Naval Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of expanding maritime capabilities, the role of naval divers has become increasingly critical.

As underwater operations advance, the demand for skilled individuals who can conduct, enhance, and secure marine activities escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a naval diver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricate world of naval diving,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable naval diver job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career portals.

Let’s dive right into it.

Naval Diver Duties and Responsibilities

Naval Divers perform a variety of diving salvage operations and special diving duties worldwide.

They take part in construction and demolition projects, execute search and rescue missions and support military and civilian law enforcement agencies.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Performing a variety of diving salvage operations and special diving duties worldwide
• Performing underwater ship repair, salvage and construction, using either SCUBA equipment or a surface-supplied-air diving system
• Training others in diving, salvage and hyperbaric chamber operations
• Identifying and retrieving objects from the water
• Inspecting and cleaning waterborne ships, submarines and associated equipment
• Conducting tests and experiments, rigging explosive for demolition and supervising salvage operations
• Participating in research and development of new diving procedures and techniques
• Maintaining diving gear and other specialized equipment
• Carrying out reconnaissance missions to collect data and information

 

Naval Diver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a physically fit and dedicated Naval Diver to join our team.

Naval Divers perform a variety of tasks underwater, such as salvage operations, demolition, and conducting underwater surveys.

This role requires extensive training and exceptional physical stamina.

The ideal candidate will have prior experience as a commercial diver, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform underwater inspections, repairs, removals, and salvage operations
• Use and maintain diving equipment such as scuba gear, underwater tools, and cameras
• Conduct tests or experiments and record data related to underwater exploration
• Carry out underwater construction, demolition, and drilling
• Ensure safety and compliance with diving regulations and standard procedures
• Rescue injured divers or assist in emergency situations
• Perform routine maintenance on marine equipment and vessels
• Conduct underwater surveys and map out underwater terrain

 

Qualifications

• Prior experience as a commercial diver or naval diver is highly preferred
• Physical strength and stamina, with the ability to perform strenuous tasks underwater
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and in high-stress situations
• Strong swimming skills and comfort with prolonged periods underwater
• Training in first aid and CPR
• Completion of a commercial diving course from an accredited school
• Professional Diving Instructor certification may be required

 

Benefits

• Comprehensive health coverage
• Dental and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid training
• Vacation and holiday leave

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Naval Diver
• Work Environment: Primarily underwater, in various weather conditions. Physical risks involved due to the nature of the job.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Diving Supervisor or Diving Officer.
• Salary: Salary is dependent upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, any relevant certifications, and a cover letter detailing your experience and skills to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Naval Diver Do?

Naval Divers are specialized members of the navy who are trained to carry out a variety of underwater tasks and missions.

Their primary role involves underwater salvage, recovery, and repair of ships and submarines.

This includes inspecting the hulls of ships for damage, clearing obstructions or explosives, and repairing equipment underwater.

They are also responsible for conducting search and rescue missions in the event of a naval disaster or accident.

This could involve locating and retrieving lost items, rescuing trapped or injured personnel, and providing emergency medical treatment.

Furthermore, Naval Divers are often involved in reconnaissance and demolition missions.

They may be required to gather intelligence information by surveying enemy waters, or conduct underwater demolition of enemy structures and vessels.

Due to the hazardous nature of their work, Naval Divers are trained in a variety of survival and combat techniques.

They must be proficient in diving and swimming, and also have knowledge of first aid, survival tactics, and the use of various underwater tools and weapons.

In their role, Naval Divers work closely with other naval personnel, including engineers, medical staff, and commanding officers.

They must be able to communicate effectively under challenging conditions, and be prepared to work in potentially dangerous environments.

 

Naval Diver Qualifications and Skills

A Naval Diver must possess a unique combination of physical abilities, technical skills and mental toughness.

The qualifications and skills required for this role include:

• Physical fitness and endurance, as the role involves intense and extensive diving activities, often in challenging conditions.
• Proficiency in operating and maintaining diving equipment and underwater tools.
• Mastery of various diving techniques, including salvage diving, deep-sea diving, and combat diving.
• Excellent swimming skills and the ability to stay calm under water.
• Strong knowledge of underwater safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Technical skills for handling tasks such as underwater welding, cutting, demolition, and construction.
• Strong problem-solving skills for dealing with unexpected situations underwater.
• Ability to work in a team, as naval divers often work in pairs or groups for safety and efficiency.
• Good communication skills for effectively coordinating with other members of the team.
• Resilience, mental fortitude and the ability to handle high-stress situations.

 

Naval Diver Experience Requirements

The journey to becoming a Naval Diver begins with enlisting in the Navy, where candidates undergo Basic Military Training, followed by Naval Diving Unit training.

This rigorous training provides the foundational experience required for a Naval Diver.

For entry-level positions, typically no prior diving experience is required as training will be provided, but physical fitness and ability to swim are fundamental.

Some experience in scuba diving or a related field can be beneficial.

Candidates with more than 2 years of experience may have gained advanced diving skills, knowledge of underwater demolition, salvage operations, and combat diving.

They may also have proficiency in using specialized diving equipment and conducting underwater reconnaissance.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have accumulated substantial knowledge and skills in all aspects of naval diving operations and may have served in leadership roles.

They are generally considered for positions like Diving Supervisor or Diving Instructor.

Furthermore, candidates with a significant amount of experience may also have received specialized training in areas such as hyperbaric medicine, underwater welding, or explosive ordnance disposal, broadening their skill set and opening up further career opportunities within the Navy.

 

Naval Diver Education and Training Requirements

To become a Naval Diver, candidates must first complete high school, ideally with a focus on physical education, swimming, and sciences.

After high school, they need to enroll in the Navy, where they will complete the Basic Enlisted Submarine Course (BESS) and then the Navy Diver A School, which provides knowledge in diving, salvage and submarine operations.

Candidates should have excellent swimming skills, physical endurance, and the ability to work in stressful, underwater environments.

They also need to have a good understanding of physics, particularly in relation to pressure and gases, which are crucial knowledge areas for all divers.

Once these initial training programs have been completed, candidates then progress to more specialized Navy Diving courses.

These courses can include SCUBA, Surface Supplied Diving, Mixed-Gas Diving, and Saturation Diving, along with more advanced salvage and rescue operations.

In addition, naval divers need to complete their Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications, as well as First Aid and CPR.

Continuous training and re-certification is required to maintain active duty status as a Naval Diver.

Some naval divers may also choose to further their education and skills with additional training in areas such as underwater welding, advanced rescue techniques, or hyperbaric medicine.

 

Naval Diver Salary Expectations

The average wage for a Naval Diver is approximately $54,000 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can significantly vary based on the diver’s rank, years of service, and additional special qualifications.

Geographical location and the specifics of the mission or assignment can also influence the salary.

 

Naval Diver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Naval Diver need?

Naval Divers need strong physical fitness, ability to work well under pressure and exceptional diving skills.

They must also have good knowledge of underwater procedures, rescue operations and the use of diving equipment.

An understanding of naval systems and operations is also essential, as well as the ability to follow orders and work as part of a team.

 

Do Naval Divers require a degree?

While a degree is not a prerequisite for becoming a Naval Diver, most navies require at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

Specialized training is required, which includes physical fitness, diving theory, underwater combat and rescue procedures, among others.

Some Naval Divers may choose to further their education in related fields such as marine biology or underwater archaeology.

 

What should you look for in a Naval Diver resume?

When reviewing a Naval Diver’s resume, it’s crucial to check for diving qualifications and experience, as well as training in rescue operations and underwater demolition.

Evidence of physical fitness, teamwork, and resilience would also be important indicators of a suitable candidate.

Any experience in specialist fields such as underwater welding or salvage would be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Naval Diver?

A good Naval Diver is physically fit, calm under pressure, and has excellent problem-solving skills.

As the job often involves operating in dangerous situations, a high degree of bravery and the ability to stay calm in emergencies is essential.

Good teamwork skills, discipline, and a strong commitment to safety are other critical qualities of a Naval Diver.

 

Is it challenging to recruit Naval Divers?

Recruiting Naval Divers can be challenging due to the high-risk nature of the job and the extensive training required.

Candidates must meet stringent physical and psychological criteria, and the training process can be long and rigorous.

As such, recruiters must ensure that they are sourcing highly committed and capable individuals for the role.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into what it truly means to be a Naval Diver.

Surprised?

It’s not just about swimming in the deep sea.

It’s about safeguarding our oceans, one dive at a time.

With our comprehensive Naval Diver job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop there?

Submerge further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed listings or perfecting your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every dive is a part of a bigger mission.

Let’s protect our oceans. Together.

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