Role overview
Divers (ANZSCO 399911) perform specialised underwater work across various Australian industries. This occupation encompasses multiple specialisations including commercial offshore divers working on oil and gas infrastructure, fisheries divers harvesting abalone or pearls, naval clearance divers performing military operations, and scientific divers supporting marine research. Their work environment is inherently hazardous, requiring rigorous safety protocols and often operating under challenging conditions. The classification is part of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), which is used for statistical purposes and has historical importance in migration contexts, though users should verify current applicability with official sources.
Key tasks in practice
While ANZSCO does not provide an official task list for this occupation, divers typically perform duties based on their specialisation:
- Inspecting, maintaining, and repairing underwater structures, pipelines, and vessels
- Harvesting marine resources such as abalone, pearls, or other seafood in compliance with regulations
- Performing underwater welding, cutting, and construction activities
- Conducting scientific surveys, data collection, and environmental monitoring
- Executing military operations including mine clearance, salvage, and reconnaissance
- Operating and maintaining diving equipment, compression chambers, and support systems
Skill level explanation
ANZSCO assigns Skill Level 3 to this occupation, which generally indicates that most roles require an AQF Certificate III or IV, or at least three years of relevant experience. In practice, diving occupations require specialised technical training beyond standard qualifications, including commercial diving certifications from recognised training providers (such as ADAS), medical fitness assessments, and often additional safety certifications. The skill level reflects the technical nature of the work and the substantial on-the-job training typically required to operate complex equipment and perform tasks in hazardous environments.
Industry context
Divers find employment across multiple Australian industries as reflected in related ANZSIC codes: commercial fishing (ANZSIC 0419), offshore oil and gas extraction (0201), scientific research services (6910), and other services not elsewhere classified (6999). The work settings vary dramatically from offshore rigs and commercial fishing operations to naval bases and research vessels. This occupation is geographically concentrated in coastal regions with significant marine industries, particularly Western Australia, Northern Territory, and Queensland. Employment may be project-based with variable workloads depending on industry cycles and seasonal factors.