Diver Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Swims underwater to undertake tasks such as seafood gathering, research, salvage and construction.
What does a Diver do?
A Diver works underwater to carry out practical, scientific or commercial activities. Depending on the area of work, this can include gathering seafood, conducting research, assisting with salvage or supporting underwater construction. Specialisations include commercial, scientific, mining, offshore, fisheries, abalone, pearl, saturation and hyperbaric welding diving.
Specialisations
How to become a Diver in South Africa
- Choose an area of diving that matches your interests, such as commercial, scientific, fisheries, mining, offshore or salvage work.
- Consider a relevant Occupational Certificate pathway, including Class 3 Inshore Diver, Class 4 Commercial Scuba Diver or Commercial Diver.
- For biodiversity, ecology or conservation-focused work, consider a Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology or a Bachelor of Science in Biodiversity and Ecology.
- Confirm current qualification, provider and assessment requirements with SAQA or an accredited provider before enrolling.
- Build experience and capability relevant to the type of underwater work you want to pursue, and verify any additional requirements with the relevant employer or official body.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The most suitable preparation depends on the type of diving you want to do. Occupational Certificate pathways are directly relevant to inshore and commercial diving, while biodiversity and ecology degrees may support scientific or conservation-oriented underwater work. These qualifications should not be assumed to be universal requirements for every Diver role. Confirm current course and assessment details before making study decisions.
Useful school subjects
- Life Sciences
- Geography
- Physical Sciences
Skills that may help
- Underwater swimming
- Working on underwater tasks
- Observing and investigating underwater environments
- Seafood gathering
- Supporting research activities
- Contributing to salvage or construction work