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Diver

Kairukuruku

Commercial divers develop and maintain underwater structures and do research for scientists. Recreational divers teach scuba diving and may carry out marine searches and rescues.

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Secondary education

There are no specific secondary educational requirements to become a diver. However, physical education, maths, physics and workshop technology are useful.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Certificate

Useful experience

Useful experience for divers includes:

  • recreational diving
  • dive industry retail work
  • building industry work
  • engineering, fitting and welding work
  • scientific work such as marine biology or oceanography
  • work on boats or in the boating industry
  • teaching.

What you will do

Divers may do some or all of the following:

  • inspect, build and repair structures using underwater tools and equipment
  • search underwater areas for objects, structures or criminal evidence
  • manage emergency situations, including rescuing divers in distress 
  • clean and inspect boats or marine farm structures
  • guide certified divers on underwater tours
  • inspect, clean and wash diving equipment
  • instruct dive students
  • keep a log book to record details of diving experiences.

Skills and knowledge

Divers need to have knowledge of: 

  • diving techniques, and have excellent diving skills
  • diving equipment, and have the ability to repair equipment that breaks down on-site
  • relevant health and safety regulations
  • underwater hazards such as rips and currents
  • first aid and how to deal with emergencies.

Depending on their area of specialisation, divers may also need to have knowledge of:

  • underwater inspection and survey techniques
  • search and rescue procedures
  • construction methods and materials
  • underwater photography
  • the behaviour of marine life.
Pay

Recreational divers work full-time and usually earn

$48K-$49K

per year

Commercial divers work on short-term contracts and usually earn

$350-$1200

per day

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a diver are average due to it being a small occupation with a steady turnover of workers.
Length of training
<1
year of training required.

Industry

Sport and Recreation

Commercial divers develop and maintain underwater structures and do research for scientists. Recreational divers teach scuba diving and may carry out marine searches and rescues.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

Commercial diver qualifications

To become a commercial diver you need to have a specific diving qualification from Subsea Training Centre.

You also need to be at least 18 years old and hold a current: 

  • medical clearance from the Diving Hyperbaric Medicine Service
  • First Aid Certificate, renewed every three years
  • CPR qualification, renewed every 12 months
  • oxygen administration qualification, renewed every 12 months
  • Worksafe Certificate of Competence, renewed every five years.

Recreational diver qualifications

To become a recreational scuba diving instructor you need to be qualified to train others, and may need to complete a certain number of dives.

Chances of getting a job

Demand for divers steady

Chances of getting a job as a diver are average as diving is a small occupation, but there are opportunities due to a steady turnover of workers.

According to the Census, 198 divers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Regular work in onshore commercial diving

Your best chance of getting regular diving work is to do onshore diving with a commercial operator. This work usually involves maintaining, repairing and upgrading infrastructure such as ports.  

Opportunities in biosecurity and aquaculture fields

Regional councils have received increased funding for dive teams for marine biosecurity because the Government's Biosecurity 2025 strategy focuses on improving management of invasive pests and diseases.

The aquaculture industry is also expanding its operations, which will create more opportunities for divers to do underwater inspections, maintenance and repairs. 

Types of employers varied

Divers are employed across a range of industries. Divers may work for:

  • commercial diving contractors
  • scuba diving instructor or tourism companies
  • engineering companies
  • aquaculture businesses
  • aquariums and marine science research institutes
  • offshore oil rig operators
  • media, photography or film companies
  • ship-building, repair and salvage firms.

The Royal New Zealand Navy, New Zealand Police, and New Zealand Customs Service also have dive teams.

Find out more about training

Academy of Diving
06 356 1665 - info@academyofdiving.ac.nz - www.academyofdiving.ac.nz

Progression and specialisations

Divers may progress to set up their own diving business.

Divers may specialise in a number of roles including:

Commercial Diver
Commercial divers may work onshore or offshore and usually work for construction, engineering or science companies.
Recreational Diver or Diving Instructor
Recreation divers usually teach various recreational scuba diving skills.
Hazmat Diver
Hazmat divers are a specific kind of commercial diver and usually work in hazardous underwater conditions.
Naval, Police or Military Diver
Naval, police or military divers perform a variety of underwater tasks for the institutions they work for.
Aquaculture Diver
Aquaculture divers work for aquaculture farms which reproduce and harvest species such as mussels, oysters and salmon.
Media, Film or Photographic Diver
Media divers usually work for production companies and specialise in capturing underwater images.
Search and Rescue Diver
Rescue divers are commercial or recreational divers qualified to help save people from dangerous underwater situations.

Working conditions

Divers:

  • usually work irregular hours including weekends, and may be on call
  • may work off boats for days or weeks at a time, and spend long periods underwater in lakes, rivers, harbours and at sea
  • may travel to work sites throughout New Zealand or in places such as Antarctica or the North Sea
  • may work in extreme conditions including icy water, water with poor visibility, and in windy or changeable weather conditions which may be dangerous.

Physical Requirements

Divers need to have excellent fitness and health and a good level of stamina because diving can be physically demanding. They also need to be free of inner-ear problems.

Useful personal qualities

Divers need to be:

  • able to remain calm in emergencies and work well under pressure
  • confident and adaptable
  • alert and safety conscious
  • methodical and careful
  • good communicators.

Industry

Sport and Recreation

Commercial divers develop and maintain underwater structures and do research for scientists. Recreational divers teach scuba diving and may carry out marine searches and rescues.

Similar jobs in this industry

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