Sipho Mabena

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SA Navy on recruitment drive for divers

The SA Navy hopefuls will be taken through a gruelling selection process; from a 300 meters freestyle swim, 25 meters under-water swim and swimming with a diving mask full of water to a 2,4km run in under 13 minutes.


If you have what it takes to join the South African Navy then this is your opportunity as the Navy embarks on a massive nationwide recruitment drive for fresh divers for its ranks.

That is if you are a South African citizens, aged between 18 and 22, and matriculated with pure mathematics.

If older than 22 years, potential candidates should be in possession of a tertiary qualification but be not older than 26 years.

ALSO READ: SANDF blames Covid-19 impact as recruitment programme gets halted

The SANDF said in a statement that divers are integral to any missions and operations of the SA Navy and their invaluable functions include among others, underwater and coastal reconnaissance, search and rescue, clearance diving, demolitions and salvage operations.

“This is not a regular SANDF recruitment drive but a specific targeted search which seeks to recruit diver candidates for the SA Navy,” SA Navy‘s Captain Prince Tshabalala said.

Kit and fitness requirements

Potential candidates are required to bring swimming costumes and physical training attire (Vest/T[1]shirt, shorts and running shoes) as they will be put through a selection process that will include physical training and water activities.

For water activities, they will be required to conduct a 300 meters freestyle swim, 50 meters snorkel swim, 50 meters swim with a diving mask full of water, 25 meters under-water swim and 50 meters weight-belt swim.

For physical activities, candidates will be required to conduct a 2,4km run in under 13 minutes, 40 push-ups, 50 sit-ups and 7 pull-ups.

ALSO READ: SANDF so broke, troops have to buy their own boots

Successful candidates will be subjected to Human Resources recruitment process and will form part of the 2024 Military Skills Development Skills Intake.

Where is it happening?

The recruitment will take place at the following venues across the country:

Gauteng

  • 24 – 26 April, Hill Crest Swimming Pool, Hatfield
  • 27 – 28 April, Pimville Swimming Pool, Soweto.

 Free State

  • 1 – 2 May, Bloemanda Swimming Pool, Bloemfontein.

Northern Cape

  • 4 – 5 May, Karen Muir Swimming Pool.

 North West

  • 8 – 9 May, Potchefstroom Public Swimming Pool

Limpopo

· 11 – 12 May, Town Swimming Pool Polokwane.

Mpumalanga

  • 15 – 16 May, Van Riebeck Swimming Pool, Nelspruit

Kwa-Zulu Natal

  • 18 – 19 May, Kings Park Swimming Pool

Eastern Cape

  • 22- 23 May, Zwelitsha and Ruth Belonsky Swimming Pool Parkside, East London
  • 25 – 26 May, Newton Park Swimming Pool, Gqeberha

Western Cape

  • 29 – 30 May, SA Navy Diving School

NOW READ: Questionable decision to pause new SANDF intakes

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