Navy Diver (ND): Definitive Guide (2025)

This guide provides useful information for those who want to become a United States Navy Diver during the Fiscal Year 2025.

Work’s tough. Doesn’t matter. Navy Divers still get it done. They’ve got a job, and it matters. Part of the mission. Part of the team.

Most folks don’t even know what it’s like to work on the ocean. But Navy Divers? They dive right in when no one else will. Take risks. Not wild ones. Smart ones.

Down there, under the waves, you’ll weld ships back to life. Clear harbors of things that don’t belong. Haul up pieces of sunken wrecks. Even pull astronauts out of the water when space brings them home.

Just another day for you and your crew, sharp and ready.

Nobody talks about this much. Quiet, like the deep sea itself. But it’s the truth. This is how you hear the ocean’s call—and answer 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?

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Navy Divers are part of the Naval Special Operations (NSO) community, which comprises men and women who take on the most difficult operations and elusive targets.

Navy Divers (ND) are enlisted Sailors who conduct and manage diving operations using all forms of underwater breathing gear, such as open circuit SCUBA, closed and semi-closed mixed gas underwater breathing apparatus, surface supplied air and mixed gas diving systems and equipment, and saturation diving systems.

Navy Divers go deep. Work on subs and ships. Fix them. Save them. Keep them going.

They find crashed planes, clean up harbors, and help out cops and military teams with dives. Always ready to lend a hand where it’s needed.

They fix and take care of all the gear. Dive systems. Keep records, track papers. Study diving. Make it better. Rescue people stuck in subs.

They run chambers to help folks heal—divers or not. Handle special diving gear, from open-circuit to closed-circuit. Dive with air or mixed gas. Blow stuff up when needed. Practice with weapons. Stay sharp. Stay ready.

This isn’t just a job. It’s a brotherhood. No other like it. Navy Diver. That’s who you are.

Navy Diver Roles

navy-diver-insignia
Navy Diver Insignia – Credit: U.S. Navy

Second Class Diver

Second Class Divers run all kinds of diving gear—air and mixed gas—used by the Navy. They work on the gear too. Fix it. Test it. Keep it running. Even the recompression chambers fall under their care.

They inspect underwater for security. Hunt for explosives. Repair ships and subs. Salvage wrecks. Take on littoral combat. Pull off submarine rescues. Even help with Special Warfare missions.

Cutting metal underwater. Welding it back. Blowing things up when needed. Running small boats. Working with Dry Deck Shelters and sub lock-in/lock-out systems. They even handle unmanned and remote-controlled underwater vehicles. Plus, they help treat injuries—diving or not.

First Class Diver

First Class Divers don’t just dive—they lead. They oversee operations with all Navy diving gear, air or mixed gas. They’re in charge of fixing and maintaining it all, including the chambers.

They lead security inspections. Look for ordnance. Supervise repairs on ships and submarines. Take charge of salvage and combat missions in shallow waters. Handle submarine rescues and Special Warfare. They call the shots on underwater cutting, welding, demolition, and small boat ops.

They also lead Dry Deck Shelter and sub lock-in/lock-out systems and submarine rescue chamber work. They treat injuries and train others—military or DOD personnel—on diving equipment and methods. They even work with deep diving systems like saturation gear.

Master Diver

Master Divers are the experts. The ones you call when things get serious. They know every emergency procedure, every salvage trick, every submarine rescue technique. They handle gas mixing, calculate what divers need to survive, and plan every move when a salvage operation begins.

They maintain everything—diving gear, salvage tools, submarine rescue machines. They keep systems certified, safe, and ready to go. Run research, test equipment, and make sure it works in the field.

Training the diving force? That’s on them too. They make sure the teams are ready for anything. They inspect. They prepare. When the job demands perfection, it’s the Master Diver’s call.

Navy Diver Missions

The Navy Diver motto, “We Dive the World Over,” says it all. They go everywhere. Cold, dark waters where you can’t see a thing. Warm, clear seas where you could take pictures. Doesn’t matter. They get it done.

Salvage Operations

Open ocean. Harbors. Combat zones. Navy Divers handle salvage wherever it’s needed, down to 300 feet deep. They rescue ships, planes, even clean up wreckage scattered over miles of ocean floor. Mixed-gas systems, advanced tools, explosives—they use it all to clear channels, canals, and more.

Battle Damage and Ship Repair

When a ship gets hit in battle or just needs fixing, Navy Divers step in. They repair surface ships and subs, no matter how complicated. Cofferdams to stop flooding? They’ll install them. Swapping out an 80-ton propeller? They’ve got that covered too.

Underwater repairs mean using cutting-edge diving gear, underwater welding, non-destructive testing, and high-tech video tools. Rigging massive parts. Operating hydraulic tools. Using precision explosives. It’s tough work, but the fleet depends on it. And Navy Divers deliver.

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Special Warfare Operations

The Navy Diving community is stepping up, backing Naval Special Warfare (NSW) with undersea missions. Navy Divers are the go-to experts for anything underwater—life support systems, certifications, you name it.

They keep every system and subsystem ready to go for these operations. They manage Seal Delivery Vehicle Shelters, launch and recover swimmer delivery vehicles from submarines, and provide emergency Hyperbaric Chamber support when needed. When it comes to undersea warfare, Navy Divers are the backbone.

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

Harbor and Port Security

Navy Divers operate worldwide, securing ports and harbors to support the Global War on Terrorism. They ensure underwater safety wherever the mission takes them.

Submarine Rescue and Saturation

They dive deep—down to 2,000 feet—using saturation diving to recover items from the deep ocean and perform submarine rescues. No depth is too great for their expertise.

Research and Development

Pushing the limits of diving, Navy Divers test and develop new methods, gear, and techniques. At the Navy’s Experimental Diving Unit in Panama City, Florida, every piece of equipment and procedure gets rigorous testing before it’s cleared for use.

Hyperbaric Chamber Operations

Trained to spot and treat all diving-related illnesses, Navy Divers run hyperbaric chambers for emergency care. Beyond diving, they also provide clinical hyperbaric therapy for non-diving injuries and illnesses, offering critical support when it’s needed most.

Navy Diver Responsibilities

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

  • Conducting salvage diving operations and special underwater tasks across the globe
  • Participating in construction and demolition missions underwater
  • Carrying out search and rescue efforts
  • Assisting military and civilian law enforcement with underwater operations
  • Acting as technical experts for diving missions with Special Operations units
  • Handling basic ship maintenance, including repairs and restoration

No matter the mission, Navy Divers get the job done—anywhere, anytime.

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Navy Diver Pay 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-March 2025 Active Duty Pay chart:

RankLess than 2 YearsOver 2 YearsOver 3 YearsOver 4 YearsOver 6 Years
E-1$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10$2,108.10
E-2$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80$2,362.80
E-3$2,484.60$2,640.60$2,800.80$2,800.80$2,800.80
E-4$2,752.20$2,892.90$3,049.80$3,204.30$3,341.40
E-5$3,001.50$3,203.70$3,358.80$3,517.20$3,763.80
E-6$3,276.60$3,606.00$3,765.00$3,919.80$4,080.60

Extra Pays and Allowances

Housing Allowance (BAH):

For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.

Subsistence Allowance (BAS):

Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.

Hazard Duty Pay:

For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.

Dive Pay:

Navy Divers get extra cash called dive pay. It’s a bonus for the dangers they face and the skills they bring to the job.

Sea Pay:

For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.

Special and Incentive Pays:

Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.

Benefits

  • Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
  • Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
  • Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
  • Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
    • Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
    • Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
  • Education:
    • Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
    • Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
    • Navy College Program to support education while on service.
  • Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
  • Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
  • Extra Benefits:
    • Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
    • Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
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Education and Career Opportunities

In the Navy Warrior Challenge Program, you’ll tackle tough, one-of-a-kind training.

The courses are no joke—hard, demanding—but if you stick it out, you get more than just a paycheck. You get assignments that can take you anywhere in the world.

The Naval Special Operations community offers constant learning. You’ll train in everything from military tactics to deep-sea diving to other high-stakes operations.

Promotions happen, but you have to earn them. They’re competitive. Want to aim higher? Officer roles are there for those with a college degree and leadership goals. Lead. Teach. Take the next step.

Rank Structure

Pay Grade Rating Abbreviation Rate
E-1 Navy Diver Seaman Recruit SR Seaman Recruit
E-2 Navy Diver Seaman Apprentice SA Seaman Apprentice
E-3 Navy Diver Seaman SN Seaman
E-4 Navy Diver Third Class ND3 Petty Officer Third Class
E-5 Navy Diver Second Class ND2 Petty Officer Second Class
E-6 Navy Diver First Class ND1 Petty Officer First Class
E-7 Chief Navy Diver NDC Chief Petty Officer
E-8 Senior Chief Navy Diver NDCS Senior Chief Petty Officer
E-9 Master Chief Navy Diver NDCM Master Chief Petty Officer

Navy Diver Qualification Requirements

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).

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To apply for a post as an Enlisted Navy Diver, no college degree is necessary.

However, a high level of difficulty is to be expected. Training is rigorous and continual.

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’ll also need to pass a fitness screening exam for Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) during Boot Camp and the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).

Keep this in mind—if you’re applying to be a Navy Diver, meeting the minimum PST isn’t enough. You’ll need a much higher score to stand out.

You must be in excellent physical shape. Strong swimming skills and comfort in the water are essential. This job requires performing under pressure, often in tough and confined spaces.

If you’re claustrophobic, this isn’t the path for you.

To evaluate the current minimum Navy PST criteria, go to the Navy PST Calculator.

The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public. So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Navy Diver.

Navy Diver Training

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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, and leadership. Employers—military and civilian alike—know the value of that.

Finishing this tough training proves you can handle any challenge. It sets you apart in the job market.

As a Navy Diver, you could work in:

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

The career paths are varied and come with strong financial rewards. Navy Diver experience opens doors.

Next Steps to Become a Navy Diver

Here is how to continue if you have been motivated and genuinely interested in becoming a Navy Diver:

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

Contact Your Local Navy Recruiter

Submit an Application

Start Your Training

  • Go to 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:

Ted Kingston
I’m a Navy veteran who used to serve as a Navy recruiter. This website is the most reliable source of information for all Enlisted Navy Sailor aspirants. In coordination with a network of current and former Navy recruiters, my goal is to make reliable information easily available to you so you can make informed career decisions.

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