Harvest diver

Harvest divers perform extraction and collection of marine resources, such as algae, coral, razor shells, sea urchins and sponges, in a safe, competent and responsible manner to a depth of 12 metres, using apnoea diving techniques as well as air supply equipment from the surface, open-circuit.

The following job titles also refer to harvest diver:

harvesting diver

A high school diploma is generally required to work as a harvest diver.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Harvest diver is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to harvest diver.

aquaculture hatchery worker
rescue diver
aquaculture husbandry technician
fisheries assistant engineer
aquaculture cage technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of harvest diver. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of harvest diver with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

fisheries observer
fisheries refrigeration engineer
underwater construction supervisor
agricultural technician
3D printing technician

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of harvest diver.

• Fisheries legislation: The study and analysis of different fisheries management approaches taking into account international treaties and industry norms in order to analyze fisheries management regulations. 

These skills are necessary for the role of harvest diver.

• Carry out standard aquaculture stock health operations: Perform activities that ensure monitoring and implementation of aquaculture health standards and health analysis of the fish population.
• Apply medical first aid in case of emergency: Take immediate action if you encounter a diving accident or other medical emergency; identify the injuries due to the immersion accident and decide whether to contact medical emergency staff; minimise risk of further harm; support specialised medical staff.
• Manage aquatic resources: Collect and select fish or other organisms from the culture environment. Handle, clean and classify the specimen. Prepare for harvesting and transport to the point of sale. Adapt techniques depending on the specific species, the next step in the process, and the final purpose.
• Perform diving interventions: Perform hyperbaric interventions at a maximum pressure of 4 atmospheres. Prepare and review the personal equipment and the auxiliary material; perform and supervise the dive; realise maintenance of the diving equipment and auxiliary material; apply the security measures to assure the divers security on the realisation of low deep immersions.
• Maintain diving equipment: Perform maintenance actions, including small repairs, on diving equipment.
• Collect broodstock: Collect larvae or juveniles from environment, using appropriate techniques for the specific species i.e. fish, molluscs, crustaceans or new candidates for aquaculture.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of harvest diver. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Maintain waterbased aquaculture facilities: Clean off fouling and maintain floating and submerged aquaculture structures. Repair floating and submerged aquaculture structures. 

7541 – Underwater divers

References

1. Harvest diver – ESCO
2. Featured image: By Fakhrizal Setiawan – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0