Back
Navy Diver banner 20220914

Navy

Diver

A clearance diver is an exciting career path for men and women of the New Zealand Defence Force. A Navy diver is trained in Mine clearance and underwater explosives utilising the latest diving equipment. They also, search for missing persons and conduct underwater engineering on ships and structures.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Combat & Special Operations

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Devonport

As a Navy diver you will have to be determined, have a high degree of stamina and physical fitness, work well under pressure, love a challenge and enjoy being part of a strong team environment.

Requirements

Basics

  • Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
  • Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.

Education

3 years secondary school. Note, qualifications may be used to assess trade suitability.

 

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required SV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

“I’ve lead a team to the Solomon Islands to do some EOD work clearing all the explosive remnants of WWII... To go out and get rid of all that danger for them was pretty cool.”

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Specialist Training

05Career Progression

Benefits & allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

  • Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
  • Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
  • Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Free and subsidised medical and dental care
  • Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Salary & benefits

Careers in the Navy are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

While undertaking Basic Recruit Course you will be paid as a Recruit. On completion of your Recruit Course you will be paid as an Ordinary Rate and your pay will continue to increase as your career progresses.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

Be Prepared

Navy Be Prepared Fitness Image 20240927

Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Medical & Fitness
Navy Be Prepared Application Process Image 20240927

The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Application process
navy generic base for roles

Ready to start your Navy career?

APPLY NOW

Tūranga whaipānga

Related Roles

navy helicopter loadmaster square tn

Navy

  • Active Intakes

Helicopter Loadmaster

Flight operations

General entry

As a Navy Helicopter Loadmaster (HLM), you are a key member of a Seasprite helicopter crew, within 6 Squadron, RNZN. Your office is an advanced and agile aircraft designed to operate in a range of extreme environments all over the world.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

  • Location

    Whenuapai

navy mine clearance officer square tn

Navy

Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Officer

Combat & Special Operations | Navigation | Officers & Management

Officer entry

As a Mine Warfare Clearance Diving Officer you will lead a team of divers in the water doing explosive ordnance disposal, maritime security and mine clearance tasks.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $142,000

  • Location

    Devonport

navy seamanship combat specialist square tn

Navy

  • In Demand
  • Active Intakes

Seamanship Combat Specialist

Combat & Special Operations

General entry

If you are tough, both mentally and physically, get stuck into this adrenalin packed role, boarding enemy vessels and providing security and maintenance for our ships.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

  • Location

    Devonport