Navy NEC · Engineering

B16A Underwater Construction Technician Advanced

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

Overview

An Underwater Construction Technician Advanced dives with approved air diving apparatus and uses underwater tools, equipment, materials, and techniques for inspection, repair, construction, and demolition projects. This technician estimates project resources, supervises underwater and demolition operations, oversees recompression chamber operations, and diagnoses and treats diving related injuries.

Minimum clearance: Secret

Core Skills

  • commercial air diving
  • underwater construction
  • underwater inspection
  • underwater repair
  • underwater demolition
  • diving project supervision
  • recompression chamber operations
  • diving medicine
  • underwater tool operation

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

  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Mechanical Engineering

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • ADCI Commercial Diver Certification
  • Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) Commercial Diver Certification
  • First Aid and CPR Certification
  • AWS Certified Welder

Career Growth

  • ADCI Dive Supervisor Certification
  • Diver Medic (DMT)

Also Common

  • Association of Commercial Diving Educators Commercial Diver Certification
  • AWS D3.6M Underwater Welding Certification

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 B16A

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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