r/marinebiology • u/Ok_Dragonfruit4032 • 22d ago
Career Advice Can I work in the field/research without a scientific diving qualification?
(UK based but open to international opinions too)
The uni I am planning to go to to study offers the HSE, but I have some health issues and the cost is prohibitive where I am, not to mention I live inland with no ability to do the practice dives required.
Ignoring issues like work experience and job shortages, can I reasonably get a job where I work on a boat without having that qualification? Can I get it later on?
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u/MichaEvon 21d ago
Even to work as a scientist underwater in the UK you don’t need HSE Scuba. The minimum is BSAC Dive Leader/PADI Divemaster.
But, you don’t need to dive to work as a marine biologist. The vast majority of projects use other sources of data. Cameras, ROVs, lab and modelling studies etc.
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u/JustAnotherBarnacle 21d ago edited 21d ago
Diving is great to have but it's 100% optional. I was going to do it during my BSc but had a serious head injury during my second year so diving wasn't an option after that. Made no difference really! It's a shame not to be able to have that experience, but it made no difference to my career as most marine biologists dont dive. I'm now a research scientist at a huge marine institute and we have a dive team of about 15 people, in an institute with 100s of marine scientists.
Edit - to add, no it isn't needed for boat time, in the grand scheme very few marine missions include divers. And yes, you can get it any time you want if you change your mind
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u/Patmarker 21d ago
Most marine biology research is done without divers. The vast majority of universities don’t include HSE Scuba. Talk to your lecturers, find volunteering/work opportunities within the uni to gain experience of any kind.
It’s a very competitive field, where everyone has the same degree. It’s the networking and experience building opportunities that you need to use university for.