Head of Underwater Operations Job Description UAE 2025
A Head of Underwater Operations in UAE earns between AED 300,000 and AED 540,000 per year. The role leads subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) operations including ROV and diving activities for offshore oil and gas or marine infrastructure projects.
Head of Underwater Operations in UAE — Key Facts
The Head of Underwater Operations role in UAE operates under employment contracts governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) regulates all mainland employment. ADGM, DIFC, and free zone employees are subject to their respective authority employment regulations. Salaries stated are benchmarked to the UAE market as of April 2025.
All employment contracts in the UAE must comply with Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Head of Underwater Operations roles in mainland UAE require Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) approved contracts. End-of-service gratuity is calculated at 21 days per year of service for the first 5 years and 30 days per year thereafter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Head of Underwater Operations earn in UAE?
A Head of Underwater Operations in UAE earns AED 300,000–540,000 per year. Roles in Abu Dhabi government-linked organisations and large multinational corporations pay at the upper end. Free zone and private sector roles pay at the lower to mid range.
What experience does a Head of Underwater Operations need in UAE?
UAE employers require 12–18 years of relevant experience for Head of Underwater Operations positions. Candidates with professional qualifications (IWFM, NEBOSH, RICS, or equivalent) and UAE or GCC market experience are preferred.
How does RFS recruit Head of Underwater Operationss?
RFS sources Head of Underwater Operations candidates from its UAE facilities management network. A shortlist of 3 to 5 pre-screened candidates is delivered within 48 to 72 hours. The retained search fee is 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation.
What a Head of Underwater Operations does in UAE
A Head of Underwater Operations in UAE manages diving, ROV, and subsea inspection and intervention operations for offshore oil and gas companies, marine contractors, and port infrastructure owners across UAE waters, ensuring all underwater activities comply with ADNOC HSE standards and IMCA guidelines.
Key responsibilities
- Lead all underwater operations including saturation diving, SCUBA, ROV, and subsea inspection activities
- Manage the diving and ROV operations team including diving supervisors, ROV pilots, and life support technicians
- Own underwater operations P&L including vessel costs, personnel, and equipment
- Ensure all diving operations comply with IMCA D014, UAE ADNOC HSE standards, and UAE maritime regulations
- Lead diving risk assessment and underwater operations safety case development
- Manage diving support vessel and ROV equipment maintenance and survey readiness
- Coordinate with ADNOC Group on underwater inspection and maintenance programme delivery
- Build and manage relationships with UAE and GCC underwater services clients
- Manage diver medicals, competency, and HSE compliance for all underwater personnel
- Present underwater operations performance and strategy to the CEO and clients
Qualifications required
- HSE Part IV Saturation Diver or IMCA-qualified saturation diving supervisor, or ROV Supervisor equivalent
- IMCA DIVER medical and competency standards compliance awareness
- 10 to 18 years underwater operations experience with at least 3 years leading UAE or GCC operations
- Deep knowledge of ADNOC Group offshore HSE requirements for underwater contractor operations
- SAT diving, ROV deployment, and subsea IRM methodology expertise
- Arabic language skills preferred for ADNOC authority and UAE government interactions
- Offshore survival BOSIET, HUET, and OPITO certifications current
- Project management skills for multi-vessel underwater operations in Arabian Gulf
Head of Underwater Operations salary by employer type in UAE
| Employer type | Annual salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| ADNOC offshore underwater contractor (NPCC, Saipem UAE) | 550,000–1,000,000 |
| International IRM or diving contractor UAE (Oceaneering, Subsea 7) | 500,000–950,000 |
| ADNOC Logistics or ADNOC offshore technical | 480,000–900,000 |
| UAE port authority underwater inspection contractor | 420,000–800,000 |
Contract terms for this role in UAE
Head of Underwater Operations roles carry 3 month notice periods. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 governs end-of-service gratuity at 21 days basic salary per year for the first five years.
Hire a Head of Underwater Operations in UAE or Saudi Arabia
RFS delivers a shortlist of pre-screened Head of Underwater Operations candidates in 48 to 72 hours. Retained search fee: 15 to 18 percent of first-year total compensation. 6-month replacement guarantee.
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UAE Market Data — Head of Underwater Operations 2025
Salary Range (AED/month)
AED 8,000 – 50,000 (varies by seniority and industry)
Tax-free. Source: Michael Page UAE 2026, Indeed UAE 2025
Industry
General — UAE & GCC
Required Certifications (UAE Market)
Role-specific professional certifications required. UAE-recognised qualifications preferred.
UAE-Specific Regulatory Skills
UAE Federal Labour Law No. 33 of 2021, WPS compliance, MoHRE work permit processing, Emiratisation obligations for qualifying companies.
RFS HR Consultancy places head of underwater operations professionals across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the wider UAE and GCC. View our executive search firm Dubai UAE or check the UAE salary guide 2025.
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