Overview
SIST EN ISO 24808:2024 - Recreational diving services: Requirements for rebreather instructor training establishes internationally recognized requirements for training programs that prepare instructors to teach rebreather diving. Developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) in collaboration with ISO, this standard outlines competency benchmarks, evaluation criteria, and requirements for four distinct levels of rebreather instructors. The standard applies to training organizations and service providers who deliver recreational rebreather diver instructor courses, ensuring safe and consistent training across Europe and globally.
Key Topics
- Competency-Based Training: SIST EN ISO 24808:2024 defines the competencies that rebreather instructor candidates must achieve to qualify for each of the four instructor levels.
- Evaluation Criteria: The standard sets forth clear assessment methods for both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, ensuring instructors are equipped to deliver high-quality, safety-focused diver training.
- Instructor Levels: The document structures rebreather instructor qualifications into four progressive levels, from entry-level (no-decompression training) up to advanced (decompression diving to 100 m).
- Prerequisites and Progression: Specific prerequisites are identified for each instructor level, including prior diver qualifications, logged dive experience, minimum age, and health requirements.
- Course Structure and Delivery: Requirements include the use of appropriate training materials, equipment, session types (confined and open water), and maximum in-water session limits to maintain safety and instructional effectiveness.
- Crossover Provisions: Guidance on qualifying instructors for different rebreather units, ensuring integrity of training regardless of equipment variations.
Applications
- Training Organizations: SIST EN ISO 24808:2024 supports dive centers and training providers in designing, documenting, and delivering rebreather instructor courses aligned with international best practices.
- Instructor Trainers: Sets a framework for instructor trainers to assess, supervise, and qualify new rebreather instructors, integrating both skill demonstrations and theory presentations.
- Quality Assurance: Helps recreational diving service providers implement structured evaluation processes, maintain records, and comply with recognized safety measures throughout the instructor qualification pathway.
- Diver Safety: Establishes essential benchmarks to mitigate the higher risks associated with rebreather use, enhancing diver confidence and safety at all instructional levels.
- International Recognition: Facilitates mobility and mutual recognition of instructor credentials across organizations adhering to ISO standards.
Related Standards
SIST EN ISO 24808:2024 references and complements several key recreational diving service standards:
- ISO 24802-2: Requirements for the training of scuba instructors - Level 2
- ISO 24803: Requirements for recreational diving service providers
- ISO 24804: Requirements for rebreather diver training - No-decompression diving
- ISO 24805: Requirements for rebreather diver training - Decompression diving to 45 m
- ISO 24806: Requirements for rebreather diver training - Decompression diving to 60 m
- ISO 24807: Requirements for rebreather diver training - Decompression diving to 100 m
Practical Value
By aligning rebreather instructor training with SIST EN ISO 24808:2024, dive organizations can:
- Improve consistency and safety in rebreather diver education
- Enhance instructor reputation and employability due to internationally recognized credentials
- Satisfy regulatory and insurance requirements for advanced diving operations
- Promote confidence among divers and stakeholders regarding the professionalism of their instructors
SIST EN ISO 24808:2024 serves as a cornerstone for advancing professionalism, safety, and competency within the rapidly evolving field of recreational rebreather diving instruction.
