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00B Career Guide

Army

00B: Diver

Career transition guide for Army Diver (00B)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 00B veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Commercial Diver

$75K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certification from an accredited commercial diving schoolSpecific certifications (e.g., ADCI, IMCA)

Underwater Welder

$82K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Welding credentials (AWS)Underwater welding certifications

Construction Manager

$98K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (PMP)Construction management degree or relevant experience

Search and Rescue Diver

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced Open Water Diver certificationEmergency Medical Responder certification

Demolition Expert

$70K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Civilian explosives handling certificationsProject management skillsSafety management training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 00B training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a diver, you constantly assess your underwater environment, monitoring depth, visibility, currents, equipment status, and the location of team members to anticipate potential hazards and maintain safety during complex operations.

This translates to a strong ability to perceive and understand your surroundings, enabling you to quickly identify risks, make informed decisions, and maintain a safe and productive work environment in dynamic conditions.

Procedural Compliance

Diving operations demand strict adherence to established protocols and safety regulations to minimize risks and ensure mission success. You're trained to follow detailed procedures meticulously, from pre-dive equipment checks to decompression schedules.

Your commitment to following procedures makes you exceptionally reliable and detail-oriented. You understand the importance of precision and consistency in high-stakes situations, which is highly valued in many industries.

Team Synchronization

Underwater missions require seamless coordination and communication among team members. You're skilled at anticipating the needs of your fellow divers, maintaining clear communication, and working together effectively in challenging and often dangerous environments.

You excel at collaborating with others, understanding team dynamics, and ensuring that everyone is working towards a common goal. You're adept at communicating clearly and effectively, even under pressure, making you a valuable asset to any team.

Resource Optimization

As a diving supervisor and general engineering supervisor, you’re adept at managing equipment, personnel, and time efficiently, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to meet mission objectives within budget and time constraints.

You are skilled at maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. Your ability to identify and leverage available resources makes you a valuable asset in resource-constrained environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086.00

You've been trained to work at great heights in challenging conditions with a strong commitment to safety and technical proficiency. Your experience with complex equipment and problem-solving under pressure translates perfectly to maintaining and repairing wind turbines.

Underwater Welding Inspector

SOC 17-2111.00

You've been performing underwater work with a strong understanding of safety procedures. Your experience in underwater environments and technical expertise makes you well-suited to inspect underwater welding projects.

Commercial Fisherman

SOC 45-3011.00

You've been working with boats, the sea and complex equipment. You can handle the risks and responsibilities inherent in this career, including operating boats, managing equipment, and working long hours in varying weather conditions.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Diver Training, Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center, Panama City, FL

1,000 training hours25 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Basic Underwater Skills
  • Underwater Cutting and Welding
  • Mixed Gas Diving Procedures
  • Recompression Chamber Operations
  • Underwater Demolitions
  • Salvage Operations
  • Underwater Reconnaissance
  • Underwater Hydraulic Tool Operation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Commercial Diver Certification (Association of Diving Contractors International - ADCI)70% covered

While the military provides extensive diving training, ADCI certification requires specific documented dive hours and experience in commercial environments. Focus study on aspects of offshore oil and gas, inland construction, and salvage operations not typically covered in military training.

Certified Underwater Welder (American Welding Society - AWS)60% covered

Military diving experience provides a strong foundation in underwater operations. Gaps may include specific welding techniques, codes, and standards relevant to civilian infrastructure and repair projects.

HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response) 40-Hour Certification40% covered

The military diver will likely have experience with some aspects of hazardous materials, but formal HAZWOPER training covers regulatory requirements, site characterization, personal protective equipment, and decontamination procedures specific to civilian hazardous waste sites.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)OSHA 30-Hour Construction SafetyCertified Safety Professional (CSP)Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
MK 21 Underwater Breathing ApparatusCommercial diving rebreathers (e.g., Dräger Ray SCR)
AN/PQS-2A Handheld SonarHandheld underwater sonar devices (e.g., Humminbird fishfinders)
M112 Demolition BlockCommercial explosives for underwater demolition (e.g., used in construction and salvage)
Recompression ChamberHyperbaric chambers for wound care and diving accident treatment
Underwater hydraulic tools (e.g., Stanley)Commercial underwater hydraulic tools (e.g., used in offshore oil and gas)
Diver Communication Systems (e.g., OTS Aquacom)Underwater communication systems (used by commercial divers and marine researchers)

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