Dive Charter Boat Operator

Certified divers from your region, visiting divers, dive clubs and shops that book charters for their students.

A price per diver per trip, extra for tank fills and gear hire, plus private charters for clubs and groups.

• Boat handling and navigation
• Dive leadership and emergency response
• Running a small crew and schedule

• Rules for commercial passenger vessels, including vessel inspection, crew certificates and safety equipment, so check with Transport Canada
• Marine and commercial liability insurance, which can be costly for passenger diving
• Permits for dive sites in marine parks or protected areas, so check with the park authority
• Short seasons and weather cancellations in many regions
• Boat maintenance, fuel and storage costs, plus WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire crew (rules vary by province)

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around $40,000 to $200,000, depending on the boat and equipment. Boat maintenance, fuel and storage are ongoing costs, and marine and commercial liability insurance can be costly for passenger diving.

Check the rules for commercial passenger vessels, including vessel inspection, crew certificates and safety equipment, with Transport Canada. Also check marine and commercial liability insurance, permits for dive sites in marine parks or protected areas, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire crew.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on trips run and gear hire or tank fills. Plan for at least about 20 hours a week, and expect weather cancellations and short seasons in many regions.