Divers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Divers swim underwater to undertake tasks such as seafood gathering, research, salvage and construction.
Specialisations: Abalone Diver, Clearance Diver (Navy), Fisheries Diver, Hyperbaric Welder Diver, Offshore Diver, Onshore Diver, Pearl Diver, Saturation Diver, Scientific Diver.
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Diver. Although some workers have a Vocational Education and Training qualification in occupational or recreational diving.
Tasks
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Performs mechanical, construction, repair and inspection duties using hand tools, cutting and welding equipment and hydraulic or air powered equipment.
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Secures cables or floatation devices to objects to raise them to the surface.
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Dives in diving bells and operates articulated arms to perform tasks.
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Controls equipment at the surface for other divers.
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Carries out other underwater duties such as surveys, searches, blasting and collection of scientific or exploratory samples and operates underwater equipment including video and television camera and sonar gear.
Characteristics
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Vocational Education and Training (VET)
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Informal or on-the-job
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Practical
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Medium
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Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. Employment projections data are only produced for occupations at the broad four digit Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) level. While data are not available for this occupation, projections data are available for the parent occupation, Other Technicians and Trades Workers, under the outlook section.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
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Around 78% of people employed as Divers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 12 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 48 hours per week in their main job. This is 4 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Sources:Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average.
Industries
Main industries
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Divers work in industries like:
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing
- Public administration and safety
- Transport, postal and warehousing
- Construction.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Divers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 26.7 | 31.6 |
VIC | 14.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 19.2 | 20.0 |
SA | 8.3 | 7.0 |
WA | 19.2 | 10.8 |
TAS | 10.2 | 2.0 |
NT | 1.7 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.3 | 1.9 |
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Around 49% of Divers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Western Australia and Tasmania have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
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The median age of Divers is 35 years. This is younger than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 25 to 34 years.
Females make up 4% of the workforce. This is 44 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Divers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 1.7 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 8.1 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 39.6 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 26.2 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 14.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 4.6 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 3.3 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 1.9 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 35 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not essential to work as a Diver. Although some workers have a Vocational Education and Training qualification in occupational or recreational diving.
Registration or licencing may be required.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Health Industry, Plastics, Rubber & Cablemaking and Property Services VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Divers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 2.1 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 10.7 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 18.2 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 32.6 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 21.6 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 3.4 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 11.5 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Other Technicians and Trades Workers who are reliable, work well in a team and have a strong work ethic.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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54%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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52%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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52%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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50%
Reading comprehensionReading work related information.
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48%
SpeakingTalking to others.
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46%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
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46%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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46%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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46%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
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45%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
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45%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
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45%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
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45%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
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45%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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45%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
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45%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
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43%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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43%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
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41%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
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37%
NegotiationBringing people together and trying to sort out their differences.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
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72%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
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64%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
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62%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
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49%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
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49%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
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47%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
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47%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
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44%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
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43%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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41%
GeographyDescribing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
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40%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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38%
Medicine and dentistryDiagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities, including preventive health-care measures.
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37%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
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34%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
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33%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
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33%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
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32%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
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29%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
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29%
Computers and electronicsCircuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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27%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
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59%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
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57%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
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57%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
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55%
Oral expressionCommunicate by speaking.
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54%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
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54%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
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54%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
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52%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
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52%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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52%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
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50%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
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50%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
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50%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
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50%
Inductive reasoningUse lots of detailed information to come up with answers or make general rules.
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50%
Written comprehensionRead and understand written information.
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48%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
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46%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
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46%
Sorting or orderingOrder or arrange things in a pattern or sequence (e.g., numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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45%
Speech recognitionIdentify and understand the speech of another person.
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45%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
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88%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
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81%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
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67%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
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66%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
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66%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
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64%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
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64%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
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63%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
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63%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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62%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
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61%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
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61%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
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58%
Helping and caring for othersProviding personal assistance, medical attention, or emotional support.
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56%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
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55%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
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54%
Training and teaching othersUnderstanding the needs of others, developing training programs, and teaching or instructing.
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50%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
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50%
Guiding and directing staffGuiding and directing staff, including setting and monitoring performance standards.
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48%
Communicating with the publicGiving information to the public, business or government by telephone, in writing, or in person.
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48%
Documenting or recording informationEntering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
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100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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33%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
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33%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
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33%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
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19%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
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14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
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76%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
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71%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
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62%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
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48%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
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43%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
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38%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
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94%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
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92%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
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92%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
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91%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
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90%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
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88%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
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87%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
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85%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
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84%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
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84%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
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84%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
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83%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
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81%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
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80%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
-
80%
Consequence of errorWork where mistakes have serious consequences.
-
80%
Impact of decisionsMake decisions that have a large impact on other people.
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80%
Wear specialized protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection.
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77%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
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77%
Time pressureWork to strict deadlines.
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76%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 49-9092.00 - Commercial Divers.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
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Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.