Overview
ISO 24807:2023 - Recreational diving services - Requirements for rebreather diver training - Decompression diving to 100 m defines minimum training and evaluation requirements for recreational rebreather divers who plan and conduct decompression dives to 100 m using helium-containing breathing mixes. The standard specifies the competencies, evaluation criteria, and the conditions under which training must be delivered, and it is intended to be used alongside the general service requirements in ISO 24803.
Key topics and technical requirements
This standard addresses both theory and practical skills required for safe deep rebreather diving:
- Competency-based training: Defines learning outcomes and evaluation criteria for safe conduct of decompression dives to 100 m.
- Prerequisites for training: Requirements for prior diving experience, minimum age and health standards are specified (see standard for exact values).
- Theoretical knowledge: Includes risk management, team and buddy procedures, advanced decompression dive planning, gas density considerations, effects of helium-containing mixes, and physiological hazards such as hypercapnia, hypoxia and hyperoxia.
- Rebreather systems and performance: Function of rebreather components, breathing performance, CO2 absorbent duration, assembly, pre-water-entry checks and maintenance.
- Practical skills and in-water training: Pre-dive procedures, dive conduct, emergency responses, reaction to rebreather malfunctions, post-dive procedures and practical training parameters (including training dives/in-water sessions).
- Instructor and organisational requirements: Instructor qualifications, instructor-to-student ratio guidance (coverage for dives ≤60 m and >60 m), training equipment and materials, and responsibilities for training providers.
- Evaluation and certification: Knowledge tests, skill evaluations and proof-of-qualification procedures are defined.
- Annexes: Technical annexes cover gas density and mixtures, and student crossover programmes.
Practical applications - who uses ISO 24807:2023
This standard is primarily for organizations and individuals involved with advanced recreational rebreather diving, including:
- Recreational diving training organizations and course designers who create rebreather decompression programmes.
- Rebreather instructors and certifying agencies who need standardized evaluation criteria and instructor requirements.
- Dive operators and expedition leaders planning deep decompression dives using helium mixes.
- Regulators and accreditation bodies referencing industry best practice for safety and training conformity.
- Experienced recreational divers seeking formal qualification to conduct complex decompression rebreather dives.
Related standards
- ISO 24803 - General requirements for recreational diving providers (complementary).
- ISO 24806 - Rebreather diver training - Decompression diving to 60 m.
- ISO 24801-3 and ISO 24802-2 - Relevant for dive leadership and instructor levels.
ISO 24807:2023 is essential for consistent, competency-based training and safer implementation of helium-based rebreather decompression diving to 100 m.