Police Divers are specialized law enforcement professionals who conduct underwater investigations, search and rescue operations, and site inspections for the Department of National Defence. Working within the Military Police branch, Police Divers combine advanced diving skills with police training to support national security and public safety objectives. They operate in challenging underwater environments to recover evidence, locate missing persons, conduct underwater surveillance, and assess potential threats to Canadian Forces installations and personnel.
As a Police Diver, your responsibilities include conducting underwater searches and recoveries, performing site inspections and security assessments, gathering and documenting evidence from underwater locations, and providing specialized support during training exercises and emergency operations. You will work as part of a coordinated team that may include other emergency responders, military personnel, and civilian agencies. This role requires exceptional physical fitness, mental resilience, and the ability to make critical decisions in high-pressure, unpredictable underwater conditions.
You will be based at a Canadian Forces establishment and may be required to deploy domestically or internationally to support operations. The work environment involves exposure to variable water conditions, significant physical demands, and the need to maintain peak operational readiness at all times.
Key Responsibilities
Perform policing duties supporting public safety and security, Conduct assessments, investigations, and monitoring activities, Enforce regulations and respond to incidents, Prepare reports and maintain operational records
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To become a Police Diver with the Department of National Defence, you must first qualify as a Canadian Forces Military Police officer, which requires successful completion of basic police training and a security clearance at the Secret level or higher. Once established in the Military Police, you will undergo specialized Police Diver training delivered by the Canadian Forces Diving and Salvage Unit or equivalent training establishment.
Required certifications include advanced recreational scuba diving qualifications (minimum Advanced Open Water Diver certification), specialized police diving qualifications, and rescue diver certification. You must maintain current certifications in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and emergency response protocols. Ongoing professional development includes annual refresher training, advanced diving specializations, and training in underwater evidence collection and investigation techniques.
Physical requirements are rigorous and include passing a diving medical examination, maintaining cardiovascular fitness, and demonstrating strength and endurance suitable for underwater operations. Candidates should be prepared for continuous learning and recertification throughout their career to maintain operational capability and compliance with safety standards.
Entry Plans
Most candidates enter the Police Diver career path by first joining the Canadian Forces as a Military Police officer. You can apply directly to open Police Officer competitions within the Canadian Forces recruitment system. Upon successful recruitment and completion of basic police training at the Canadian Forces Military Police Academy, you become eligible to volunteer for specialized Police Diver training.
Entry is typically competitive, and selection for Police Diver training depends on demonstrated excellence in foundational police duties, physical fitness assessments, psychological evaluations, and an interview process assessing your suitability for this specialized role. Some candidates may enter through the Canadian Armed Forces Regular Force recruiting stream, while others may be selected from existing Military Police personnel.
Lateral moves from other law enforcement agencies (provincial or municipal police services) may be considered, though you must still complete Canadian Forces Military Police basic training and meet all federal security clearance requirements. Advanced diving certifications obtained prior to joining can be credited, potentially accelerating your progression to specialized Police Diver training. Keep an eye on the Canadian Armed Forces recruitment website and DND career pages for current competition announcements.
Part-Time Options
Police Diver positions are primarily full-time roles within the Canadian Forces, as they require continuous operational readiness and deployment availability. The nature of specialized underwater operations, security requirements, and the need to maintain advanced certifications generally do not accommodate traditional part-time employment arrangements.
However, flexible scheduling may be available during non-operational periods, and some training components may be delivered in block formats that allow for flexibility between postings or duties. Remote work is not applicable to this operational role, as Police Divers must maintain physical presence at their posting and be immediately available for emergency response. Career progression and work-life balance support are available through Canadian Forces personnel management systems, including leave provisions and transition support. For specific information about scheduling flexibility or accommodation options, contact your local Canadian Forces recruitment centre or the DND Civilian Workforce careers office.
