Diving Beyond Limits: Embracing Adventure and Purpose in Commercial Diving

Commercial Diving: Where Passion Meets Purpose

For those captivated by the sea, commercial diving isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. It merges hands-on technical work with the allure of underwater exploration. Commercial divers are essential in maintaining infrastructure, supporting industries like oil and gas, construction, and renewable energy, and safeguarding marine ecosystems. They inspect and repair underwater structures, build offshore platforms, and contribute to environmental research, all while adapting to the ever-changing underwater environment.

Bryan Nichols, a former Navy serviceman who found his path in commercial diving, reflects on his journey: “I needed something, and I knew that the water was going to be the way.” His words underscore how passion can lead to purpose, forging a fulfilling career beneath the waves.

Diverse Operations in Commercial Diving

The field of commercial diving is as vast and varied as the ocean itself, encompassing specialized roles that require unique skills and equipment:

• • Saturation Diving: Essential for deep-sea operations, saturation divers live in pressurized environments, allowing them to work at significant depths for extended periods. This demanding role is crucial in the oil and gas sectors, where projects cannot be completed in a single dive.
  • Ship’s Husbandry: Ship’s husbandry involves inspecting, maintaining, and repairing ships while they are in the water. This can include tasks like hull cleaning, de-fouling and replacing propellers, and underwater welding to ensure vessels remain in optimal condition. Commercial divers working in ship’s husbandry must be skilled in using specialized equipment to perform these tasks safely and efficiently, often in challenging conditions with limited visibility and strong currents.
  • Salvage Diving: Focused on recovering sunken vessels, equipment, or artifacts, salvage divers combine technical diving skills with knowledge of marine salvage law.
  • Underwater Welding and Cutting: Vital for maintaining and constructing underwater infrastructure, these divers use specialized tools to perform tasks critical to industries like shipping and renewable energy.
  • Research and Environmental Diving involves close collaboration with scientists to explore and preserve underwater ecosystems, contributing significantly to environmental stewardship. Chloe Streeter, an experienced diver and educator, captures the essence of this work, stating, “The underwater world is a scientist’s frontier, where every dive can yield new discoveries, from animal behaviors to ecological dynamics.” Her words underscore the vital role divers play in advancing scientific understanding and protecting marine environments.
  • Nuclear Diving: Nuclear diving involves maintaining, inspecting, and repairing underwater components in nuclear power plants, often in radioactive environments. This highly specialized role requires extensive safety training and strict adherence to radiation protocols.

No two days are alike in commercial diving. The diversity of operations ensures a fulfilling career for those ready to embrace the challenges and rewards of the deep.

Breaking Barriers: Embracing Gender Diversity in Commercial Diving

Historically male-dominated, the commercial diving industry is evolving to become more inclusive, recognizing the immense value diversity brings to team dynamics and problem-solving. More women are joining the profession, supported by mentorship programs and scholarships aimed at making the field accessible to all.

Marni Zabarski (, an Ocean Corp grad) the first female saturation diver in the Gulf of Mexico, reflects on her groundbreaking journey: “Facing skepticism was challenging, but each dive was a step toward proving that women have a rightful place in this industry. Knowing that I’ve helped make it more welcoming for the next generation is incredibly rewarding.”

Her story highlights the importance of resilience and the positive impact of embracing diversity within the diving community.

Personal Stories: Voices from the Depths

To truly grasp the essence of commercial diving, we turn to the experiences of those who have ventured beneath the waves:

Marni Zabarski began her journey into commercial diving on a whim, after meeting some Navy SEALs in Puerto Rico who introduced her to the industry. Originally from Boston, she moved to Texas young and broke, with no easy way out if things didn’t work. Diving quickly became her passion, and through hard work and resilience, she broke barriers as the first female saturation diver in the Gulf of Mexico. Reflecting on her success, she shares that “the skills I learned at the Ocean Corp and the support I’ve received from everyone here have been invaluable throughout my career.” The Ocean Corp, she says, “provided a foundation and sense of belonging that I didn’t realize I needed at the time,” becoming not just a school but “a family, a network that’s had my back from day one.” Marni believes, “I was given the opportunity to earn my place,” which ultimately allowed her to support her daughter and become a role model for aspiring divers. Now, as a proud member of the advisory board, Marni says, “I’ve made a mark in the industry, and I’m happy just knowing that it’s making it a little bit more welcoming and easier for the next female to come in and accomplish whatever she wants.”

Bryan Nichols began his career seeking direction after leaving the Navy. “Like many in their 20s, I was trying to figure out what to do with my life,” he recalls. Discovering commercial diving provided the path he was searching for. From diver to president and COO of U.S. Underwater, his journey exemplifies perseverance and growth. “The senior management team at U.S. Underwater are Ocean Corp graduates,” he notes. “They’re more than your friends; they’re your family. You’ve trusted these people with your lives from the day you stepped in here.”

Arthur Levine, an experienced diver who has worked offshore and at NASA, shares his passion: “They say find what you like to do and turn it into a job, and you won’t work another day in your life. It’s really been the truth.” Reflecting on his career, he advises, “Show up early, volunteer for everything, don’t turn down a job, and it’ll take you places.” His time at NASA stands out as a highlight: “Meeting people on the brink of the next exploration—going back to the moon, training folks who will likely be the first to set foot on Mars—it’s been incredible.”

Chloe Streeter is a leading instructor and industry innovator at The Ocean Corporation with over 16 years of commercial diving experience and more than 10,000 dive hours. She began her diving career at the Houston Aquarium and graduated at the top of her class from The Ocean Corporation in 2012. Chloe holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Houston and an Associate’s in Life Science from San Jacinto Community College. Her distinguished career includes serving as a Dive Supervisor at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where she was responsible for the safety and training of astronauts and divers. Internationally, she contributed to the Great White Project in South Africa, focusing on research and conservation. Passionate about mentoring, “I wanted to help grow the next generation of leaders in the dive industry,” Chloe fosters an engaging and inclusive learning environment, emphasizing safety and hands-on experience while incorporating innovative teaching techniques. Her personal interests in scuba diving, art, and CrossFit enhance her dynamic teaching style, making her an invaluable asset to her students and the diving community.

These stories underscore how commercial diving offers not just a career but a fulfilling life filled with purpose, camaraderie, and extraordinary experiences.

Exploring Opportunities Beneath the Waves

The commercial diving industry presents a multitude of career paths for those with the passion and determination to succeed:

• • Underwater Construction Diver: In high demand for projects like offshore wind farms, these divers build and maintain structures critical to modern infrastructure. As Marni notes, “The smaller person on the job needs to learn how to rig and use tools that make the job easier and faster. It often works out better when you know how to rig it.”
  • Research Diver: For those committed to environmental causes, research diving offers the chance to contribute directly to conservation efforts and the understanding of marine ecosystems.
  • Saturation Diver: While challenging, this role provides substantial rewards, both financially and through the unique experience of working in deep-sea environments for extended periods.

Embarking on a career in commercial diving requires rigorous training, physical fitness, and a willingness to embrace challenges. Bryan Nichols advises, “You don’t know everything when you come out of any program. Find your place within the industry, and it may take a couple of stops.”

Navigating a Career in Commercial Diving

Commercial diving is more than an occupation—it’s a lifestyle that blends adventure, technical skill, and a deep sense of purpose. From constructing offshore platforms to studying coral reefs, commercial divers play crucial roles across various industries while satisfying their thirst for exploration.

Bryan, Marni, and Arthur’s personal journeys illustrate the resilience, dedication, and camaraderie that define the diving community. As the industry continues to evolve, opportunities expand, and the call for inclusivity grows stronger, ensuring that anyone with the drive can make their mark beneath the waves.

Commercial diving awaits if you’re ready to transform your fascination with the ocean into a dynamic and rewarding career. The challenges are many, but so are the opportunities—and the sense of achievement is unparalleled.

Take Action: Start Your Diving Adventure Today

Begin Your Training

Enroll in accredited programs offered by institutions like The Ocean Corporation, where you will obtain certifications from recognized bodies such as the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) and the American Society foron Nondestructive Testing. These programs equip you with the essential skills and knowledge to succeed.

Connect with Professionals

Attend industry events, workshops, and join online forums to network with experienced divers. Organizations like the ADCI host conferences and seminars that provide valuable insights and opportunities.

Seek Mentorship and Scholarships

Look for mentorship programs that pair you with seasoned divers who can guide you through the early stages of your career. Scholarships are available to support aspiring divers, including initiatives aimed at increasing diversity within the industry.

Stay Physically and Mentally Prepared

Commercial diving is physically demanding. Engage in fitness programs and consider courses that enhance your mental resilience, such as stress management and problem-solving under pressure.

Embrace Diversity

Whether you’re breaking new ground as a woman in the industry or bringing unique perspectives, your contribution is valuable. The diving community is increasingly supportive and inclusive, welcoming those ready to earn their place.

The underwater world is calling—take the plunge and start your journey today. The depths are filled with opportunities for those bold enough to dive in.