Overview
EN ISO 24806:2023 - Recreational diving services - Requirements for rebreather diver training - Decompression diving to 60 m - is an ISO standard adopted by CEN that defines competency-based requirements for training recreational rebreather divers to perform decompression dives to 60 m. It covers training scope, prerequisites, theoretical knowledge, practical skills, evaluation criteria and the conditions under which training must be delivered. The standard specifically addresses dives using helium-containing breathing mixtures that require mandatory decompression stops.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Competency framework and evaluation: Specifies the competencies trainees must achieve and the criteria for knowledge and skill assessment, including proof of qualification.
- Prerequisites: Minimum age, prior diving experience and health requirements needed before enrolment.
- Theoretical knowledge: Topics include rebreather fundamentals, component function, breathing performance, gas planning and density, CO2 absorbent duration, gas supply calculations, decompression planning, and physiological hazards (hypercapnia, hypoxia, hyperoxia).
- Practical skills: Rebreather assembly, pre-water-entry checks, in-water procedures, dive conduct to 60 m, emergency responses, malfunction management, and post-dive procedures.
- Training structure and parameters: Number and nature of in-water sessions, instructor responsibilities, limits on breathing gases for closed- and semi-closed circuit rebreathers.
- Instructor and equipment requirements: Minimum instructor qualifications, recommended training equipment and materials, and maintenance considerations.
- Annexes: Informative material on gas density and mixtures and normative guidance for crossover training programs.
Applications and Who Uses It
EN ISO 24806:2023 is intended for organizations and professionals involved in advanced recreational rebreather training and service delivery, including:
- Dive training agencies and certification bodies
- Rebreather instructor trainers and course directors
- Dive centers and operators offering advanced decompression rebreather courses
- Regulators and national standards bodies overseeing recreational diving services
- Technical authors and program developers creating curricula, checklists and assessment tools
Practical applications include developing compliant training programs, designing course syllabi, creating assessment rubrics, setting instructor competency requirements, and ensuring safe operational procedures for recreational rebreather dives to 60 m.
Related Standards
- ISO 24803 - Recreational diving services - Requirements for recreational diving providers (general service requirements referenced)
- ISO 24805 - Rebreather diving training - Decompression diving to 45 m (related lower-depth rebreather standard)
- ISO 24802-2 - Training of scuba instructors - Level 2 (referenced for instructor training aspects)
Keywords: EN ISO 24806:2023, rebreather diver training, decompression diving to 60 m, recreational diving services, training requirements, rebreather instructor, helium breathing mixtures.
