Also called: Dive Tender, Tender Diver
The entry-level diving job: managing the diver's hose and gear from the surface.
Tenders feed hose to divers, help them dress in heavy gear, watch for trouble, and do occasional dives. Every commercial diver starts here.
Certificate, about 1 year after high school. Commercial diving school (e.g., Divers Institute of Technology, CDA Technical Institute, The Ocean Corporation, or Santa Barbara City College's Marine Diving Technology program) with ADCI certification.
Ways in: Trade school, Certification. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Commercial Diving (trade school).
Growing much faster than average (about 9% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. Feeding hose, dressing divers and watching for trouble on deck stays hands-on support work.
Classes: Physical education and swimming, Shop class, Health.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-9092.
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