An unexpected conversation at a Coast Guard unit in Seattle set Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Hansen on a path that would eventually lead to a historic achievement. After years spent repairing navigation buoys, restoring maritime aids and carrying out underwater missions from Massachusetts to Antarctica, Hansen has become the first member of the US Coast Guard to complete the Navy’s prestigious Master Diver course. Considered the highest level of qualification an enlisted military diver can earn, the achievement marks a major milestone for the Coast Guard’s relatively young diving community and could pave the way for future generations of divers.
Long before becoming the first ‘Coastie’ Master Diver, he was repairing buoys
Hansen was serving as a machinery technician with the Maritime Safety and Security Team Seattle when his Executive Officer handed him a solicitation for candidates interested in joining the Coast Guard Diving Program. Drawn by the opportunity to take on a new challenge, he applied and was selected for Dive Candidate Training. In 2015, he graduated as part of the first class of rated Coast Guard divers, just weeks after the Diver (DV) rating was officially established.Although Hansen quickly embraced his new identity as a diver, he originally planned to spend only four years in the specialty before applying to the Coast Guard Investigative Service. That plan changed as his love for diving grew. The profession satisfied his curiosity, offered opportunities for travel and provided the constant problem-solving that he enjoyed. Eventually, he decided he couldn’t imagine giving it up.Over the years, Hansen participated in numerous underwater operations. He repaired and repositioned navigation buoys from Massachusetts to Palau and carried out missions involving piers in Antarctica. He particularly enjoyed restoring damaged aids to navigation, taking pride in leaving them “pristine afterwards”. The work allowed him to combine technical expertise with a passion for exploration.
A question in 2020 inspired a new goal
While serving at the Coast Guard Diver School House in 2020, Hansen and his fellow divers were discussing the future of the service’s diving programme. Since Coast Guard personnel already attended the Navy’s first- and second-class dive schools, Hansen wondered why they didn’t pursue the Navy’s highest diving qualification. That question eventually became his next challenge.After advancing to Chief, Hansen pushed hard to become Dive School Chief. He believed the role would provide the best opportunity to learn from the Navy’s most experienced divers and prepare himself for the demanding Master Diver programme. The relationships he developed and the knowledge he gained would prove invaluable in helping him earn a place in the elite course.
The Master Diver course is one of the military’s toughest
Held at the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center in Panama City, Florida, the Master Diver course represents the pinnacle of enlisted diving expertise. Candidates must first pass a gruelling six-hour written examination before undergoing five weeks of training designed to test their ability to supervise complex underwater operations, including deep-sea salvage and underwater repairs.One of the hardest parts of the programme is known as “graded week”. During this phase, seven Navy Master Divers evaluate candidates through a series of drills and exercises without offering any feedback. Participants have no idea whether they are succeeding or failing until the final assessment. The uncertainty and pressure make it one of the most mentally demanding experiences in military diving.
A surprise reunion revealed he had passed
As Hansen debriefed senior officials at the end of the course, a familiar face suddenly appeared from behind a wall. It was a close friend who served as a command dive officer in Hawaii. The unexpected appearance instantly told Hansen that he had succeeded. The emotional moment confirmed that he had become the first Coast Guardsman ever to complete the elite Master Diver course.Hansen views his achievement as a stepping stone rather than a finish line. He hopes to establish a clearer pathway that will allow more Coast Guard divers to pursue Master Diver qualifications. Leaders across Force Readiness Command have praised his dedication and commitment to mentoring future generations.Despite the recognition, Hansen’s passion for diving remains unchanged. His message to anyone considering the profession is simple: “If you want the best job on Earth, be a Coast Guard diver.”
