Navy NEC · Engineering

840A Scuba Diver

A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.

Overview

A SCUBA diver conducts day and night underwater searches, detailed ship bottom searches, and routine inspections using underwater compasses, depth indicators, and associated equipment. The diver adjusts and performs field shop maintenance on SCUBA equipment and underwater accessories and recognizes decompression sickness and diving accidents.

Core Skills

  • scuba diving operations
  • underwater search techniques
  • ship hull inspection
  • underwater navigation
  • depth and pressure monitoring
  • scuba equipment maintenance
  • dive accident recognition
  • decompression illness response
  • underwater documentation

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Diving logbook software
  • Diving table software
  • Dynamic positioning DP software
  • Remote operated vehicle ROV dive log software
  • Web browser software

Civilian Career Paths

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Physical Security
  • Emergency Management

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • PADI Open Water Diver
  • PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
  • Emergency Medical Technician Certification

Career Growth

  • PADI Divemaster
  • PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor
  • Association of Commercial Diving Educators Commercial Diver Certification
  • American Red Cross Lifeguarding

Also Common

  • SSI Divemaster

What the Work Involves

  • Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin.
  • Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges.
  • Communicate with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones.
  • Descend into water with the aid of diver helpers, using scuba gear or diving suits.
  • Obtain information about diving tasks and environmental conditions.

Related Occupations

  • Riggers
  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  • Ship Engineers
  • Sailors and Marine Oilers

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.

Defense contractor jobs for 840A

Equivalent Roles in Other Branches

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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