Overview
ISO 11107:2009 specifies minimum requirements for training programmes on enriched air nitrox (EAN) diving. It defines the level of competence a scuba diver must reach to receive an EAN diver certification from a training organization and sets conditions for how EAN training is delivered. ISO 11107:2009 supplements general recreational diving service requirements in ISO 24803 and was prepared by ISO/TC 228 (Tourism and related services).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and competence
- Competence to plan, conduct and log EAN open-water, no‑decompression dives when diving with at least an ISO 24801-2 (Autonomous diver) buddy.
- Does not cover mandatory decompression dives, use of multiple gas mixes or rebreathers.
- Prerequisites
- Parental/legal guardian consent for minors.
- Medical screening or questionnaire and referral to a physician if necessary.
- Theoretical knowledge
- What EAN is (breathing mixture with >21% oxygen).
- Partial pressures and oxygen partial pressure (PO2) calculation.
- Benefits of reduced nitrogen exposure (equivalent air depth, EAD) and dive planning implications.
- Oxygen toxicity, narcosis and decompression illness causes, symptoms and first aid.
- Equipment suitability and oxygen service considerations; cylinder markings and manufacturer guidance.
- Practical skills
- Use of an oxygen analyzer to verify EAN blend.
- Filling and labeling cylinder content tags and completing fill logs including oxygen content and maximum operating depth.
- Use of EAN-capable dive tables, dive computers or planning software for single and repetitive dives.
- Safety limits
- If open-water EAN dives are included in training, the maximum PO2 must not exceed 160 kPa (1.6 bar).
- Assessment and certification
- Students must pass an oral or written exam testing knowledge in Clause 6 and demonstrate practical abilities (Clause 7).
- Instructors must have formal EAN training to teach and assess per this standard.
Applications and users
ISO 11107:2009 is intended for:
- Training organizations and scuba diving agencies designing EAN diver courses.
- Dive operators and dive centres implementing safe EAN procedures and certification.
- Scuba instructors who teach EAN theory and practical skills.
- Recreational divers seeking recognized EAN certification and understanding of EAN safety, equipment and planning.
Practical uses include curriculum development, instructor qualification, student assessment, risk management for EAN fills, and consistent certification criteria across providers.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 11107:2009, enriched air nitrox, EAN diving, EAN training, oxygen partial pressure, EAD, dive planning, scuba instructor certification.