Hull cleaning and boat dive services

Boat owners, charter and tour operators, marinas, yacht clubs and small commercial vessel operators.

Price per boat, usually by length, with regular cleaning schedules and extra charges for call-outs, anode replacement and inspections.

• Commercial diving qualification
• Customer service
• Route and tide planning
• Basic boat knowledge

• Paid diving work is generally treated as commercial diving, so check the qualifications and standards with your state work health and safety regulator
• Many marinas and councils restrict in-water hull cleaning or require approved methods because of biofouling and paint rules, so check local rules first
• Public liability insurance that covers work on other people's boats
• Marinas may need you to be on an approved contractor list before you can work there
• Work depends on weather, water clarity and the boating season

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $10,000 to $45,000, depending on your diving gear, whether you work from a ute or small boat, and your insurance. Costs rise if you buy a vessel rather than use a ute.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $3,000 to $14,000, depending on how many boats and marinas you service. Work depends on weather, water clarity and the boating season, so income can vary through the year.

Check the qualifications and standards for commercial diving with your state work health and safety regulator. Many marinas and councils restrict in-water hull cleaning or require approved methods, so check local rules first. Also check public liability cover for work on other people's boats and any approved contractor lists.