Commercial Divers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 0 (0%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (12%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 22 (88%)

• Inspect and test docks, ships, buoyage systems, plant intakes or outflows, or underwater pipelines, cables, or sewers, using closed circuit television, still photography, and testing equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Operate underwater video, sonar, recording, or related equipment to investigate underwater structures or marine life.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Take test samples or photographs to assess the condition of vessels or structures.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Take appropriate safety precautions, such as monitoring dive lengths and depths and registering with authorities before diving expeditions begin.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Check and maintain diving equipment, such as helmets, masks, air tanks, harnesses, or gauges.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Communicate with workers on the surface while underwater, using signal lines or telephones.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Descend into water with the aid of diver helpers, using scuba gear or diving suits.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Obtain information about diving tasks and environmental conditions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Supervise or train other divers, including hobby divers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect the condition of underwater steel or wood structures.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Repair ships, bridge foundations, or other structures below the water line, using caulk, bolts, and hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Recover objects by placing rigging around sunken objects, hooking rigging to crane lines, and operating winches, derricks, or cranes to raise objects.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Cut and weld steel, using underwater welding equipment, jigs, and supports.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install, inspect, clean, or repair piping or valves.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Carry out non-destructive testing, such as tests for cracks on the legs of oil rigs at sea.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Install pilings or footings for piers or bridges.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Salvage wrecked ships or their cargo, using pneumatic power velocity and hydraulic tools and explosive charges, when necessary.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Remove obstructions from strainers or marine railway or launching ways, using pneumatic or power hand tools.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set or guide placement of pilings or sandbags to provide support for structures, such as docks, bridges, cofferdams, or platforms.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform activities related to underwater search and rescue, salvage, recovery, or cleanup operations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform offshore oil or gas exploration or extraction duties, such as conducting underwater surveys or repairing and maintaining drilling rigs or platforms.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Drill holes in rock and rig explosives for underwater demolitions.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Remove rubbish or pollution from the sea.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Set up dive sites for recreational instruction.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task
• Cultivate or harvest marine species or perform routine work on fish farms.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task

Questions about commercial divers and AI