EN ISO 24803:2017 PDF

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.