Overview - ISO 24806:2023 (Rebreather diver training - Decompression diving to 60 m)
ISO 24806:2023 defines minimum requirements for recreational rebreather diver training that prepares divers to conduct decompression dives to 60 m using helium-containing breathing mixtures (trimix) and requiring mandatory decompression stops. The standard specifies the competencies learners must achieve, evaluation criteria, and the conditions under which training is delivered, in addition to the general service requirements of ISO 24803.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard organizes training and assessment around practical competencies and program governance. Key technical topics include:
- Competencies & evaluation
- Defined learning outcomes and measurable evaluation criteria for theory and practical skill performance.
- Prerequisites
- Entry requirements covering minimum age, prior diving experience and health/fitness standards.
- Theoretical knowledge
- Rebreather principles and types (e.g., CCR, SCR), function of components, breathing gas concepts (trimix), gas density, CO2 absorbent behaviour, gas supply and duration, advanced decompression dive planning, and physiological risks (hypercapnia, hypoxia, hyperoxia).
- Practical skills
- Rebreather assembly, pre-water checks, in-water procedures for decompression dives, emergency responses, malfunction management and post-dive procedures.
- Training delivery
- Instructor qualifications, training equipment and materials, required in‑water sessions and instructor responsibilities.
- Operational limits
- Breathing gas limits, mandatory decompression stop procedures and use of bailout gases.
- Assessment & certification
- Knowledge tests, skill evaluations, documentation and proof of qualification.
- Annexes
- Informative material on gas density and a normative annex for student crossover programmes.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 24806:2023
- Diving training organizations designing or updating advanced rebreather courses for recreational divers.
- Rebreather instructors who must align teaching plans, assessments and safety protocols with international benchmarks.
- Dive centres and tour operators offering deep rebreather dives to ensure staff and training meet recognized competency standards.
- Accident investigators, insurers and regulators who require a reference for expected training content and competence levels for deep decompression rebreather dives.
- Experienced technical divers seeking clarity on recognized competency requirements for rebreather decompression diving to 60 m.
Related standards
- ISO 24803 - Recreational diving services (general provider requirements)
- ISO 24805 - Rebreather diver training - Decompression diving to 45 m
- ISO 24801-3 - Training of scuba divers - Dive leader
- ISO 24802-2 - Training of scuba instructors - Level 2
ISO 24806:2023 is essential for organizations and professionals involved in advanced rebreather training, ensuring safe, consistent, and auditable training practices for decompression diving to 60 m.