Top 10 Questions for Commercial Diver Interview

1. What is the proper procedure for equalizing your ears while descending in a diving bell?

Equalizing your ears is done to relieve pressure in the ears while changing altitude. The proper procedure is:

• Pinch your nose shut.
• Attempt to exhale gently out of your nose. This should force air into the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, and equalize the pressure.
• If you cannot equalize your ears with the first method, try swallowing or yawning. This can also help to open the eustachian tubes.
• Never force air into your ears, as this can cause damage.
• If you are unable to equalize your ears, you should ascend immediately.

2. What are the symptoms of decompression sickness?

Decompression sickness is a condition that occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body’s tissues due to a rapid decrease in pressure. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include:

Joint pain

• Pain in the joints, especially the knees, elbows, and shoulders.
• Swelling and stiffness in the joints.

Skin symptoms

• Itching skin.
• Skin rashes.
• Blisters.

Neurological symptoms

• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Paralysis.

Respiratory symptoms

• Shortness of breath.
• Coughing.
• Chest pain.

3. What is the proper procedure for conducting a gas check on a diving helmet?

A gas check is a test to ensure that the diving helmet is functioning properly and that there are no leaks in the system. The procedure is:

• Close the main air supply valve.
• Close the purge valve.
• Press the helmet pressurization button and observe the pressure gauge. The pressure should rise and then stabilize.
• Hold the helmet for a few minutes to check for any leaks. If there are no leaks, the pressure gauge should remain stable.
• Open the purge valve to release the excess pressure.
• Open the main air supply valve.

4. What are the different types of diving bells?

There are two main types of diving bells:

• Open diving bells are open to the surrounding water. Divers enter and exit the bell through a hatch in the bottom of the bell.
• Closed diving bells are sealed chambers that are pressurized to match the pressure of the surrounding water. Divers enter and exit the bell through a door in the side of the bell.

5. What is the purpose of a diving umbilical?

A diving umbilical is a hose that supplies divers with air, communications, and power. It is connected to the diving bell or surface support vessel and allows divers to move freely underwater while remaining connected to the surface.

6. What are the different types of diving suits?

There are two main types of diving suits:

• Dry suits keep divers dry by preventing water from entering the suit. They are used in cold water or when divers need to stay dry for long periods of time.
• Wet suits allow water to enter the suit, but they provide insulation by trapping a layer of water between the suit and the diver’s body. They are used in warm water or when divers need to be able to move freely.

7. What are the different types of diving helmets?

There are two main types of diving helmets:

• Full-face masks cover the entire face and provide a constant supply of air to the diver. They are used in deep diving or when divers need to be able to communicate underwater.
• Half-face masks cover only the mouth and nose and allow divers to breathe through a mouthpiece. They are used in shallow diving or when divers need to be able to communicate more easily with others.

8. What are the different types of diving gloves?

There are two main types of diving gloves:

• Dry gloves keep divers’ hands dry by preventing water from entering the gloves. They are used in cold water or when divers need to stay dry for long periods of time.
• Wet gloves allow water to enter the gloves, but they provide insulation by trapping a layer of water between the gloves and the diver’s hands. They are used in warm water or when divers need to be able to move their hands freely.

9. What are the different types of diving boots?

There are two main types of diving boots:

• Hard-soled boots provide protection for the diver’s feet from sharp objects and uneven surfaces. They are used in shallow diving or when divers need to be able to walk on land.
• Soft-soled boots provide more flexibility and comfort for the diver’s feet. They are used in deep diving or when divers need to be able to move their feet freely.

10. What are the different types of diving fins?

There are two main types of diving fins:

• Open-heel fins have a strap that goes around the diver’s heel and a foot pocket that the diver’s foot fits into. They are used in shallow diving or when divers need to be able to remove their fins quickly.
• Closed-heel fins have a rigid foot pocket that the diver’s foot fits into. They are used in deep diving or when divers need to be able to generate more power with their kicks.

Commercial Divers play a vital role in various industries, including construction, maintenance, and inspection of underwater structures, pipelines, and ship hulls. Their key job responsibilities include:

1. Underwater Inspection and Maintenance

Inspecting underwater structures, such as bridges, piers, and pipelines, for damage or corrosion.

• Performing repairs or maintenance using specialized tools and equipment
• Cleaning and clearing underwater debris or blockages

2. Underwater Construction and Fabrication

Assisting in the construction or repair of underwater structures, such as pipelines, bridges, or offshore platforms.

• Assembling and installing underwater structures using specialized tools and techniques
• Welding, cutting, and fabricating underwater materials

3. Ship Hull Inspections and Cleaning

Inspecting ship hulls for damage, marine growth, or corrosion, using underwater cameras or visual inspections.

• Cleaning ship hulls using high-pressure water jets or abrasive tools
• Applying antifouling coatings to prevent marine growth

4. Underwater Salvage and Recovery

Recovering sunken objects or lost equipment from underwater environments.

• Using specialized equipment to locate and retrieve underwater objects
• Assessing the condition of recovered items and preparing them for salvage

Preparing thoroughly for a Commercial Diver interview can significantly increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you ace it:

1. Research the Company and Industry

Familiarize yourself with the company’s history, operations, and industry trends. This will help you understand their specific requirements and demonstrate your interest in the role.

• Read the company website, annual reports, and industry publications
• Attend industry events or webinars to stay updated on the latest developments

2. Highlight Your Diving Experience and Skills

Emphasize your diving experience, including the depth, duration, and types of dives you have completed. Highlight any specialized skills or certifications, such as underwater welding or salvage operations.

• Quantify your experience by providing specific numbers or examples
• Describe how you have applied your diving skills to solve problems or achieve specific outcomes

3. Demonstrate Physical Fitness and Mental Toughness

Commercial diving requires excellent physical fitness and mental resilience. Explain how you maintain a high level of physical conditioning through regular exercise and training.

• Describe your experience working in challenging underwater environments
• Emphasize your ability to handle stress, work independently, and make quick decisions

4. Prepare for Technical Questions

Be prepared to answer technical questions about diving equipment, decompression procedures, and underwater safety protocols. Review relevant industry standards and guidelines.

• Practice describing different types of diving equipment and their uses
• Explain the process of decompression and how it affects divers