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Occupation Details

Diver



Fact Sheet

Navy Divers undertake tasks in both peacetime and wartime conditions

Divers carry out a range of duties underwater using self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (scuba), surface breathing apparatus or underwater work chambers.

Duties and Tasks

Divers may perform the following tasks:

  • check diving equipment before diving
  • build, check and repair underwater constructions such as harbour wall foundations, ship hulls, jetties, piers and pipelines, sometimes using cutting or welding equipment
  • use cables, flotation gear or ropes to bring underwater objects to the surface
  • carry out underwater exploration
  • carry out underwater search and rescue operations to recover bodies, stolen goods and other property (police divers)
  • build and look after fish farms
  • supervise and teach others to dive
  • operate cameras for underwater filming (e.g. for nature documentaries)
  • place recording instruments underwater
  • operate recompression chambers

Specialisations

With experience and sometimes further training, divers may become a ship's diver or dive supervisor.

An offshore construction diver assists in the construction and repair of pipelines and structures associated with the production of offshore oil and gas. They are also employed in routine inspections of these structures and use non-destructive testing. Often they are tradespeople such as boilermakers or welders.
An onshore construction diver also known as a surface supply diver and normally dives to depths of no more than 30 metres. They work with a supply of compressed air from the surface and work on a variety of projects such as hull inspection and repairs, maintenance work and salvage operations. They also undertake a variety of tasks such as construction, inspection and repair of weirs, locks and dams.
A recreational dive instructor teaches at resorts and diving schools. Qualified divers supervise and assist recreational divers during lessons and on dives. They also work in diving equipment shops. Instructors start at divemaster level, assisting more experienced staff, and then progress to assistant and full instructor levels.
A seafood diver works in hatcheries and assists in the building and maintenance of boats, cages, nets and other equipment. They inspect, repair and clean housings, keep an eye on the health of fish, remove dead fish, find and repel or kill predators, and report observations to the supervisor.
A scientific diver allowed to go to a depth of 30 metres and is licensed to use tools underwater, collect samples and carry out underwater analyses for scientific exploration.
A saturation diver the most qualified diver and may descend to depths of 300 metres or more and work in underwater work chambers or diving bells. This work is usually for scientific research or maintenance of deep sea structures.

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of physical education provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a physical education subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
These jobs are generally performed in an unusually hot, cold or humid environment, so may be unsuitable for people who have diabetes or other conditions aggravated by extremes of temperature or humidity. Jobs where work is performed in a hot, cold or humid environment are excluded.\par
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day outdoors, exposed to the weather. They may report back to an office, station, depot or other central site. Jobs requiring mainly outdoor work are excluded.
The main duties and tasks involved in these jobs require daily physical exertion, such as bending and twisting, lifting, climbing, pulling, pushing, carrying or other effort where physical fitness is required. People with heart, back or other conditions who should avoid physical strain may wish to avoid these jobs. Jobs requiring physical effort have been excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs associated with primary production, horticulture, fishing and hunting, forestry and logging, and mining.\par
Included are jobs providing services in the hospitality and tourism industries, in areas such as accommodation, and food and beverage preparation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS, using the hands, or special tools or equipment to make, fix, install or adjust them. Activities include doing practical and physical tasks, and may require an understanding of how equipment or machinery works.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH THINGS in the natural world, such as conservation, handling animals, raising crops or livestock, or sport. Activities include growing and caring for living things, or an involvement with sport, leisure or the environment.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.

Work Conditions

Professional diving is both physically and mentally demanding, with a lot of time spent working underwater. It is a potentially hazardous occupation so divers must work under strict safety standards.

Personal Requirements

  • physically fit and able to pass a strict medical examination
  • responsible and safety-conscious
  • able to work as part of a team
  • able to solve simple mathematical problems

Labour Market Information

Australian JobOutlook for Divers

Related Courses

Tasmania

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Navy Divers undertake specialist training for peacetime and wartime work