From repairing buoys to making history: Meet the U.S. Coast Guard diver who became the first “Coastman” to complete the Navy’s toughest dive course | World News
An unexpected conversation at the Coast Guard in Seattle set Senior Master Chief Petty Officer Thomas Hansen on a path that would ultimately lead to a historic achievement. After years of repairing navigation buoys, restoring offshore support facilities and conducting underwater missions from Massachusetts to Antarctica, Hansen became the first member of the U.S. Coast Guard to complete the Navy’s prestigious Master Diver Course. The achievement, considered the highest qualification an enlisted military diver can receive, marks a major milestone in the Coast Guard’s relatively young diving community and could pave the way for generations of divers to come.
Long before he became the first “Coastie” dive master, he was repairing buoys
While Hansen was working as a mechanical technician in the Seattle Marine Safety and Security Group, his executive officer sent him a call for candidates interested in joining the Coast Guard’s diving program. Attracted by the opportunity to take on a new challenge, he applied and was selected for dive candidate training. In 2015, he graduated as one of the first Coast Guard divers, just weeks after the Diver (DV) rating was officially established.Although Hansen quickly embraced his new status as a diver, he originally planned to study the profession for only four years before applying to the Coast Guard Survey Bureau. As his love for diving grew, that plan changed. This career satisfied his curiosity, provided opportunities to travel, and provided the constant problem-solving opportunities that he enjoyed. Eventually, he decided he couldn’t imagine giving it up.Hansen has been involved in numerous underwater operations over the years. He repaired and repositioned navigation buoys from Massachusetts to Palau and performed missions involving docks in Antarctica. He particularly enjoyed restoring damaged navigation aids and took pride in “keeping them in pristine condition afterwards.” This work allows him to combine technical expertise with a passion for discovery.
A 2020 question inspires new goals
In 2020, while Hanson was serving at Coast Guard Diver School, he and other divers were discussing the future of the service’s diving program. Since Coast Guard personnel were already enrolled in the Navy’s Level 1 and Level 2 diving schools, Hansen wondered why they weren’t pursuing the Navy’s top diving qualifications. This question ended up being his next challenge.After being promoted to principal, Hansen worked his way up to becoming the diving school principal. He believes this role will provide the best opportunity to learn from the Navy’s most experienced divers and prepare him for the demanding Master Diver program. The relationships he makes and the knowledge he gains will be invaluable in helping him secure a spot on an elite course.
The Dive Masters course is one of the most difficult in the military
The Master Dive Course is held at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida, and represents the pinnacle of enlisted diving expertise. Candidates must first pass a grueling six-hour written exam before undergoing five weeks of training designed to test their ability to oversee complex underwater operations, including deep-sea salvage and underwater repairs.One of the hardest parts of the program is called “grading week.” During this phase, seven Navy divemasters evaluate the candidate through a series of drills and exercises without providing any feedback. Participants do not know whether they succeeded or failed until the final assessment. The uncertainty and stress make it one of the most mentally demanding experiences in military diving.
An unexpected reunion reveals he has died
As Hansen debriefed senior officials at the end of the course, a familiar face suddenly appeared from behind the wall. This was a close friend who was a command dive officer in Hawaii. The unexpected appearance instantly told Han Sen that he had succeeded. The exciting moment confirmed he had become the first Coast Guardsman to complete the elite Master Diver course.Hansen views his accomplishments as stepping stones, not a finish line. He wants to establish a clearer pathway for more Coast Guard divers to become master scuba divers. Leaders at Force Readiness Command praised his dedication and commitment to mentoring future generations.Despite the recognition, Hansen’s passion for diving remains unchanged. His message to anyone considering this career is simple: “If you want the best job on earth, become a Coast Guard diver.”
