Overview

What’s involved

A dive supervisor is responsible for planning, conducting, and monitoring safe dive operations, they can work offshore on a fishing vessel or on shore in sea farms and fisheries. Dive supervisors manage risk, they follow strict safety protocols and are responsible for emergency and medical response. The Dive supervisor oversees the dive team who conduct underwater retrieval, net inspections, monitor and report on the health of the farmed species, check mooring, prepare and clean nets.

How do they spend their day?

Working onshore or offshore a dive supervisor completes tasks such as:

  • Planning and conducting dive operations
  • Risk management
  • Safety checks and maintenance for scuba equipment
  • Providing instruction to other divers
  • General maintenance and repair of nets and equipment
  • Monitor and report animal health observations
  • Collection and retrieval of aquatic species
  • Operation of underwater cameras

Occupation Insights

Average salary
$75,000 - $100,000 per year
Skills you will use
Dive supervision
Diving
Emergency response
Dive safety

11038NAT- Diploma of Hyperbaric Operations is an accredited course for dive supervisors. For licencing, the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) occupational scuba to 30m qualification (part 1) is the first level of certification as a commercial diver and must be completed as a prerequisite for the second level, ADAS part 2 Occupational SSBA to 30m. ADAS Part 3 certification must be completed for dives up to 50m.

A relevant commercial diving certification, such as an ADAS Part 3 or equivalent, is often required. Experience in commercial diving operations and supervision is important.

Current commercial dive licence, medical certificate, first aid, advanced resuscitation and emergency response.

Leadership ability, must be medically fit and healthy, works well with people, takes responsibility for the safety of self and others.