Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) is recruiting for a Diver to join its Diving Services team in East London, Eastern Cape.

This is a specialised permanent opportunity for a qualified Civil Artisan with a Class 3 Commercial Diving Certificate and relevant experience in commercial diving, underwater inspection, maintenance and repairs.

Job Overview

Employer: Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)
Position: Diver
Reference: req5520
Location: East London, Eastern Cape
Department: Diving Services
Employee Group: Permanent
Grade: H4
Reports To: Diving Supervisor
Posted: 24 August 2026
Closing Date: 2 September 2026

Purpose of the Position

The Diver will perform underwater inspections and report on the condition of marine infrastructure, including quay walls, foundations, pillars, steel structures, dry and floating docks and other port infrastructure.

The successful candidate will also carry out repairs and maintenance to help ensure that marine structures remain safe and suitable for effective port operations.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Conducting underwater inspections of marine infrastructure
• Inspecting foundations, pillars, columns, steel structures, slipways and quay walls
• Conducting photographic and video surveys underwater
• Performing seabed surveys
• Inspecting mooring blocks, chains and buoys
• Conducting underwater hull surveys and vessel inspections
• Maintaining and repairing underwater structures
• Maintaining and repairing above-water assets
• Performing underwater and surface welding and cutting
• Checking diving equipment before every diving operation
• Maintaining and servicing diving and airlifting equipment
• Safely operating diving craft
• Inspecting and repairing dredger reclaim/main dump doors and suction pipes
• Maintaining and repairing pollution containment bubble screens
• Conducting salvage and retrieval operations involving objects, equipment and other recoveries
• Removing snagged objects from craft propellers
• Airlifting mud from dry dock and slipway entrances
• Compiling inspection reports in accordance with AMPP requirements
• Maintaining diving equipment to ensure operational effectiveness and legislative compliance
• Applying safe working practices during all diving activities

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have:

• Qualified Civil Artisan
• Class 3 Commercial Diving Certificate
• Slinging and Rigging course
• Code 08/B driver’s licence
• At least 3 years of related experience

A Code 10/C1 driver’s licence will be an added advantage.

Knowledge Required

Candidates should have knowledge of:

• Diving Regulations
• Commercial diving operations and equipment
• Civil structure maintenance and repairs
• Underwater photography and video recording
• Underwater and surface welding and cutting
• Civil plans and drawings
• Operation of decompression chambers
• Hydraulic equipment
• First aid and safety procedures
• Written and verbal communication
• Lifeline communication signals

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of lifeline signals
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Organisational skills
• Supervisory skills
• Safety awareness
• Ability to work effectively as part of a diving team
• Ability to comply with the required medical standards for commercial diving

Application Process:

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• Transnet Operator Level 1 X02 – Vryheid to Marvisstad | Grade 10 + Disc Cutter Certificate | Apply by 11 September 2026

CV Tips for Transnet Diver Applicants

Your CV should be tailored specifically to commercial diving and marine maintenance. Make sure you clearly list:

• Your Civil Artisan qualification
• Your Class 3 Commercial Diving Certificate
• Slinging and Rigging training
• Your driver’s licence code
• Your total years of commercial diving experience
• Underwater inspection experience
• Underwater welding and cutting experience
• Marine or civil infrastructure maintenance experience
• Diving equipment you are competent to operate
• Underwater photography/video survey experience
• Any experience with decompression chambers
• First Aid and safety-related qualifications
• Previous port, harbour, marine or vessel experience

Where possible, describe the actual underwater structures and equipment you have worked on instead of simply writing “diving experience.”

For example: “Performed underwater inspection, maintenance and repairs on quay walls, vessel hulls, mooring systems and other marine structures.”

Possible Interview Questions

Candidates shortlisted for this position could prepare for questions such as:

1. Tell us about your commercial diving experience.
2. What checks do you perform on your diving equipment before entering the water?
3. What experience do you have inspecting underwater civil structures?
4. Explain how you would conduct an underwater hull inspection.
5. What experience do you have with underwater welding and cutting?
6. What safety procedures must be followed during commercial diving operations?
7. What would you do if you discovered a serious defect during an underwater inspection?
8. How do you communicate with the surface team while underwater?
9. What experience do you have with slinging and rigging?
10. Have you worked with hydraulic or airlifting equipment? Explain your experience.
11. How would you respond to an emergency involving another member of the diving team?
12. Why do you want to work for Transnet National Ports Authority?
13. How do you ensure that underwater inspection reports are accurate and useful for maintenance planning?
14. What experience do you have working around vessels, ports, harbours or marine infrastructure?

Important Interview Tip

This is a safety-critical technical position, so interview answers should include practical examples from your previous diving work. Be prepared to explain the task, hazards identified, safety precautions taken, equipment used and outcome rather than giving only theoretical answers.

Employment Equity

Preference may be given to suitably qualified applicants from designated groups in accordance with Transnet’s Employment Equity Plan and the targets of the relevant Operating Division.