CORE PURPOSE OF JOB

Nelson Mandela University is only one of two universities in South Africa with a dive tank facility on its Ocean Sciences Campus.  The institution is seeking to appoint a Dive Supervisor to manage specialised diving facilities, oversee safe diving operations, infrastructure and equipment maintenance, and compliance with national diving regulatory requirements. Key roles include acting as the designated Diving Safety Officer (DSO) for the University, supervising research dives, maintaining dive tank infrastructure and diving equipment, conducting hazard identification and risk management, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks and standards. 

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Supervision and Operations: Direct diving operations for research or training purposes, ensuring compliance with the Department of Employment and Labour (DoEL) Diving Regulations and the relevant Codes of Practice.
• Equipment and Infrastructure Maintenance: Inspect and maintain dive tank infrastructure, dive systems, air compressors, and breathing apparatus in liaison with Infrastructure Services and Space Optimisation (ISSO) and in accordance with the stipulated SABS Maintenance Standards (e.g. SABS 019).
• Safety and Compliance: Develop and implement risk assessments, site-specific safety protocols, and emergency response procedures to ensure the safe operation of the dive tank in compliance with the requirements of the DoEL, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), and other regulators.
• Documentation: Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), access control and training requirements for use, dive tank utilisation schedules, accurate diving logs, equipment maintenance reports, medical certification records, and audit-ready compliance documentation.
• Technical Support: Serve as the “go-to” supervisor for Nelson Mandela University diving operations and technical advisor for diving projects by assisting with technical, scientific, or research equipment deployed during dives. 
• Administration and Resourcing: Contribute to the development of a business plan for the dive tank, annual budgeting and resource planning, reporting into institutional structures, and developing partnerships to support third-stream income generation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge: A strong working knowledge of the following:
• Leadership: Ability to operate independently and take initiative with minimal supervision in a high-responsibility environment.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of diving physics, dive tank maintenance, and gas management. 
• Risk management and Safety Compliance: Evidence of experience in developing and implementing risk assessments, site-specific safety protocols, and emergency response procedures to ensure safe diving operations in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to direct teams, engage with stakeholders, and ensure strict safety compliance. 

• Commercial Diving Regulations (2022), including the Amendments
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993)
• Diving Codes of Practice and risk management frameworks

REQUIREMENTS

• Qualification: Matric, but a relevant Bachelor’s degree or postgraduate qualification in marine science, maritime studies, or engineering would be an advantage.
• Certification: Valid Class IV Commercial Diving Supervisor and Instructor certification recognised by the DoEL.
• Experience: At least two years of proven experience in diving supervision, preferably within research and/or academic sectors.
• Medical and Training: Certified fit to dive by a DoEL-recognised medical practitioner, with valid first aid and oxygen administration training.

SCREENING QUESTIONS

1.

SALARY RANGES (Peromnes)

Short Term Contract

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION e.g. names of references for previous jobs, telephone number, e-mail; etc.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 05 JUNE 2026

• Cover letter
• Equity targeted groups to be specified on the advert