Inshore commercial diving team: how to start

Local councils, harbour authorities, marinas, water and drainage companies, civil engineering firms and owners of waterside property.

Day rates or fixed prices per job, usually for the whole team and equipment. Repeat inspection contracts and subcontracting to larger marine firms can give steadier work.

• HSE-approved commercial diving qualification
• Safe planning and team supervision
• Practical repair and inspection skills
• Writing clear job reports

• Diving for work is covered by the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, so check which HSE-approved qualification and medical you need before taking paid jobs
• Teams normally need a supervisor and standby diver, so check minimum team size and cost it into your prices
• Public liability insurance, plus insurance that suits diving work, and employer's liability once you hire. Check what clients and councils expect
• Diving is high risk. Written risk assessments, dive plans and equipment testing records are important
• Check for any permissions needed to work in harbours, rivers or protected waters

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £12,000 to £50,000, depending on your equipment, team size and insurance. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the jobs and clients you win.

Diving for work is covered by the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, so check which HSE-approved qualification and medical you need before taking paid jobs. Also check minimum team size, insurance, risk assessments and any permissions for harbours, rivers or protected waters.

You need an HSE-approved commercial diving qualification, safe planning and team supervision, practical repair and inspection skills, and the ability to write clear job reports. The estimates assume at least around 20 hours a week.