Overview
ISO 24037:2026 – Ships and marine technology - Requirements and guidance for training, qualification and competency of submersible system crew and other key personnel – is an international standard developed by ISO. This standard provides essential requirements and guidance for the training, qualification, and competency of personnel involved in crewed submersible system (CSS) operations. Its scope covers various crewed submersible craft, assisting operators in developing tailored competence schemes to raise safety and operational effectiveness across the submersible industry. Importantly, it does not address conventional and nuclear powered naval submarines or diving bells.
Key Topics
ISO 24037:2026 focuses on establishing a comprehensive framework for:
- Training, qualification, and certification requirements for CSS crew and key personnel
- Clear identification of essential roles, such as:
- Pilots and co-pilots
- Engineering and maintenance managers and technicians
- Passenger safety officers
- Operations managers
- Launch and recovery system supervisors and operators
- Designated person ashore
- Training staff and health, safety, and environmental protection (HSEP) managers
- Development and management of structured training systems
- Implementation of competence frameworks and career development pathways
- Regular assessment and verification of personnel competence
- Use of simulation technologies and modern training aids
- Operational safety, emergency response, and ongoing professional development
This standard aligns with global maritime safety guidance, referencing IMO provisions and international quality and safety management standards.
Applications
ISO 24037:2026 delivers practical value across a wide range of marine technology and submersible operations, including:
- Commercial & Passenger Submersibles: Ensuring safe and effective crew proficiency in underwater tourism, research exploration, and survey operations.
- Rescue Submersibles: Training specialized personnel for emergency missions and life-support management in both normobaric and hyperbaric environments.
- Submersible Maintenance & Technical Management: Defining roles and competence requirements for engineering managers and technicians responsible for vessel safety and reliability.
- Operational Management: Equipping operations managers and designated persons ashore with clear criteria for oversight, risk management, and compliance.
- Safety & Environmental Protection: Addressing health, safety, and environmental risk management through qualified HSEP personnel.
- Training Provision: Supporting the establishment of rigorous, standardized training programs, utilizing simulators, virtual reality, and in-depth instructional design.
- Human Resources and Compliance: Facilitating cross-industry recognition of competence and supporting efficient onboarding and mobility of qualified personnel.
The standard also enables CSS operators to benchmark their training management systems against international best practices and regulatory expectations, helping reduce operating risk and improve overall safety performance.
Related Standards
ISO 24037:2026 interfaces with several important international standards and maritime conventions:
- ISO 9001 – Quality management systems
- ISO 45001 – Occupational health and safety management systems
- ISO 14001 – Environmental management systems
- IMO STCW Convention – International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
- IMO Marine Safety Committee Guidelines
- ISO 5411 – Related terminology and safety standards for submersible and marine operations
Conclusion
Applying ISO 24037:2026 helps operators of crewed submersible systems ensure staff are trained, qualified, and competent to handle complex marine operations safely and effectively. This standard is crucial for organizations seeking to build robust training management systems, align with international best practices, and uphold safety, environmental, and quality standards within marine technology and submersible operations.
Keywords: submersible systems, crew training, marine technology, operational safety, qualification, competency, ISO 24037, CSS, IMO, maintenance management, maritime standards, underwater operations, emergency response, training management systems.
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