Diver

A diver works underwater in a suit adapted to underwater diving with an air-supply hose. He/she can do anything from the construction, repair and maintenance of ships, harbours, etc. to the recovery of bodies or murder weapons.

• Exploring raw materials and food sources on the bottom of the sea.



• Developing methods to prevent water pollution.



• Constructing, maintaining and repairing pipelines, ships, harbours, dams and other underwater equipment.



• Welding, drilling and monitoring machines.



• Surveying and salvaging ships.



• Working with explosives.

Diving for scientific purposes

• Examining rock-reef formations in order to determine how old they are.
  


• Removing valuable sunken goods of historical importance.



• Classifying minerals on the surface of the sea.



• Doing research on plants, seaweed, fish and other marine animals for biological and other purposes.

• Helping governments with general maintenance and repairs.



• Acting as back-up crews during disasters and salvage operations on sea.



• Recovering bodies or murder weapons from dams, and rivers.



• Recovering decomposed bodies.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of a HIGCSE/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is required to be accepted by diving schools in South Africa. Candidates have to undergo a strict medical examination.
 
Compulsory subjects
Mathematics, Science (South Africa)

Recommended subjects
Biology and Technical subjects (South Africa)
 
Tertiary Education
Divers undergo basic training at diving schools that are registered with the Department of Labour (South Africa) or at the South African Navy. They have to pass a practical, theoretical and legal examination in order to register as divers. Namibia also sends suitable candidates to South Africa for the 5-6 week training course.

Personality
The prospective candidate must be physically fit and a good swimmer. He/she should also not have any sight, speech, or hearing problems, no previous heart, lung, ear or brain problems and may not suffer from claustrophobia.

Work Opportunities
Divers are employed by NAMDEB, Namport, diving contractors and the police. Job prospects seem to be limited.

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