercial diving employers and HR understand:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
Navy Diver (ND rating)	Commercial Surface-Supplied Diver with 6+ years technical diving operations
Surface-supplied air diving	Unrestricted surface-supplied air diver qualified to 190 feet
Mixed-gas diving	Mixed-gas diver proficient in helium-oxygen and nitrox operations
Underwater welding/cutting	AWS-compliant underwater welding and burning operations in zero-visibility
Hyperbaric chamber operations	Operated and maintained multi-person recompression chambers for treatment and saturation ops
Diver Medical Technician	NBDHMT-certified DMT with emergency dive medicine and hyperbaric treatment expertise
Dive supervisor	Led dive teams of 5-8 personnel; managed dive operations with strict safety protocols
Ship husbandry operations	Executed underwater maintenance, repair, and inspection on naval vessels and submarines
Salvage operations	Conducted complex salvage rigging, lifting, and recovery operations in challenging environments
Equipment maintenance	Maintained $1M+ inventory of dive systems, compressors, chambers, and life-support equipment

Drop Navy-specific jargon. Don't write "MK-21 MOD 1" or "DISSUB ops"—write "mixed-gas diving system operations" and "submarine rescue and salvage operations."

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits as a Navy Diver:

High priority (get these first):

TWIC Card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) - Required for offshore and port facility access. Cost: $125. Time: 6-8 weeks for approval. Value: Mandatory for offshore work.

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

NDT Level II certifications (ASNT) - Visual, ultrasonic, magnetic particle testing. Inspection and QA/QC roles. Cost: $2,000-$4,000 per method. Value: Technical career path with strong demand.

HAZMAT/HAZWOPER 40-hour - Required for hazardous material diving (oil and gas, contaminated sites, nuclear). Cost: $300-$600. Time: 1 week. Value: Expands job options.

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Be honest. There are civilian diving industry differences you need to understand:

Continuous certifications: Commercial diving requires annual medicals, regular skills assessments, and cert renewals. Budget time and money for maintaining credentials.

Real Navy Diver success stories

Mike, 27, former Navy Diver (E-5) → Offshore journeyman diver

Carlos, 31, former Navy Diver (E-6) → Nuclear power plant diver

Jessica, 29, former Navy Diver (E-5) → Certified Welding Inspector

Tom, 34, former Navy Diver (E-7) → Dive supervisor (saturation)

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's your transition roadmap:

Month 1: Assessment and documentation

Get 10 certified copies of your DD-214
Request your VMET (DD Form 2586) documenting all dive training and certifications
Collect dive logs, quals, and Navy certifications (DMT, chamber operator, etc.)
Research commercial diving schools (Divers Institute of Technology, Commercial Diving Academy, CDA Technical Institute, Dive School International)
Connect with former Navy Divers on LinkedIn working commercially—ask about their paths
Determine your target: offshore oil and gas, inland construction, nuclear, or inspection work
Check GI Bill eligibility and approved diving schools

Month 2: Training and certifications

Enroll in ADCI-approved commercial diving school (use GI Bill)
Focus on schools that recognize military experience and offer accelerated programs
Ensure program includes underwater welding (AWS D3.6 certified)
Get your TWIC card application started (required for offshore—takes 6-8 weeks)
Complete HAZMAT/HAZWOPER 40-hour if not already done
Network with classmates—many are former military and building industry connections
Research companies hiring in your target sector (offshore, inland, nuclear)

Month 3: Job search and positioning

Apply to commercial diving companies 30 days before school graduation
Target Gulf of Mexico operators: Cal Dive, Oceaneering, Sub-Sea, Epic Diving, Global Diving & Salvage
Target inland companies: Underwater Construction, Great Lakes Diving, Brasfield & Gorrie Marine
Expect to start as a tender—it's normal. You'll advance quickly with Navy experience.
Be willing to relocate (Gulf Coast for offshore, varies for inland/nuclear)
Join ADCI and International Divers Union (if targeting offshore)
Prepare for physicals, drug tests, and background checks (all standard pre-employment)

Bottom line for Navy Divers

Your Navy Diver training isn't a "military-only skill"—it's the foundation for a high-paying civilian career in commercial diving.

Offshore oil and gas, underwater construction, nuclear power, marine salvage, and inspection work are proven paths. Thousands of Navy Divers have transitioned successfully before you.

Get your ADCI cert, stay in shape, network aggressively, and target the right companies. You've got the hardest part done—you're already a proven diver.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.