ISO 24801-2:2014

Overview

ISO 24801-2:2014 - "Recreational diving services - Requirements for the training of recreational scuba divers - Part 2: Level 2 - Autonomous diver" defines the competencies, training conditions and evaluation criteria for a Level 2 (Autonomous) recreational scuba diver. The standard sets minimum requirements for training organizations and instructors so certificated divers can safely dive with peers (without direct instructor supervision) under specified conditions.

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Key topics and technical requirements

• Competency scope: Divers trained to Level 2 are expected to dive autonomously with other divers of similar certification, typically to a recommended maximum depth of 20 m, without in-water decompression stops, and only when appropriate surface support is available.
• Prerequisites: Documented parental consent for minors and medical screening (questionnaire or physician exam) are required prior to training.
• Theoretical knowledge: Required subjects include diving equipment, physics of diving (pressure/gas laws, buoyancy, sound/light/temperature), decompression management (use of dive tables, dive computers and planning software), dive planning, medical and psychological diving issues, and environment-specific considerations.
• Equipment competency: Knowledge and use/maintenance of mask, fins, snorkel, regulator, cylinders, buoyancy control devices, submersible pressure gauges, alternative breathing gas sources, dive computers, marker buoys, lights, cutting devices and first aid/oxygen kits.
• Practical skills and evaluation: The standard specifies confined- and open-water scuba skills and degree-of-mastery criteria, plus evaluation methods for both knowledge and practical abilities (see Clause 10).
• Training environment & conditions: Training must meet the general recreational diving service requirements (ISO 24803) and include appropriate introductory information, supervised practice, and access to safety equipment and surface support.
• Training organizations: Requirements for quality management, instructor qualifications, course delivery and documentation are set out to ensure consistent, safe training.

Practical applications

• Use ISO 24801-2 to design or benchmark scuba diver training programs, course syllabi and assessment rubrics.
• Guide dive centers and training organizations in instructor qualification, safety protocols and minimum student prerequisites.
• Support regulators, insurers and accreditation bodies in evaluating the adequacy of recreational dive training and certifications.
• Help divers understand the expected competencies for autonomous diving (depth limits, no-decompression dives, buddy/team procedures).

Related standards

• ISO 24801-1 (Level 1 - Supervised diver)
• ISO 24801-3 (Level 3 - Dive leader)
• ISO 24802-1 / ISO 24802-2 (Scuba instructor training)
• ISO 24803 (Requirements for recreational scuba diving service providers)
• EN 250 and EN 12628 (equipment and accessory standards)

ISO 24801-2 is a practical, internationally recognised tool for ensuring consistent, safety-focused training of recreational autonomous divers.