Navy NEC · Engineering
B17A Basic Engineer Diver
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
A Basic Engineer Diver performs underwater construction tasks such as excavation, cutting and welding, concrete placement, cable and pipeline installation, sea floor surveying, light salvage, and material condition inspection. This diver also conducts precision demolition, handles rigging and small boats, tests and repairs diving equipment, tends divers, and assists with diving accidents and decompression sickness.
Core Skills
- underwater construction
- commercial air diving
- underwater welding and cutting
- underwater excavation
- cable and pipeline installation
- precision demolition
- diving equipment maintenance
- rigging and small boat handling
- diver tending and first aid
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
- Entry-Level Tender/Diver Certification
- American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers
- NCCER Core Construction
- Certificate of medical fitness to dive
Career Growth
- AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Underwater (Diver) Inspector Grade 3.2U
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Also Common
- Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI) Commercial Diver Certification
- American Welding Society Certified Welder
- First Aid/CPR/AED 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.
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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