Why Navy Divers Should Pursue Further Education and Certifications During & After Their Dive Careers
Why Navy Divers Should Pursue Further Education and Certifications During & After Their Dive Careers
Unlocking New Abilities to Opportunities Beyond the Deep
“Only your ability counts, and your experience is the only thing that matters.” A quote from many of the mentors I admired during my Navy Diving career. Four decades and twenty pounds ago, I thought ability meant mastering the use of specialized underwater tools and the surface support and ancillary gear that support diving. My ego convinced me that progressing toward mastery of the craft of Navy Diving meant doing massive amounts of push-ups and pull-ups, along with frequent long-distance ocean swims and beach runs. I mastered my craft by accumulating a massive amount of bottom time and topside support. All of which was documented in annual evaluation reports and my military record. Are military- documented qualifications and successes enough to succeed after a diving career?
For me, the answer was no. Transitioning from a Navy diving career can be both exciting and daunting. After years spent navigating underwater environments, many divers face the question: What comes next? The answer often lies in pursuing further education through college or certification programs.
Pursuing additional education opens doors far beyond the dive locker. While the technical and teamwork skills developed underwater are invaluable, formal education equips divers to translate those strengths into new fields. Whether it’s earning a degree, pursuing technical certifications, or learning a trade, continued learning helps divers remain competitive in an ever-evolving job market that is starving for leadership and the skilled vocations Navy Divers experience throughout their careers.
Many careers—ranging from marine engineering and environmental science to project management and safety inspection—require credentials beyond dive qualifications. By investing in education, former divers demonstrate adaptability and a commitment to growth, making them attractive candidates to civilian employers. Additionally, education can help divers build networks, gain confidence, and explore passions they may have developed during their service.
Do you already have a college degree or a list of certifications? Toward the end of my Navy career, I noticed many new Sailors already had college degrees. My advice is to stay current with the latest trends in your field of study or certification area. You endured college to earn that degree. After 20 to 30 years of diving, you may find you need to rediscover the passion you once had for your field of study.
In short, pursuing education during or after a Navy or commercial diving career empowers former divers to leverage their unique experiences, broaden their career paths, and secure a successful future both above and below the surface.
Ross Garcia
Master Chief, Master Diver, USN Ret.
