ClearancePath

Navy Clearance Diver Selection Preparation

Selection Ready

What is ClearancePath?

ClearancePath is a free training companion for Australian clearance diver candidates. It covers dive theory, fitness tracking against official RAN standards, interactive operational scenarios, mine identification training, mental resilience tools, and readiness scoring to help you prepare for clearance diver selection and training.

Fitness Standards (RAN)

Fitness tests are tracked across four training phases: Entry, SCUBA Air Diver, Clearance Diving Acceptance Assessment (CDAA), and Basic Clearance Diver (BCD) graduation. You must meet the minimum standards for your current phase:

  • 2.4km Run: Entry 12:00, SCUBA Air 12:00, CDAA 10:15, BCD Graduation 9:00. Cardiovascular endurance test.
  • Push-Ups: Entry 30, SCUBA Air 30, CDAA 30, BCD Graduation 50. Upper body strength and endurance.
  • Sit-Ups: Entry 50, SCUBA Air 60, CDAA 60, BCD Graduation 120. Core endurance.
  • Heaves (Pull-Ups): Entry 6, SCUBA Air 6, CDAA 10, BCD Graduation 18. Upper body pulling strength.
  • 500m Swim (fins): Entry 14:30, SCUBA Air 14:30, CDAA 13:00, BCD Graduation 9:15. Water-based endurance.

Source: Royal Australian Navy clearance diver training standards. Standards verified March 2026. Always verify current requirements with Defence Force Recruiting.

Dive Theory Modules

6 module categories covering the technical knowledge required for clearance diver training, each with topics and quizzes:

  1. Physiology: Pressure effects, gas laws, decompression, nitrogen narcosis, oxygen toxicity.
  2. Equipment: SCUBA, ship's supply breathing apparatus (SSBA), rebreathers, maintenance.
  3. Safety: Emergency procedures, buddy protocols, decompression sickness management.
  4. Mines: Mine types, identification, search patterns, disposal procedures.
  5. Ordnance: Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), safety protocols, render-safe procedures.
  6. Tactics: Underwater search patterns, navigation, team procedures.

Mine Identification Game

Interactive mine identification challenge that tests your ability to recognise and classify different mine types. Features scoring, streaks, and progressive difficulty to build the rapid identification skills needed during underwater operations.

Scenario Training

Interactive branching scenarios across 6 operational categories that simulate real clearance diving situations. Each scenario presents decision points with multi-dimensional scoring (Composure Under Pressure, Mission Effectiveness, Technical Judgement, Safety Awareness, Team Coordination) and detailed feedback.

  • Mine Neutralisation
  • EOD Assessment
  • Dive Emergency
  • Beach Reconnaissance
  • Ship Operations
  • Team Emergency

Mental Resilience Tools

Evidence-based psychological techniques for managing stress and building resilience under the demands of clearance diver training:

  • Box Breathing (4-4-4-4): Navy SEAL technique for acute stress management.
  • 4-7-8 Breathing: Deep relaxation and anxiety reduction.
  • Tactical Breathing: Quick stress reduction during high-pressure situations.
  • Progressive Relaxation: Muscle tension release and deep recovery.
  • Guided Meditation: 6 sessions covering focus, anxiety, relaxation, stress inoculation, sleep, and confidence.
  • Anxiety Exposure: 4 types (claustrophobia, aquaphobia, height, general) with 5-level progression.
  • Stress Inoculation: Mental rehearsal of challenging underwater scenarios.
  • Cognitive Reframing: Reinterpreting stressful events for balanced responses.

Additional Tools

  • Equipment Reference: Detailed guides to diving equipment and systems.
  • Knot Tying: Step-by-step guides for 10+ essential knots with images.
  • Hand Signals: Underwater and surface communication signals.
  • Gas Calculator: MOD and PPO2 calculator for mixed gas diving.
  • Rebreather Guide: Closed-circuit rebreather operation reference.
  • Glossary: Searchable A-Z diving and military terminology.

Readiness Score

Track your overall readiness with a weighted score: Fitness 40%, Knowledge 30%, Psychology 20%, Consistency 10%. Earn the "Selection Ready" badge at 80% or above.