0 Diving Support Vessel (DSV) Seafarer Jobs

Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) are specialized offshore ships equipped to support commercial diving operations for subsea inspection, maintenance, repair (IMR), construction, and decommissioning. These vessels typically feature dynamic positioning (DP), a diving control room, hyperbaric chambers, moonpools, and launch & recovery systems (LARS). DSVs require an experienced and disciplined crew to manage both marine and diving operations safely and efficiently under high-risk conditions.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Master

  • Hold full command of the vessel and bear overall responsibility for the safety of all personnel, vessel operations, and compliance with maritime law.
  • Coordinate closely with Dive Supervisors, Client Representatives, and Offshore Managers to support project operations.
  • Ensure safe DP station-keeping during diving and subsea operations.
  • Conduct drills and lead the vessel’s emergency response and safety culture.

Chief Officer / Dive Support Officer

  • Manage deck operations, including launch and recovery of diving equipment, winches, and overboarding systems.
  • Supervise deck crew, oversee cargo handling, and support diving spread logistics.
  • Ensure safe work permits, toolbox talks, and risk assessments are implemented effectively.
  • Monitor and maintain firefighting and lifesaving appliances.

Second Officer (Navigation / DP Officer)

  • Maintain navigational watch and operate DP system during critical subsea operations.
  • Monitor position reference systems (PRS), weather, and proximity to subsea assets.
  • Keep charts and publications up to date and maintain GMDSS compliance.
  • Record vessel movements and assist with daily operational reporting.

Third Officer

  • Conduct routine safety inspections, including LSA/FFA checks and vessel security patrols.
  • Support navigation and assist with mooring, gangway, and helideck operations.
  • Participate in drills and act as muster checker during emergencies.

Chief Engineer

  • Supervise all mechanical and electrical systems, including power for DP systems, compressors, and saturation diving spread.
  • Ensure maintenance of propulsion, thrusters, cranes, winches, and auxiliary systems.
  • Manage the PMS, technical documentation, and engine department resources.
  • Respond to breakdowns and ensure pollution prevention measures are followed.

Second Engineer

  • Coordinate daily engine room operations and monitor auxiliary systems including HVAC, ballast pumps, and air compressors.
  • Support the operation of diving-related machinery such as gas supply compressors and water filtration units.
  • Maintain machinery logs and supervise engine crew.

Third Engineer

  • Perform watchkeeping duties and conduct routine maintenance on generators, pumps, and hydraulics.
  • Assist with troubleshooting mechanical faults and maintain records of operational parameters.
  • Help ensure readiness of emergency systems including fire pumps and emergency generators.

ETO / Electrical Engineer

  • Maintain electrical and electronic systems including power distribution, DP interface, LARS, and hyperbaric control systems.
  • Troubleshoot faults in control panels, diving bell systems, life support systems, and emergency backup circuits.
  • Ensure that UPS, switchboards, and communications systems are operational.
  • Support both engine and diving teams in resolving technical issues.

Deck Crew (Bosun, ABs, OSs)

  • Operate and maintain winches, cranes, launch systems, and deck equipment used during diving operations.
  • Assist in mobilizing and demobilizing diving spread and subsea tools.
  • Conduct routine deck maintenance and support in mooring and anchor handling (if applicable).
  • Participate in safety drills and emergency response procedures.

Engine Ratings (Oilers, Wipers)

  • Support engineers with lubrication, fuel transfer, and equipment monitoring.
  • Conduct engine room rounds and assist with preventative maintenance.
  • Maintain cleanliness of machinery spaces and assist with waste management.

Diving Department (if vessel-manned):

Dive Supervisor / Senior Dive Technician

  • Oversee all diving operations and ensure compliance with IMCA and client safety requirements.
  • Maintain communication between divers and dive control and ensure readiness of emergency protocols.

Saturation Divers / Air Divers

  • Carry out underwater construction, inspection, welding, and maintenance tasks.
  • Operate tools and equipment safely while adhering to dive profiles and decompression schedules.

Life Support Technicians (LSTs)

  • Monitor and maintain environmental conditions within diving chambers.
  • Operate life support systems, manage gas mixtures, and maintain saturation logs.

Diving Technicians / LARS Operators

  • Operate and maintain launch and recovery systems, hot water machines, and dive control panels.
  • Conduct pre-dive checks, maintenance, and repair of bells, umbilicals, and dive suits.
Frequently asked questions about Diving Support Vessel (DSV)
Do I need an account to be able to apply for diving support vessel jobs through Martide?

  Yes. You need to create an account before you can apply for dive support vessel jobs with Martide. The good news is, it is quick, easy and free.  

Does Martide have other jobs on ships as well as dive support vessel jobs?

Yes, as well as DSV jobs, we also have other jobs at sea available including container ship jobs, heavy load carrier jobs, roro ship jobs, oil carrier jobs and more.

Does Martide have a mobile seafarer job app?

  Yes. We have a free mobile seafarer job app which enables you to create your account, complete your seafarer resume and apply for diving support vessel jobs wherever you are in the world.  

How can I be the first to know when there are new DSV jobs on Martide?

  Click Create Alert on our Seafarer Jobs page and we will send you email alerts when new diving support vessel jobs are posted.