Overview
EN ISO 24803:2017 - titled Recreational diving services - Requirements for recreational diving providers - is a harmonized CEN adoption of ISO 24803:2017 that defines minimum service, safety and quality requirements for organisations offering recreational scuba diving and snorkelling excursions. The standard covers introductory diving, snorkelling, training/education, organized/guided dives for qualified divers, and rental of diving and snorkelling equipment. It expressly does not apply to freediving (apnea diving).
Key topics and requirements
EN ISO 24803:2017 sets out common operational and safety expectations for recreational diving providers. Major technical topics include:
- Scope of services: introductory dives, snorkelling excursions, dive training and education, organized/guided diving, and equipment rental.
- Information & communication: requirements for pre-activity information, in-service briefings and documentation for clients.
- Risk assessment: identification and mitigation of hazards associated with dive operations and excursions.
- Surface support and safety: roll call, activity timing, and surface procedures to account for participants.
- Vessel operations: crewing considerations, safety/vessel briefings and additional equipment requirements for boats used in dive operations.
- Emergency equipment and procedures: prescribed approach to emergency kit availability and response procedures (e.g., rescue planning, communication).
- Diving equipment: standards for rental and maintenance of scuba and snorkel gear.
- Training and education: facility and open-water training site requirements, staff competence and record keeping.
- Environmental considerations: duty to minimize environmental impact during operations.
- Special groups: guidance for minors and vulnerable persons.
These topics reflect the document’s chapters on common requirements, snorkelling excursions, introductory dives, scuba training, and organized/guided diving.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 24803:2017 is practical for organisations that deliver recreational diving services, including:
- Dive centres, resorts and liveaboard operators
- Dive tour and excursion providers
- Scuba training agencies and dive instructors
- Equipment rental businesses
- Tourism regulators, safety auditors and insurers
Benefits include standardised safety practices, improved customer information and confidence, clearer operational procedures for vessels and training sites, and a benchmark for audits and insurance compliance.
Related standards
Relevant normative references and related standards often used alongside EN ISO 24803:2017 include other ISO/CEN diving standards such as ISO 24801 (diver training/levels) and ISO 24802 (instructor training). Users should consult national regulations (notably where CEN members have national deviations) and sector-specific guidance for detailed implementation.
Keywords: EN ISO 24803:2017, recreational diving services, recreational diving providers, scuba diving, snorkelling, dive operator, diving training, equipment rental, dive safety.
