Overview
EN ISO 21417:2019 - Recreational diving services: Requirements for training on environmental awareness for recreational divers is an ISO standard adopted by CEN that specifies requirements for training programmes to educate recreational divers (and non-divers) in environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The programmes include theoretical knowledge and an optional practical water session, and are intended to help divers minimise negative impacts on aquatic environments and participate in conservation actions.
Key Topics and Requirements
The standard defines competencies and core topics that training must cover, including:
Applications and Users
Who benefits from EN ISO 21417:2019:
- Dive centres and instructors designing environmentally focused courses or adding eco-modules
- Dive tour operators and boat crews seeking standardised environmental training for staff and customers
- Marine protected area managers, NGOs and citizen science programmes that engage recreational divers for monitoring and conservation
- Certification bodies and regulators incorporating environmental awareness into recreational diving qualifications
Practical uses include curriculum development, staff training, eco-tourism quality assurance, and improving diver behaviour to reduce environmental impacts.
Related Standards
- ISO 13970 - Training of recreational snorkelling guides
- ISO 24801-3 - Training for recreational scuba divers - Level 3: Dive leader
EN ISO 21417:2019 supports sustainable recreational diving by providing a clear framework for environmental awareness training that is useful for operators, instructors and conservation stakeholders.