17 Commercial Diver Interview Questions and Answers

Divers are in high demand to work in a variety of industries, including construction, telecommunications, and oil and gas. As a commercial diver, you may work on projects such as inspecting underwater pipelines, repairing offshore drilling rigs, or installing fiber-optic cable.

The job of a commercial diver is both physically and mentally demanding. You need to be in good physical condition and have the ability to work long hours in sometimes difficult and dangerous conditions. You also need to have strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

If you’re interested in becoming a commercial diver, you’ll need to go through an interview process. This guide will help you prepare for some of the most common commercial diver interview questions.

Are you a certified commercial diver?

Employers may ask this question to learn if you have the necessary qualifications for the job. If you are not a certified commercial diver, consider getting your certification before applying for the position. You can find more information about certifications on organizations like the National Board of Diving Contractors and International Marine Contractors Association.

Example: “I am a certified commercial diver through the National Board of Diving Contractors. I’ve been diving for over 10 years now, so I’m familiar with many aspects of commercial diving. However, I would love to work as a commercial diver because it’s something I enjoy doing.”

What are the most important skills for a commercial diver to have?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary for the job. They want someone who is physically fit, has excellent problem-solving skills and can work well with others. When answering this question, list all of the skills that are important for commercial divers. Make sure to include any specific skills they mentioned in your interview.

Example: “The most important skill for a commercial diver is physical fitness. You need to be able to hold your breath underwater for long periods of time and swim through tight spaces. Another important skill is problem-solving. Commercial diving requires quick thinking because there are always unexpected situations. Finally, communication is another key skill. You must be able to communicate clearly with other people while working.”

How do you stay fit and healthy to meet the demands of commercial diving?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the physical capabilities and stamina to do the job. They want someone who can work long hours in a physically demanding environment without getting injured or ill. In your answer, explain how you stay fit and healthy so that you’re ready for the job. If you haven’t been doing any specific exercise recently, mention what you did in the past to stay fit.

Example: “I’ve always enjoyed swimming, so I started going to the gym regularly about five years ago. I found that it was a great way to relieve stress while also keeping my body strong and flexible. Now, I go to the gym at least three times per week to keep myself in good shape. I find that having a regular workout routine helps me feel energized and ready to take on new challenges.”

What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on as a commercial diver?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience as a commercial diver. They want to know what you’ve learned from challenging projects and how you overcame them. When answering this question, think of the most difficult project you worked on and explain why it was so challenging. Explain what steps you took to overcome the challenge and what you learned from that experience.

Example: “The most challenging project I ever worked on was when my team had to repair a pipeline in an underwater tunnel. The water pressure was very strong, which made it hard for us to work. We also had limited visibility because of the murky water. To overcome these challenges, we communicated with each other well and used our training to stay safe while working. In the end, we successfully repaired the pipeline and got out safely.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to overcome a difficult obstacle while on a project.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you react in challenging situations. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation that involved overcoming an obstacle while working as a commercial diver.

Example: “When I was working on a project at a local aquarium, there was a power outage that caused the entire facility to lose power. This meant all of the equipment we were using stopped working, including our lights. While my team worked to fix the power outage, I had to use my underwater flashlight to see what I was doing. It took us over two hours to get the power back on, but we managed to finish the job before the end of the day.”

If you had to choose, which type of diving do you prefer, commercial diving or recreational diving? Why?

This question is a great way to learn more about the applicant’s experience and preferences. It can also help you understand what they value in their diving career. If an applicant has only done recreational diving, it may be beneficial to ask them why they are interested in commercial diving.

Example: “I prefer commercial diving because I enjoy working with a team of divers. In my last job, we were all very close and worked well together. We would often go out for drinks after work or on our days off. I like that there is a social aspect to this type of diving as well as the challenge.”

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment as a commercial diver so far?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and experience. They want to know what you’re capable of as a diver, but they also want to see that you have the ability to be humble and recognize when you’ve done something great. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think about an accomplishment that is relevant to the job you’re applying for.

Example: “My greatest accomplishment so far was completing my commercial diving certification. I had been working in construction before I decided to pursue this career, so I didn’t have any previous diving experience. It took me two years to complete all of the necessary training and certifications, but I’m proud of myself for sticking with it and achieving my goal.”

How well do you perform under pressure? Can you give me an example?

Employers ask this question to see how you react under pressure. They want to know that you can perform well when the job is urgent and time-sensitive. In your answer, explain what steps you take to remain calm and focused in a high-pressure situation. Share an example of a time when you performed well under pressure.

Example: “I am able to stay calm and focused even when I’m working under pressure. When I was diving for my last company, we were tasked with repairing a pipe on a shipwreck at great depth. The client needed us to complete the job within two days or they would have to cancel their project. We worked hard to get everything done as quickly as possible while still maintaining safety protocols. By the end of the second day, we had completed all of our tasks.”

Do you have experience working with a team of divers? If so, how do you typically coordinate with them?

Working as a commercial diver often requires you to work with other divers. Employers ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how you collaborate with others. When answering, try to share an example of how you worked with a team in the past. Explain what steps you took to ensure everyone was on the same page while working together.

Example: “In my previous role as a commercial diver, I worked alongside two other divers. We typically met before each job to discuss our plan for the day. During these meetings, we would go over any safety concerns or questions that we had. This helped us prepare for the day’s tasks so we could dive safely.”

When inspecting underwater structures, how do you determine their overall condition?

This question can help the interviewer assess your critical thinking skills and ability to make decisions. Use examples from past experiences to highlight how you analyze information, evaluate risks and make informed choices.

Example: “When inspecting underwater structures, I first look for signs of corrosion or other damage that could lead to structural failure. If there are any cracks in the structure, I take note of their size and location so I know where to avoid when working on the project. I also check for loose bolts or screws as these can be a sign of weakened support beams. Finally, I inspect the overall condition of the water surrounding the structure to ensure it’s safe for me to work.”

We want to increase safety on our projects. How would you improve safety as a commercial diver?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the experience and knowledge necessary to keep yourself and your team safe while working on their projects. In your answer, explain how you would implement safety protocols into your work as a commercial diver. You can also mention any specific training or certifications that helped you improve safety in the past.

Example: “I believe that safety is one of the most important aspects of being a commercial diver. I always encourage my team members to speak up if they notice something unsafe about a project. For example, when I was working on a construction project last year, I noticed that some of the scaffolding wasn’t properly secured. I immediately reported it to my supervisor so we could fix it before anyone got hurt.”

Describe your experience with underwater welding.

Welding is a common task for commercial divers, and employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with it. In your answer, explain what type of welding you’ve done in the past and how often you performed that task. If you don’t have any underwater welding experience, you can talk about other types of welding you’ve done instead.

Example: “I’ve worked as a commercial diver for five years now, and I’ve been doing underwater welding for three of those years. I started out by learning basic TIG welding, which I used on many projects over the last few years. Now, I’m more experienced at underwater welding and am able to perform complex tasks like repairing pipelines.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for this commercial diving position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Focus on highlighting your most relevant skills and abilities while also mentioning any personal qualities that may be beneficial in this position.

Example: “I am passionate about working as a commercial diver because I enjoy helping people. In my previous job, I was able to help many customers find what they were looking for at our store. This experience taught me how important it is to provide excellent customer service to everyone who comes into contact with me. As a commercial diver, I know I will have the opportunity to help many different people each day.”

Which types of diving equipment do you have the most experience using?

This question can help the interviewer determine your level of experience and expertise. It also helps them understand what types of equipment you are comfortable using in their company. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few pieces of equipment that you have used before and explain why you feel confident using them.

Example: “I am most experienced with open circuit scuba diving equipment. I’ve been using this type of equipment for over five years now, so I’m very familiar with how it works and know how to maintain it. I also have some experience with closed-circuit rebreather equipment, although I haven’t had much opportunity to use it yet. However, I would love the chance to learn more about it.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of safety training for commercial divers?

Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of safety training and how it can help you succeed in your role. When answering, consider what skills or knowledge helped you become a safe commercial diver.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of safety training is understanding the risks involved with commercial diving. I’ve been diving for five years now, and I still learn something new about safety every day. Understanding the risks helps me know when to take extra precautions and when I can be more relaxed. It also helps me communicate effectively with my team so we’re all on the same page.”

How often do you perform maintenance checks on your diving equipment?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your attention to detail and how you care for the tools of your trade. Your answer should include a specific example of when you performed maintenance checks on your equipment and what you did.

Example: “I perform regular maintenance checks on my diving equipment at least once per month, usually before I use it in a job. During these monthly checks, I inspect all of my equipment for any damage or defects. If I find something wrong with my equipment, I fix it immediately so that I can continue using it safely during my next dive. In my last position, I found a small crack in one of my air tanks during my monthly check. Rather than waiting until after work to repair it, I fixed it right then so that I could use it safely later that day.”

There is a leak in a pipeline that runs under water. Describe how you would go about repairing it.

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work with others. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe the steps you would take to repair the leak and how you would communicate with other divers or technicians on the job.

Example: “I would first make sure that there are no leaks in the pipeline above water. Then I would dive under the water and locate the leak. If possible, I would fix the leak while underwater by using epoxy or another sealant. If I needed to resurface for more supplies, I would do so quickly and then return to my task as soon as possible. I would also ensure that all of my fellow divers were safe before leaving them alone.”