Navy Diver (ND): Definitive Guide

Work is tough, but that does not change the standard. Navy Divers complete the mission. The work matters. The mission matters. The team depends on it.

Most people never experience life and work at sea. Navy Divers operate where others cannot. They go into deep water. They take risks that match the need, not risks without control.

Beneath the surface, they weld and repair ships. They clear harbors of hazards and debris. They recover wreckage from the seafloor. They can also support astronaut recovery when crews return to the ocean.

Much of the job stays out of sight. The impact still reaches the Fleet and the country. When the ocean demands a response, Navy Divers provide it.

ENLISTMENT BONUS: Future Navy Divers are currently eligible to receive up to $30K in cash bonus just for signing up.

What is a Navy Diver and What Do They Do?

Navy Divers are part of the Naval Special Operations (NSO) community. The NSO community includes men and women who take on difficult operations and hard-to-reach targets.

Navy Divers (ND) are enlisted Sailors. They conduct and manage diving operations using many types of underwater breathing gear. This gear can include open-circuit SCUBA. It can include closed or semi-closed mixed-gas systems. It can include surface-supplied air or mixed-gas diving systems and equipment. It can also include saturation diving systems.

Navy Divers work at depth. They support submarines and ships. They repair them and keep them operating.

Their work can also include search and recovery. Navy Divers may help locate crashed aircraft. They may clear harbors of hazards. They may support law enforcement or military teams during dive operations.

Navy Divers maintain the equipment they depend on. They keep dive systems working. They track records and required paperwork. They study diving procedures and improve how teams operate. They may also support the rescue of people trapped in submarines.

Navy Divers operate recompression chambers to support recovery and treatment. They work with specialized diving gear, including open-circuit and closed-circuit systems. They dive on air or mixed gas, based on mission needs. They may use explosives when the mission requires it. They also train with weapons to stay ready.

This role demands trust and teamwork. The community relies on tight standards and shared responsibility. Navy Diver is a job title, but it also describes the team you work with and the skills you carry.

Navy Diver Roles

Second Class Diver

Second Class Divers operate Navy diving gear using air or mixed gas. They also maintain that equipment. They fix it, test it, plus keep it working. Their responsibilities can include recompression chambers.

Their work can include many mission types:

• Underwater security inspections
• Searching for explosives
• Repairing ships and submarines
• Salvage and wreck recovery
• Littoral combat support
• Submarine rescue operations
• Support to Special Warfare missions

Second Class Divers may also perform specialized tasks:

• Underwater cutting
• Underwater welding
• Underwater demolition when required
• Small-boat operations
• Dry Deck Shelter support
• Submarine lock-in and lock-out system support
• Operating unmanned or remote-controlled underwater vehicles
• Supporting injury treatment, diving-related or not

First Class Diver

First Class Divers lead dive teams. They oversee operations using Navy diving gear with air or mixed gas. They also direct equipment maintenance, including chamber upkeep.

Their leadership duties can include:

• Leading underwater security inspections
• Directing ordnance searches
• Supervising ship and submarine repairs
• Managing salvage tasks
• Leading shallow-water combat missions
• Leading submarine rescue work
• Supporting Special Warfare missions

First Class Divers may also lead technical operations:

• Underwater cutting, welding, plus demolition
• Small-boat operations
• Dry Deck Shelter operations
• Submarine lock-in and lock-out systems
• Submarine rescue chamber operations

They also treat injuries when needed. They train military or Department of War personnel on diving gear and procedures. Some First Class Divers work with deep diving systems, including saturation equipment.

Master Diver

Master Divers serve as senior technical experts. Teams rely on them when the mission carries high risk or requires exact execution. They know emergency procedures, salvage methods, plus submarine rescue techniques. They also handle gas mixing, calculate diver requirements, and plan major salvage operations.

Master Divers manage and maintain key systems, including:

• Diving equipment
• Salvage tools
• Submarine rescue equipment

They keep systems certified, safe, plus ready for use. They may support research and equipment testing to confirm tools work in real conditions. Master Divers also train the diving force, inspect readiness, plus set performance standards.

Navy Diver Missions

The Navy Diver motto, “We Dive the World Over,” reflects broad operating environments. Navy Divers work in cold, low-visibility water. They also work in warm, clear seas. Conditions change, but the mission remains the focus.

Salvage Operations

Navy Divers conduct salvage in open ocean, harbors, plus combat zones. Operations can reach depths down to 300 feet. Work can include recovering ships, aircraft, plus scattered debris across wide areas. Divers may use mixed-gas systems, specialized tools, plus explosives to clear channels, canals, plus other waterways.

Battle Damage and Ship Repair

Navy Divers support repairs after battle damage and during complex maintenance. They repair surface ships and submarines, including difficult underwater tasks. They may install cofferdams to control flooding. They may also replace heavy components, including large propellers.

Underwater repair work can involve:

• Advanced diving equipment
• Underwater welding
• Non-destructive testing methods
• Video systems for inspection and documentation
• Rigging heavy parts
• Hydraulic tool operations
• Precision explosive work when required

This work is demanding. Fleet readiness depends on it. Navy Divers deliver that support when it is needed.

Special Warfare Operations

The Navy Diving community supports Naval Special Warfare (NSW) with undersea missions. Navy Divers provide technical expertise for underwater systems, including life support equipment plus required certifications.

They keep each system and subsystem ready for operations. Their support can include:

• Managing SEAL Delivery Vehicle Shelters
• Launching and recovering swimmer delivery vehicles from submarines
• Providing emergency hyperbaric chamber support when needed

In undersea warfare tasks, Navy Divers provide key operational support.

Also Read: Become a U.S. Navy SEAL—Top Navy Enlisted Job

Harbor and Port Security

Navy Divers operate worldwide to secure ports and harbors in support of the Global War on Terrorism. Their goal is to keep underwater areas safe wherever they deploy.

Submarine Rescue and Saturation

Navy Divers use saturation diving for deep work. Some missions involve dives down to 2,000 feet to recover items from the deep ocean or support submarine rescue operations.

Research and Development

Navy Divers test and develop new diving methods, gear, plus procedures. At the Navy’s Experimental Diving Unit in Panama City, Florida, teams test equipment and techniques before the Navy approves them for use.

Hyperbaric Chamber Operations

Navy Divers train to identify and treat diving-related illnesses. They operate hyperbaric chambers for emergency care. They also provide clinical hyperbaric therapy for non-diving injuries and illnesses when needed.

Navy Diver Responsibilities

Navy Divers take on a wide range of duties, including:

• Conducting salvage diving operations and special underwater tasks worldwide
• Supporting underwater construction and demolition missions
• Performing search and rescue operations
• Assisting military and civilian law enforcement with underwater work
• Serving as technical experts for diving missions with Special Operations units
• Handling basic ship maintenance, including repairs and restoration

No matter the mission, Navy Divers complete the job anywhere it is needed.

Salary and Benefits

Salary for the First 6 Years

Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January 2026 Active Duty Pay chart:

Extra Pays and Allowances

• Housing allowance (BAH): A tax-free allowance when you live off base. Rates depend on pay grade, location, and dependency status.
• Food allowance (BAS): Enlisted Sailors receive $476.95 per month in 2026. See the BAS rates.
• Career Sea Pay: Extra monthly pay for qualifying sea duty. Amounts depend on pay grade and sea time. See the Career Sea Pay table.
• Submarine Duty Incentive Pay: Monthly submarine pay for qualified Sailors assigned to submarine duty. Amounts depend on pay grade and years of service. See the submarine pay table.
• Diving duty pay: Qualified divers may receive monthly diving duty pay. See the dive pay table.
• Bonuses and incentives: The Navy may offer enlistment, skill, or reenlistment bonuses for certain training pipelines and manning needs.

Benefits

• Healthcare: Medical and dental care through TRICARE for the member, with options for dependents.
• Leave: 30 days of paid leave each year, plus federal holidays when operationally possible.
• Education: Tuition Assistance and GI Bill benefits for qualifying service.
• Retirement: Blended Retirement System (BRS) with Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) contributions when eligible, plus a pension after 20 years of service.
• Other benefits: Life insurance, family support programs, and VA benefits after separation, based on eligibility.

Education and Career Opportunities

In the Navy Warrior Challenge Program, you complete demanding, specialized training. The courses are difficult. People who finish can earn more than steady pay. They may also qualify for duty assignments in many parts of the world.

The Naval Special Operations community supports ongoing learning. Training can cover military tactics, deep-sea diving, plus other high-risk mission skills.

Promotions occur, but performance drives selection. Advancement is competitive. Officer roles are also available for people with a college degree who want more leadership responsibility. In those roles, officers lead teams and train others.

Rank Structure

Qualifications and Eligibility

To become a Navy Diver, applicants must be American citizens, no older than 30 years of age, who has a high school diploma or GED equivalent with qualifying results on the vision test, Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) exam, dive medical screening, and the Navy Physical Screening Test (PST).

To apply as an enlisted Navy Diver, you do not need a college degree. Expect a high level of difficulty. Training is demanding and continues throughout your career.

During your initial enlistment, you may apply for the Navy Warrior Challenge contract for Navy Divers.

Both men and women may join the Navy as divers.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Be a United States citizen
• Be 30 years old or younger
• Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent
• Meet the following vision requirements:
  • No color blindness
  • 20/200 bilateral correctable to 20/25
• Have at least the following ASVAB scores:
  • AR + VE = 105 and MC = 51; or
  • AR + 2MK + GS = 210 and MC = 51; or
  • GS + MC + EI = 157 and AR + MK = 100
• Pass a medical screening exam for deep-sea divers (approved by a Medical Dive Officer)
• Pass the Navy Physical Screening Test (PST)
• Must be eligible for a security clearance

Physical Screening Test (PST) Requirements

Physical Screening Test (PST) Requirements

To qualify for the Navy Diver program, you’ll need to meet these minimum PST standards:

• Swim: 500 yards in 14 minutes using side stroke or breaststroke
• Rest: 10 minutes
• Push-ups: 42 in 2 minutes
• Rest: 2 minutes
• Sit-ups: 50 in 2 minutes
• Rest: 2 minutes
• Pull-ups: 6 (no time limit)
• Rest: 10 minutes
• Run: 1.5 miles in 12 minutes, 45 seconds

You must also pass the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) fitness screening during Boot Camp and again in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).

If you apply to be a Navy Diver, meeting the minimum PST does not set you apart. Competitive candidates score well above the minimum.

Excellent fitness is required. Strong swimming skills matter. Comfort in the water is essential. This job also demands solid performance under pressure, often in difficult or confined spaces.

If you are claustrophobic, this path is not a good fit.

To review the current minimum Navy PST criteria, use the Navy PST Calculator.

The enlistment qualification requirements listed above are current as of Fiscal Year 2026, based on the Navy Personnel Command.

Navy Diver Training

Training to become a Navy Diver pushes every part of you—your strength, smarts, determination, and drive. Finish it, and you’ll join the world’s best underwater specialists.

Basic Training (Boot Camp)

You’ll start at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. Once you complete Boot Camp, you’ll move on to specialized training.

Diver Preparation Course (7 Weeks)

At Naval Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, you’ll train in:

• Basic electrical and engineering skills
• Water adaptability
• Intense physical conditioning

Second Class Dive School (15 Weeks)

At the Naval Diving and Salvage Training Center (NDSTC) in Panama City, FL, you’ll learn:

• Scuba diving with air and mixed gas
• Underwater welding and cutting
• Demolition work
• Recompression chamber operations
• Using hydraulic tools underwater
• Ship repair, maintenance, and salvage

Fleet Training

Next, you’ll join a Navy Diving Unit to practice:

• Underwater ship repair and salvage
• Construction using SCUBA gear or surface-supplied-air systems

This phase also includes training for Diving Medical Officers and Diving Medical Technicians. Once finished, you may be assigned to:

• Salvage or repair ships
• Mobile Diving and Salvage Units
• Aviation water survival training
• EOD or SEAL mission support

Advanced Training

Experienced divers often return to NDSTC for advanced courses, working toward becoming First Class Divers or Master Divers. Each step pushes your skills further.

Post-Service Opportunities for Navy Divers

The Navy Warrior Challenge Program builds organization, self-reliance, plus leadership. Military and civilian employers recognize the value of those skills.

Completing demanding training shows you can handle hard problems and stay consistent under pressure. That record can help you stand out when you apply for jobs.

As a Navy Diver, your experience may align with civilian work such as:

• High-level security assessment
• Emergency medical response
• Chemical-Biological-Radiological (CBR) protection and response

Career paths vary. Many roles also offer strong pay. Navy Diver experience can open doors in several fields.

Next Steps to Become a Navy Diver

Here is how to move forward if you feel motivated and genuinely interested in becoming a Navy Diver.

First, read this guide: How to Become a United States Navy Enlisted Sailor

Contact Your Local Navy Recruiter

• Use this link to find contact information: https://www.navy.com/contact-us/find-a-recruiter
• Ask questions
• Discuss long-term objectives
• Review your credentials

Submit an Application

• Apply here: https://www.navy.com/start
• Include required documents and details, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, plus any professional information if relevant
• Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) to assess your strengths and interests
• Pass a full medical evaluation
• Complete a pre-commitment interview

Start Your Training

• Attend Navy Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois (seven to nine weeks)
• Enter the Navy Diver training pipeline

More Information

For more information about the Navy Diver job application, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with the most up-to-date information you are unlikely to find online.

You may also be interested in the following high-speed, low-drag Navy Enlisted jobs:

• Navy SEALs

• Hospital Corpsman

• Navy Rescue Swimmer