Marina hull cleaning and mooring checks

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

Priced per boat, usually by length, for hull cleaning, plus fixed prices for anode changes and mooring inspections. Seasonal contracts with marinas bring repeat work.

• Certified diver with commercial training
• Boat and propeller knowledge
• Customer service
• Scheduling around tides and weather

• Paid diving, including scuba, may fall under provincial occupational health and safety rules on crew size and standby divers, so check before you start
• Some marinas and harbours restrict in-water hull cleaning or require approved contractors, so check local rules and environmental guidelines on paint and fouling
• Commercial general liability and marine insurance are important, as damaging a boat or propeller is a real risk
• Work is seasonal in most of Canada, so expect little income in winter
• Cold water, currents and boat traffic add safety risks, so plan with a tender and good procedures

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your diving gear, tender boat and equipment. Commercial general liability and marine insurance are important, so check what cover you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many boats and marinas you serve. Work is seasonal in most of Canada, so expect little income in winter.

Check whether provincial occupational health and safety rules cover paid diving, including crew size and standby divers. Some marinas and harbours restrict in-water hull cleaning or require approved contractors, so check local rules and environmental guidelines on paint and fouling.