ISO 24802-1:2014

Overview

ISO 24802-1:2014 defines the requirements for training and evaluating Level 1 scuba instructors within recreational diving services. The standard specifies the competencies, evaluation criteria and training conditions a candidate must meet to be certified as a scuba instructor Level 1. It applies to training and assessment in both confined water and supervised progression toward open-water instruction, and complements the general service requirements of ISO 24803.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Instructor competencies: Ability to teach and assess students to Level 1 (ISO 24801-1) in theory and confined water; supervised progression to teaching higher levels.
• Prerequisites:
  • Candidate must hold at least scuba diver Level 3 (ISO 24801-3) with additional practical experience.
  • Medical screening: evidence of a dive medical not older than one year (unless otherwise specified).
  • Minimum age: 18 years to receive Level 1 instructor qualification.
• Theoretical knowledge: Extensive understanding of dive theory across ISO 24801-1/2/3 topics, medical/psychological contraindications, safety regulations, cylinder filling and local legislation, teaching methodology, and site selection for confined water.
• Personal scuba skills: Demonstration-quality performance of all personal skills for diver Level 1, 2 and 3.
• Teaching skills:
  • Lesson planning and delivery for theory.
  • Confined water lesson conduct: briefing/debriefing, demonstration, group control, problem recognition and student evaluation.
• Emergency procedures:
  • Diver rescue and controlled casualty recovery.
  • First aid and CPR certification as approved by the training organization.
  • Competence in emergency oxygen administration and knowledge of related medical principles.
• Instructor-trainers: Must be senior instructors (above Level 2), trained in pedagogy and authorized to teach and evaluate instructor candidates.
• Evaluation: Defined assessment criteria for theory, practical teaching, supervision, emergency response and documented supervised teaching experience.

Applications and Who Uses It

ISO 24802-1 is used by:

• Dive training organizations and agencies to design instructor courses and certification pathways.
• Dive centres, clubs and schools to set minimum training and assessment standards for new instructors.
• Instructor-trainers and examiners to structure assessments and ensure candidates meet internationally recognized competencies.
• Regulatory bodies and auditors evaluating recreational diving service quality and safety compliance.

Practical benefits include consistent instructor competence, improved diver safety, and a standardized basis for comparing instructor qualifications across nations and agencies.

Related Standards

• ISO 24801-1:2014 - Level 1 (Supervised diver)
• ISO 24801-2:2014 - Level 2 (Autonomous diver)
• ISO 24801-3:2014 - Level 3 (Dive leader)
• ISO 24803 - Requirements for recreational scuba diving service providers

Keywords: ISO 24802-1, scuba instructor training, recreational diving services, Level 1 instructor, instructor competencies, dive instructor evaluation, confined water training, emergency oxygen, ISO diving standards.