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
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.