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Question
Posted : April 3, 2013
Hi,

This question has been posted on a few forums before, but I couldn't find anything specific or recent about becoming a 'dive tender' which is what I've been trying to find more information on....

Quite a few established divers have commented (online) that after your training it's likely that you'll need to work as a dive tender for 1-2 years to build up experience. However I can't see any places that post recruitment/calls specifically for tender positions and a lot of the calls for divers seem to ask for experienced divers only.

Is it just the case that you'd need to contact the dive contractors, be persistent and see if they'd take you on as a tender? Or, might it be that if you are qualified with enough certification that you would be taken on for work straight away?

I guess I'm mostly trying to find out how long it may/may not take after training to be considered for work. If there are any examples/case studies that I could reference that would be great.

Thanks,

Tom



Answer
Posted : April 12, 2013
Hi,

The system you’re referring to is only applicable in the US, where after completing diver training, it is not unusual for a diver to have to work as a tender for 1-2 years before they ‘Break out’ as a diver.

The rest of the world does not use this system. Once you’ve qualified as a commercial diver you’ll be expected to dive alongside the more experienced divers from day 1.

As with all diving jobs, being persistent with the diving contractors is usually the key to getting started! That, and making sure you’ve got the right aptitude and attitude once you get a on a job.

If you have any more questions let us know.
Thanks,
Alf
Answer provided by Alf Leadbitter, The Underwater Centre

Alf Leadbitter
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