Queensland Police Service's (QPS) Dive Unit is strengthening its specialist capability through intensive training exercises including a large, semi-submerged vessel, allowing officers to safely rehearse the complex underwater scenarios they face in real operations.
The training vessel offers a realistic environment for divers to refine the specialist skills required for some of policing's most challenging search and recovery tasks.
Based at the Water Police Complex in Brisbane, the Dive Unit is a highly trained unit made up of eight full-time and 12 part-time officers who respond to incidents across Queensland.
Their work spans evidence recovery, submerged vehicle inspections, missing persons searches and supporting major investigations in waterways including rivers, dams, quarries, and coastal environments.
To ensure rapid response to incidents in the state's north, the unit also maintains an operational trailer in Cairns.
This year alone, the unit has responded to 115 requests for assistance, overcoming low visibility, fast-moving water, limited access, and unpredictable conditions.
Divers routinely operate at depths of up to 30 meters while adhering to strict commercial diving standards.
In one recent example, two divers spent nearly 12 hours underwater across three days, navigating pitch-black conditions to recover an item that later proved crucial to an investigation.
Acting Sergeant Kieren Sparks said realistic training is essential to ensuring the team can perform safely and effectively when it matters most.
"Our officers take pride in the specialist skills they bring to investigations," Acting Sergeant Sparks said.
"Working in difficult underwater environments requires resilience, teamwork, and absolute trust in the people beside you.
"It's demanding work but incredibly rewarding."
Becoming a Dive Unit officer is highly competitive, with candidates required to complete a rigorous four-day selection process assessing teamwork, fitness, underwater endurance, breath control and decision-making.
On the first day, officers are fitted with blackout masks to remove their sense of sight, and dive into the murky Brisbane River to test their ability to operate calmly and safely in completely darkness.
With specialist training, strong teamwork, and a commitment to serving Queensland communities, the QPS Dive Unit continues to play a vital role in solving complex cases and supporting community safety.
For those who stand for challenge, teamwork and purpose, the Dive Unit represents one of policing's most unique and rewarding career pathways.
A career with the Queensland Police Service offers diverse roles, unique challenges, and the chance to make a real difference every day. From emergency response and crime prevention to community engagement and public safety, no two days are ever the same.
From our bustling cities to remote towns and pristine coastline, policing in Queensland offers a career and lifestyle as diverse as the communities you'll serve.
Looking for a career that stands for more? Stand with us in a challenging and rewarding career. Visit policerecruit.qld.gov.au to apply now.
