Navy Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of heightened maritime security and underwater exploration, the role of Navy Divers has become increasingly crucial.
As the seas and oceans continue to reveal their secrets, the demand for skilled individuals who can navigate, protect, and explore our aquatic environment surges.
But let’s dive a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from a Navy Diver?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker looking to decode the essence of this role,
- A recruitment officer shaping the ideal candidate profile,
- Or simply fascinated by the demanding and adventurous realm of naval diving,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we’re presenting a customizable Navy Diver job description template, designed for seamless posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Navy Divers are responsible for a wide range of tasks including search and recovery, demolition and salvage, and underwater ship repair.
They must be physically fit and mentally strong, as the nature of their work is often challenging and demanding.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Perform underwater searches and surveys for the purpose of reconnaissance and salvage operations
- Inspect and clean waterborne ships and structures, including propellers, sea chests, and hulls
- Carry out tests, inspections, and maintenance on hydraulic systems, structures, and equipment
- Repair, remove, or install equipment and devices on ships, docks, and underwater facilities
- Conduct underwater cutting and welding using specialized equipment
- Perform demolition tasks, like setting and detonating explosives under water
- Operate submersible equipment and vehicles for exploration, salvage, recovery, and rescue missions
- Provide first aid and emergency treatment in case of diving accidents
- Maintain diving gear and equipment
- Participate in physical and tactical training for maintaining readiness and skills
Job Brief
We are looking for an exceptionally skilled and highly disciplined Navy Diver to join our team.
Your primary responsibility will be to perform and assist in various underwater operations including salvage, repair, and maintenance tasks.
The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of diving techniques, excellent physical fitness, and a strong ability to cope with stressful situations.
As a Navy Diver, you’ll be expected to demonstrate expertise in executing the tasks assigned, often in challenging environments.
Responsibilities
- Perform a variety of diving salvage operations and special diving duties worldwide
- Take part in construction and demolition projects
- Execute search and rescue missions
- Support military and civilian law enforcement agencies
- Perform underwater repairs on ships, submarines, and other equipment
- Inspect and clean waterborne ships and structures
- Perform tests and checks on all diving equipment and gear
- Train and support other divers in the team
Qualifications
- Prior experience as a professional diver
- Successful completion of the Navy Diving and Salvage Training Center program
- Excellent physical fitness and resilience
- Capability to perform under pressure and challenging conditions
- Strong understanding of diving equipment and techniques
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- High school diploma or equivalent
Benefits
- Comprehensive military benefit package
- Retirement benefits
- Medical and Dental coverage
- Life Insurance
- Education support and training programs
- Travel opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Navy Diver
- Work Environment: Primarily involves underwater operations in various conditions and environments. Regular long-distance travel may be required.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Diving Supervisor or Diving Officer.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and rank in the Navy. Additional allowances may be provided.
- Location: Various locations worldwide as per assignment.
- Employment Type: Full-time, Active Duty
- Equal Opportunity Statement: The Navy is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and supporting documents via the official Navy recruitment portal.
Navy Divers are specialized members of the military who perform a variety of operations that take place in underwater environments.
Their primary responsibilities include undertaking salvage operations, performing underwater repairs on ships, conducting underwater surveys and search and recovery missions.
They are also involved in the inspection and maintenance of waterborne military equipment.
In addition to this, Navy Divers may also participate in combat operations, where they are tasked with neutralizing underwater mines or carrying out covert reconnaissance missions.
They are specially trained in scuba diving as well as the use of underwater tools and explosives.
They also have advanced knowledge of diving medicine and are often responsible for providing emergency medical treatment to divers suffering from diving-related illnesses or injuries.
Navy Divers work in a team and are expected to have excellent physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations.
They should also be comfortable with extended periods of time spent in confined spaces or underwater.
A proficient Navy Diver should possess a range of skills and qualifications, including:
- Physical strength and endurance to manage rigorous physical activity, such as swimming, lifting heavy objects, or operating heavy equipment underwater.
- Resilience and adaptability skills to handle challenging and unforeseen situations underwater.
- Technical skills to operate, maintain, and repair diving equipment and other machinery used for underwater work.
- Excellent communication skills to accurately convey information to other team members and superiors, especially during complex and potentially dangerous operations.
- Problem-solving skills to rapidly and efficiently handle emergencies and other unexpected situations during diving operations.
- Attention to detail to ensure safety procedures are followed, equipment is functioning properly, and missions are carried out according to plan.
- First aid and rescue skills to provide emergency medical assistance and carry out rescue operations when necessary.
- Training and certification from an accredited diving school or organization, plus additional military-specific training for Navy divers.
Navy Diver candidates typically start with no diving experience, but undergo a rigorous physical and training program within the Navy.
The initial training, called A school, provides a foundation in diving fundamentals, such as underwater demolition and salvage.
Trainees usually advance to C school, where they gain specific experience in areas such as diving medicine, recompression chamber operations, and hydraulic tool usage.
Throughout their navy diver training, they gain hands-on experience during multiple dives and salvage operations.
This critical on-the-job training ensures they are well equipped to handle various underwater tasks.
After a few years of service, Navy Divers may choose to specialize in a particular area, like deep-sea diving, salvage diving, or combat diving.
Such specialization usually requires additional training and experience.
Those with more than 5 years of service may qualify for leadership roles, such as Diving Supervisor or Master Diver, which require both technical diving expertise and proven leadership skills.
Becoming a Navy Diver requires rigorous physical and mental preparation.
Applicants must first complete high school or its equivalent and must be able to pass the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) examination.
Candidates should then enlist in the Navy and pass a physical examination to test their ability to perform under stressful conditions, both on land and in water.
After enlistment, candidates attend the Navy’s recruit training, also known as Boot Camp.
This phase prepares them for the physical demands of the job, teaches them necessary skills, and instills discipline and teamwork.
Following the initial training, candidates must complete the Navy Diver-Second Class Dive School.
This intensive course focuses on diving theory, underwater skills, submarine and ship husbandry, recompression chamber operation, salvage and recovery operations, and underwater cutting and welding.
Candidates must be able to complete the Navy’s Physical Screening Test (PST) which includes swimming, push-ups, sit-ups, and running.
Further training and qualifications can be pursued in specialized areas such as saturation diving, explosive ordnance disposal, and salvage diving.
Continuous learning and training are crucial in this role as technology and equipment continually evolve.
This makes it necessary for Navy Divers to regularly update their skills and knowledge.
Although not required, some Navy Divers may choose to pursue further education in fields like engineering or marine biology to enhance their career prospects and expertise.
The average salary for a Navy Diver is approximately $54,000 (USD) per year.
This amount can fluctuate based on factors such as rank, years of service, and specific duties performed.
Additional allowances and benefits, like hazardous-duty incentive pay, could also supplement this income.
Navy Divers need to possess both physical and mental resilience as the job often involves challenging underwater tasks.
They should have good swimming skills, physical strength and stamina, a strong sense of direction, and a comfort with working in confined spaces.
Problem-solving skills are also crucial as divers often need to make quick decisions under pressure.
A high school diploma or equivalent is the basic educational requirement for becoming a Navy Diver.
After enlistment, the candidate will have to go through dive school and basic training.
Some divers may choose to further their education in areas such as marine biology or engineering, but this is not a requirement.
Navy Divers are responsible for a wide range of tasks including salvage operations, underwater repairs, and maintenance of equipment.
They may also perform explosive disposal, submarine rescue, and tactical operations.
Divers are also responsible for inspecting and cleaning waterborne ships, aircrafts and submarines.
A good Navy Diver is not only physically fit but also mentally tough.
They must have a strong sense of duty, display courage, and be able to stay calm in high-pressure situations.
Good communication skills are also important as divers often work in teams and must be able to efficiently relay information to their peers and superiors.
While both roles involve underwater diving, their duties and responsibilities differ.
A Navy Diver is a military professional who is often involved in rescue operations, salvage operations, and underwater combat.
On the other hand, a Commercial Diver is typically employed in the private sector and might work on projects like underwater welding, offshore oil rig repairs, or underwater construction.
Conclusion
And there you have it.
Today, we’ve navigated the depths of what it truly means to be a navy diver.
And guess what?
It’s not just about diving.
It’s about embracing the unchartered ocean depths, one dive at a time.
With our comprehensive navy diver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to plunge in.
But why stop there?
Submerge further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise listings or honing your resume to perfection.
Remember:
Every dive contributes to the larger mission.
Let’s explore the depths. Together.
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