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The Diving Unit of Fire Services is responsible for all emergency underwater search and rescue. Not only the emergency diving, but also firefighting, rescue operation on land and all sea incidents are also taken part by Diving Unit.

The Diving Unit was established on 1992 to replace the "Diving Team".

The history of underwater search and rescue service of HKFSD since the 15, August 1955. A boy was reported fallen into Moun Kwai Wu Sunk in Kowloon. The Officer-in-charge on the site used a 100% oxygen breathing apparatus to dive down to 15 feet but was unable to locate the body and search operation was eventually suspended.

Two years later on 6, October 1957. Two boys were reported fallen into a pond near La Salle Road. Unluckily, only one child saved. The two immersion cases highlighted the need for the provision of an emergency diving service to the general public.

In 1960, the new Diving Team was established. 20 men were trained. They were only part time divers riding along the Emergency Tender to handle shallow water drowning case. The "Heinke" self-contained underwater breathing apparatus sets were purchased. But the Sibe Gorman "Aqualung" were procured to replace the "Heinke" sets since the  "Aqualung"  was more suitable in dirty water.

In mid 70's, the diving team used the Single hose Poseidon regulator. The diving limit was extended from 9 metres to 15 metres.

The Diving Tender was first use in 1989. The twin cylinders Poseidon regulator was introducted. The diving limit was extended to 30 metres.

In 1992, the Diving Unit was established. All divers became full time divers. The diving limit was extended 42 metres.

After the 1997, the Diving Unit were tasked to fill the gap in the provision f complicated and deep water rescues that has once been the duties of Royal Navy Clearance Diving Team. Actually, the divers of the Diving Unit have to work in contaminated water, rhine and other special environments.

Moreover, the Diving Unit collaborates with the Labour Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services  Department to operate an innovative 3-compartment compression chamber at Ngong Shuen Chau. The chamber can provide the hyperbolic oxygen therapy to patients suffering from the side effects of prolonged radiotherapy or toxic gas inhalation.

In 1999, the two Diving Vessels were put to commission so as to improve the overall operational efficiency.