Clearance Divers (CDs) are the Australian Defence Forces' specialist divers. CD tasks include but are not limited to the rendering safe and disposal of all ordnance, including missiles, artillery projectiles and air delivered munitions in ships, on land and underwater. Also includes dealing with Improvised Explosive Devices, eg letter bombs, within HMA Ships and Establishments and the demolition of maritime assets.

Clearance Divers undertake all military diving tasks to a depth of 54 metres, however initiatives are underway to conduct diving to 90 metres.

During their career, a Clearance Diver will be rotated through the following operational areas:

Huon class Mine Hunter Coastal (MHC)

Mine Counter Measures. Activities include diving using highly specialised, self-contained mixed gas equipment for mine counter measures tasks, and focuses on the identification and disposal of sea mines. SCUBA (air) diving is conducted for underwater maintenance and underwater demolition.

Clearance Diving Teams

a. Maritime Tactical Operations. Duties include diving on pure oxygen and mixed gas equipment. This element trains in small arms, escape and evasion, combat survival and insertion techniques. Tasks vary widely and can include anything from amphibious operations to ordnance disposal in hard to reach targets.

b. Mine Counter Measures. Focuses on the location, identification, rendering safe and disposal of underwater ordnance in areas where conventional mine hunting methods are not feasible.

c. Underwater Battle Damage Repair. Diving on air equipment, both self contained and surface supplied, for the maintenance and repair of ships' underwater fittings and Naval Harbour installations and underwater ranges. This area trains in skills such as underwater welding, and salvage techniques.

Tactical Assault Group - East (TAG-E)

TAG(E) is a joint 4th Royal Australian Regiment (Commando) (4 RAR Cdo) sub-unit within Special Operations Command comprising personnel primarily from 4 RAR (Cdo),  TAG(E) is structured to conduct offensive domestic Counter Terrorist (CT) operations focussing on incident resolution and the recovery of hostages. It maintains a short notice capability to conduct military operations beyond the scope of State and Federal Police Services. These aims are achieved through various highly specialised skill sets, niche capabilities and supporting ADF units.

Support Roles

Service at the RAN Diving School in support of training operations as well as various administrative positions within naval establishments throughout Australia.

During all postings the Clearance Diver will be required to carry out seamanship and ships' husbandry duties in addition to diving related duties.