ISO 13289:2011

Overview

ISO 13289:2011 - Recreational diving services - Requirements for the conduct of snorkelling excursions - sets minimum safety and operational requirements for service providers running supervised open‑water snorkelling excursions. It is focused on experiential, supervised activities (not pool training) and complements general recreational diving service requirements in ISO 24803. ISO 13289:2011 clarifies participant prerequisites, briefing content, supervision procedures, equipment and emergency planning for safe snorkelling excursions.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Applies to snorkelling excursions that take place in open water; excludes activities conducted exclusively in confined water (e.g., pools).
• Participant prerequisites: Documented parental/guardian consent for minors; medical/fitness information and advice on risk factors (cardiac, pulmonary, loss of consciousness). Includes recommended medical screening and a sample risk awareness declaration.
• Briefing and introductory information: Mandatory pre‑excursion information per ISO 24803 and warnings that completion does not qualify participants to snorkel unsupervised. Briefings must cover equipment selection and fit (mask, snorkel, fins, PFDs, exposure suits), snorkelling techniques, buddy system, hand signals and environmental/behavioural considerations.
• Supervision ratios and procedures: Ideal maximum ratios - 1 guide : 20 participants when supervising from a base station and 1 guide : 12 participants for in‑water supervision. Ratios must be reduced under less‑than‑ideal conditions. Guides must provide direct supervision and may not engage in other tasks while supervising. Buddy pairing and check‑in/check‑out accountability are required.
• Equipment and emergency requirements: Base station or guide must have first aid, emergency oxygen (≥15 L/min for ≥20 min), recall devices (whistle/air horn), timing device, communications (VHF/cell), and contact details for local emergency services. Recommended items include AED, marker buoys/flags, rescue/boarding provisions, GPS, drinking water and surface support vessels.
• Emergency planning: Written emergency plan including lost‑participant procedures, recall, casualty removal, and next‑of‑kin notification.

Applications and users

ISO 13289:2011 is intended for:

• Tour operators, dive centers and snorkel service providers offering supervised open‑water excursions
• Snorkelling guides and supervisory staff developing operating procedures, briefings and emergency plans
• Safety officers and regulators who set local operational standards and inspection checklists
• Organizations creating participant waivers, medical screening forms and staff training outlines

Practical uses include creating standard operating procedures (SOPs), staff competency requirements, risk assessments, participant briefings, equipment checklists and emergency response plans to improve safety and legal defensibility.

Related standards

• ISO 24803 - Requirements for recreational scuba diving service providers
• ISO 13970 - Training of recreational snorkelling guides
• ISO 24801‑3, ISO 24802‑1, ISO 24802‑2 - Training standards for dive leaders and instructors

Keywords: ISO 13289:2011, snorkelling excursions, recreational diving services, snorkelling guide, open water snorkelling, snorkel safety, supervision ratios, emergency oxygen.