China's State Oceanic Administration (SOA) has started recruitment of two highly educated female pilots to operate its deep-sea submersible.

Nearly 100 applications have been received so far and most of the applicants are fresh graduates holding master's or doctoral degrees, said Liu Baohua, an official with the SOA.

The SOA will choose from female graduates with bachelor's degrees or higher between the ages of 22 and 30, with height between 1.6 to 1.7 meters and good eyesight.

In the meantime, four male pilots aged 22 to 35 with height between 1.65 to 1.76 meters are being selected, according to the SOA.

"About a quarter of the applicants are women," Liu said. "Women need to 'hold up half the sky' of deep submergence in China."

Aside from physical requirements, the academic background of the candidates is limited to certain subjects, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and electronics technology, the SOA said.

"The candidates are not confined to fresh graduates. People with two or three years of related work experience are also welcome," said Liu, adding the ability to apply what has been learned is vital for deep-sea submersible pilots.

Applicants will go through a series of tests, including medical examination, physical fitness testing and a psychological interview.