Description
Diving Specialist Chief Warrant Officers (CWOs) are experts in all aspects of underwater operations for Coast Guard mission areas. Diving Specialist CWOs are technical specialists in SCUBA and Surface Supplied diving operations, underwater hand and power tools, SONARs, and remotely operated vehicles. Diving Specialist CWOs direct and supervise subsurface searches, recoveries, surveys, investigations, maintenance, and repair activities. Diving Specialist CWOs exercise specialty knowledge in diving physics and hyperbaric medicine, as well as diving and recompression chamber operations, technical procedures, and protocols. Diving Specialist CWOs oversee diving operations in all global water temperatures, from unlimited to zero visibility, from cutters, boats, and shore-side facilities, in enclosed spaces, under overhead obstructions, in pristine and contaminated waters, and in water depths to 190 feet. Diving Specialist CWOs manage diver training, administration, and qualification programs; deployment and mission planning; diving equipment maintenance; and diving medical emergency response. Diving Specialist CWOs serve as Command Diving Officers for Regional Dive Lockers, and perform duty in diving staff positions. Diving Specialist CWOs are usually prior DV ratings in the Coast Guard.
Core Skills
- underwater operations planning and supervision
- SONAR operations and interpretation
- remotely operated vehicle (ROV) operations
- underwater inspection and survey
- underwater maintenance and repair coordination
- risk assessment and safety management
- technical equipment troubleshooting
- logistics and asset management
- training program development and delivery
- incident and accident investigation
- technical report writing
- team leadership in high-risk environments
- interagency coordination
- environmental and site assessment
Common Certifications
- Commercial Diver Certification (ADC/IMCA/ANSI)
- OSHA 30-Hour Construction
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) – Underwater
- Certified Underwater Welder (AWS)
- HAZWOPER 40-Hour
Civilian Career Paths
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
- MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
- ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
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Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Data sourced from official Coast Guard publications and public military occupational references. Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.