Clearance Divers
Since 1951, Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers have served in every major conflict. Their work is dangerous, demanding, and often unseen. It keeps Australians safe at home and abroad.
One of three programs funded by the NCDT Transition and Resilience Fund. Distinct from the NCDT Relief Fund, which covers immediate financial hardship.
An elite and tightly knit community
Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers are the Navy’s specialist unit for diving operations, explosive ordnance disposal, and underwater combat. They are among the most highly trained personnel in the Australian Defence Force, operating in conditions few others are qualified to enter.
The branch is small and close-knit. Most Divers know each other well. That shared identity and camaraderie is a genuine source of strength, but it can also make it harder to seek help from outside the community.
What Clearance Divers do
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Mine clearance and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) in maritime environments
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Ship hull inspections and underwater demolition
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Ship boarding and maritime counter-terrorism operations
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Special operations support, including combat diving
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Travel and placement expenses
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Search and recovery operations
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Hydrographic survey and underwater reconnaissance
Not sure if your course is eligible? Email secretary@ncdt.org.au
Who NCDT supports
NCDT supports serving and ex-serving Royal Australian Navy Clearance Divers, their dependants, and the families of deceased Clearance Divers.
Need immediate financial support? This is a Transition and Resilience Fund program. For hardship now, the NCDT Relief Fund may be more appropriate.
Request support
Why their work creates lasting challenges
Clearance Divers face physical and psychological risks that can take years to surface. Exposure to explosive ordnance, high-pressure diving, combat environments, and sustained operational tempo all carry long-term health consequences that are not always apparent at discharge.
Access to support is not always straightforward. DVA claims can be delayed or difficult to navigate. The culture of the branch, built on self-reliance and discretion, means many Divers will not ask for help unless it comes from someone they know and trust.
Why support gaps exist
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Physical injuries and mental health challenges can emerge years after service ends
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DVA support can be delayed or difficult to access
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The branch's culture of self-reliance can make it harder to seek help
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Families carry a significant share of the burden, often with little dedicated support
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The branch is small: there is no large, established veteran advocacy network built around it
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Clearance Divers are often reluctant to engage with support organisations outside their own community
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you do not find what you need below, contact the NCDT Secretary at secretary@ncdt.org.au before the application window opens.
What is the RAN Clearance Diving Branch?
The Clearance Diving Branch is the Royal Australian Navy’s specialist unit for diving, explosive ordnance disposal, ship boarding, counter-terrorism, and special operations support. Clearance Divers are among the most highly trained personnel in the ADF.
Does NCDT support families as well as Clearance Divers?
Yes. NCDT supports serving and ex-serving Clearance Divers, their dependants, and the families of deceased Clearance Divers. Both the NCDT Relief Fund and the NCDT Transition and Resilience Fund include provision for dependants and families.
Does NCDT receive government funding?
No. NCDT receives no government funding and operates entirely through donations and sponsorship. Both funds are registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and publish audited annual reports.
I am a Clearance Diver and I need support. Where do I start?
Visit the Support Overview page or submit a Request Support form. Your enquiry is confidential. If you are in crisis right now, please contact Open Arms on 1800 011 046 (free, 24/7) or the ADF All-Hours Support Line on 1800 628 036.
How can I help Clearance Divers through NCDT?
You can donate to either the NCDT Relief Fund (immediate relief) or the NCDT Transition and Resilience Fund (prevention programs). Corporate partners can explore sponsorship options. Community supporters can attend events, volunteer, or fundraise.
