Military or Commercial Diving?

[Marty J]

Hey guys,

I am an active duty service member currently stationed in Sicily, Italy. Also, i am a PADI Divemaster of 7 years.

It has come for me to make a decision in my career, to either get out the military or pursue Commercial Diving. What degree and prerequisites would i need?
I just want to make sure i am prepared and well informed.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

I would imagine the military has a better pension and health benefits. That is, of course, if you don't get killed.

 

[Marty J]

I would imagine the military has a better pension and health benefits. That is, of course, if you don't get killed.

100% agreed but sometimes i just don't think the military is for me. I have wanted to be a commercial diver since i was 18 and am kicking myself for not doing it. Do i regret serving? Absolutely not, but its not where I want to be anymore.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

In that case, follow your bliss. As Tony Bennett said, "if you love what you do, you never work a day in your life."

 

[DiveProKoko]

I served 8 years in the military and got out. I really enjoyed my time in the service and met a lot of really great people. But in the end, it wasn't for me either. Not as a career, anyway. There is life after the military! Use your GI Bill to get trained in commercial diving if you want and have a great career doing that!

Your GI Bill benefits: Everything you need to know

Updated with the latest details on the benefits you've earned and how to use it.

www.armytimes.com

 

[tursiops]

"Commercial diving" covers a lot of ground. Is there some aspect that you are particularly interested in?

Your DM credential are probably irrelevant, as is most/all of your diving experience.
Look at something like Commercial Diving Programs | Divers Institute of Technology for prereqs (few).

 

[Marty J]

"Commercial diving" covers a lot of ground. Is there some aspect that you are particularly interested in?

Your DM credential are probably irrelevant, as is most/all of your diving experience.
Look at something like Commercial Diving Programs | Divers Institute of Technology for prereqs (few).

I am interested in saturation diving. A buddy of mine, already in the field for 2 years recommends that i should get a civil engineering or structural engineering degree before going a commercial diving school. Is there anything more specific then saying civil engineering or structural engineering or is there a recommended course or school aside from commercial diving school?

 

[Marty J]

I served 8 years in the military and got out. I really enjoyed my time in the service and met a lot of really great people. But in the end, it wasn't for me either. Not as a career, anyway. There is life after the military! Use your GI Bill to get trained in commercial diving if you want and have a great career doing that!

Your GI Bill benefits: Everything you need to know

Updated with the latest details on the benefits you've earned and how to use it.

www.armytimes.com

Thank you for your service brother and i appreciate the support

 

[Robert H. Diver]

100% agreed but sometimes i just don't think the military is for me. I have wanted to be a commercial diver since i was 18 and am kicking myself for not doing it. Do i regret serving? Absolutely not, but its not where I want to be anymore.

I did 6 years and got out, best and worst years of my life lol. Get out and do what you love. Enjoy life. Good luck.

 

[tursiops]

I am interested in saturation diving. A buddy of mine, already in the field for 2 years recommends that i should get a civil engineering or structural engineering degree before going a commercial diving school. Is there anything more specific then saying civil engineering or structural engineering or is there a recommended course or school aside from commercial diving school?

A Commercial Diving School will not turn you into a engineer of any kind. An engineering degree will not turn you into a commercial diver, nor is it a prereq...look at a number of such schools...they publish their prereqs. Be honest with yourself; you will NOT be doing saturation diving for the rest of your career.....so what do you fall back on when that aspect stops?