How to Be Marine Salvage Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 13, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Marine Salvage Technician plays a vital role in responding to any type of maritime accident and is responsible for mitigating the environmental, financial, and safety risks associated with such incidents. Specifically, these technicians are tasked with the recovery of sunken vessels and cargo, along with the disposal of pollutants and hazardous materials. The successful completion of this process requires significant skill and experience, as well as knowledge regarding the relevant laws, regulations, and procedures. Ultimately, the presence of a Marine Salvage Technician reduces the likelihood of further damage and economic losses, while ensuring the safety of marine environments and the people who rely on them.

Steps How to Become

Get a High School Diploma or GED. To become a Marine Salvage Technician, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Receive Technical Training. You can attend a trade school or college to get the technical training necessary for becoming a Marine Salvage Technician. Schools may offer courses related to diving, welding, underwater welding, and other relevant topics.
Get Certified. In order to become a Marine Salvage Technician, you must be certified by the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI). You will need to complete a basic diver certification course, as well as an advanced diver certification course. To receive certification, you must pass both written and practical examinations.
Get Some Experience. Many salvage technicians gain experience by working as dive safety officers or as crew members on salvage operations. You can also work as an assistant to a more experienced marine salvage technician.
Obtain a Commercial Divers License. In order to work in the United States as a Marine Salvage Technician, you must obtain a commercial divers license from the United States Coast Guard.
Find Employment. You can find employment with salvage companies, shipping companies, oil companies, and other organizations that require qualified Marine Salvage Technicians.

Marine salvage technicians must stay informed and efficient to ensure the successful recovery of ships and their cargo. Keeping up to date with the latest industry regulations, technologies, and techniques is essential for success. staying organized and taking proactive preventive steps can help to minimize any potential risks or delays.

This includes maintaining accurate records, staying in communication with salvage teams, and regularly inspecting equipment for signs of wear and tear. By taking these proactive measures, marine salvage technicians can ensure that the salvage process runs smoothly and efficiently.

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Job Description

Determine the best method of salvaging a vessel, such as lifting, towing, or cutting.
Monitor and assess the condition of salvaged vessels prior to and during the salvage process.
Operate and maintain salvage equipment, including divers helmets, pumps, and winches.
Create salvage plans and coordinate with other personnel to ensure safe and efficient completion of the job.
Conduct hull inspections, identifying any damage that could affect the salvage process.
Salvage sunken vessels and cargo, using a variety of specialized tools and techniques.
Repair any damage to a salvaged vessel or its equipment.
Monitor the environment for hazards, such as debris or hazardous materials, during the salvage process.
Liaise with clients, providing progress updates and discussing salvage costs and other details related to the job.
Document salvage operations, including details of the vessels condition, the salvage process, and any damage incurred.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of marine salvage operations
Familiarity with emergency response procedures
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions
Understanding of the principles of buoyancy
Ability to operate various marine salvage and recovery equipment
Ability to interpret schematics and diagrams
Knowledge of safety regulations and standards
Good communication skills
Ability to work in a team environment
Knowledge of environmental protection policies and practices

Marine salvage technicians play a vital role in the safe recovery of vessels and their cargo in hazardous conditions. Their expertise and skill sets are essential for carrying out dangerous operations such as towing, lifting, and refloating stranded vessels. Knowledge of marine engineering, towing and rigging, welding and cutting, and emergency response are all essential skills necessary for a successful salvage operation.

In addition, they must understand the laws and regulations governing the industry and be able to think quickly and make decisions under immense pressure. Without the critical expertise of marine salvage technicians, many shipping operations would be put in jeopardy. The safety of seafaring vessels and their cargo relies on their trained professionals and their ability to respond efficiently to emergency situations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with marine salvage operations?
What do you believe are the most important safety measures to take when conducting a salvage operation?
How do you stay up to date on industry regulations and best practices?
Describe a challenging salvage project you have worked on in the past.
What strategies do you use to ensure efficient and effective salvage operations?
How do you handle difficult or dangerous situations during salvage operations?
How do you manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks?
What methods do you use for examining, evaluating, and assessing the condition of salvaged ships?
What qualifications and certifications do you possess that are related to marine salvage operations?
How would you handle a salvage project that is behind schedule or over budget?

Common Tools in Industry

Hand Pump. Used to pump out water from a vessel. (eg: Pumping out water from a sunken boat)
Chain Cutter. Used to cut and remove chains from a vessel. (eg: Removing a broken anchor chain)
Cable Cutter. Used to cut and remove cables from a vessel. (eg: Cutting through a tow line)
Air Lifter Bag. Used to lift heavy objects and debris from the sea floor. (eg: Lifting a sunken boat engine)
Winch. Used to pull objects out of a vessel or off the ocean floor. (eg: Retrieving an anchor from a wrecked boat)
Tow Line. Used to safely pull a vessel or large object away from a dangerous area. (eg: Towing a damaged boat away from rocks)
Generator. Used to provide power to tools used in salvage operations. (eg: Powering a winch for retrieval operations)
Welding Equipment. Used to securely join two objects together, such as pieces of metal. (eg: Welding a broken hull piece back together)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Association of Marine Salvage and Intervention (IAMSI)
International Salvage Union (ISU)
International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA)
National Association of Marine Salvage and Intervention Operators (NAMSIO)
American Salvage Association (ASA)
Subsea Industries Association (SIA)
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA)
International Maritime Organization (IMO)

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Common Important Terms

Salvage. The process of saving a ship and its cargo from loss at sea.
Salvor. A person or company engaged in marine salvage operations.
Wreck Removal. The process of removing a wrecked vessel from a waterway.
Pollution Control. Preventing or minimizing the release of pollutants into the environment, such as oil spills.
Underwater Recovery. The process of recovering objects from the seafloor.
Risk Assessment. The evaluation of potential risks associated with a salvage operation.
Ship Stability. The ability of a vessel to remain upright and afloat in a seaway.
Salvage Engineering. The application of engineering principles to the planning and execution of salvage operations.
Salvage Law. The legal framework governing the rights, duties, and liabilities of salvors and shipowners.
Salvage Towing. The process of towing a vessel or its cargo to a safe port or anchorage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of work do Marine Salvage Technicians do?

Marine Salvage Technicians are responsible for assessing, retrieving, and preserving damaged vessels, vehicles, and other maritime and water-based objects from the water.

What qualifications are needed to become a Marine Salvage Technician?

To become a Marine Salvage Technician, individuals must typically have a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as several years of experience working as a seaman or in a related field such as engineering or mechanics.

What tools and equipment do Marine Salvage Technicians use?

Marine Salvage Technicians typically use a variety of tools and equipment to carry out their work, such as winches, cranes, chains, rigging, pumps, and diving equipment.

What are some of the risks associated with Marine Salvage Technician work?

Some of the risks associated with Marine Salvage Technician work include physical injury due to unsafe working conditions, exposure to hazardous materials, and the possibility of drowning or other water-related accidents.

What is the salary range for Marine Salvage Technicians?

The salary range for Marine Salvage Technicians can vary depending on experience and qualifications, but typically ranges from $25,000-$60,000 per year.