Overview
EN ISO 24802-1:2014 - Recreational diving services: Requirements for the training of scuba instructors - Part 1: Level 1 (ISO 24802-1:2014) defines the minimum competencies, evaluation criteria and training conditions for organisations that certify Level 1 scuba instructors. Adopted by CEN and published in 2014, this standard applies to training and evaluation in recreational scuba diving and complements the general service requirements in ISO 24803.
Key topics and requirements
EN ISO 24802-1:2014 covers the core elements needed for a Level 1 instructor qualification. Principal topics include:
- Competency framework - the skills and behaviours an instructor must demonstrate to be certified at Level 1.
- Evaluation criteria - how training organisations should assess theoretical knowledge, teaching skills and practical scuba abilities.
- Prerequisites and candidate information - candidate experience and health prerequisites before beginning instructor training.
- Required knowledge areas - theoretical subject matter an instructor must master (teaching methods, dive theory, safety principles).
- Personal scuba skills - expected in-water proficiency and dive-management capability.
- Teaching and supervision - techniques for classroom instruction, skills coaching and direct supervision of learner divers.
- Emergency procedures - requirements for diver rescue, first aid and oxygen administration competence.
- Instructor trainers and evaluation process - qualifications of people who train instructor candidates and the structure of assessments.
- Annexes - code of conduct for instructors and example assessment templates for teaching/evaluation competencies.
Note: The standard specifies minimum requirements and evaluation scopes; it does not prescribe a specific course syllabus or training hours.
Practical applications - who uses this standard
EN ISO 24802-1:2014 is intended for organisations and professionals involved in recreational diving training and certification:
- Dive training organisations and dive centres - to design or align Level 1 instructor courses and assessment procedures.
- Certification bodies - to ensure instructor qualifications meet recognized competency criteria.
- Regulators and national standards bodies - for consistent adoption/endorsement (CEN members implemented this as a national standard).
- Instructor candidates and employers - to understand expected competencies for recruitment and professional development.
- Insurance and risk managers - to verify training standards and safety practices.
Related standards
- ISO 24802-2 - Part 2: Level 2 (advanced instructor requirements)
- ISO 24803 - General requirements for recreational diving service provision (complements instructor training standards)
- Supersedes: EN 14413-1:2004
By following EN ISO 24802-1:2014, organisations can standardize Level 1 scuba instructor training, improve safety and provide transparent, auditable evaluation of instructor competence.
