Overview
EN ISO 8804-3:2024 (ISO 8804-3:2024) defines the minimum requirements for training and evaluating a scientific diving project leader. Published by CEN and prepared by ISO/TC 228, this part of the ISO 8804 series complements general recreational diving provider requirements (ISO 24803) and sets competency and training‑provision expectations specific to leadership of scientific diving projects. It is intended as a baseline for recognition, reciprocity and safe, consistent practice across training programmes.
Key topics and requirements
This standard addresses both competencies and training delivery. Major topics include:
- Scope and evaluation: Minimum training outcomes and evaluation criteria for scientific diving project leaders.
- Prerequisites and health: Entry requirements, including prior scientific diving qualifications and fitness/health considerations.
- Theoretical knowledge: Subjects required for project leadership, such as experimental design, generic scientific methods, dive planning for research objectives, team management and relevant legal/regulatory aspects.
- Practical skills: Advanced diving skills relevant to project control, plus medical/first‑aid competencies including emergency oxygen administration.
- Training provision requirements: Standards for supervision, instructor qualifications, risk assessment, surface support procedures, emergency equipment and documented emergency procedures.
- Qualification criteria: Measurable outcomes in knowledge, skills, diving leadership and delivery of a supervised scientific project.
All requirements are framed as minimum competencies; organisations may impose additional or more stringent criteria.
Practical applications and users
Who benefits from EN ISO 8804-3:2024:
- Training organisations designing accredited courses for scientific diving project leaders.
- Research institutions and universities that conduct field diving for marine, freshwater or limnological studies.
- Scientific dive programme managers seeking consistent leadership standards and cross‑programme reciprocity.
- Regulators and occupational safety bodies referencing minimum training for oversight or national adoption.
- Experienced scientific divers advancing to project leader roles who need defined evaluation criteria and training pathways.
Practical uses:
- Standardising project leadership training to improve safety and data quality.
- Facilitating mutual recognition of scientific diving qualifications across institutions and countries.
- Informing risk assessments, emergency planning and instructor selection for scientific dive operations.
Related standards
- ISO 8804-1 - Scientific diver (Part 1)
- ISO 8804-2 - Advanced scientific diver (Part 2)
- ISO 24803, ISO 24801-3, ISO 24802-2 - Recreational diving provider, dive leader and instructor requirements referenced for general service provision and instructor qualification.
Keywords: scientific diving project leader, ISO 8804-3:2024, scientific diver training, CEN, training requirements, dive leadership, research diving.