ISO 8804-1:2024
Requirements for the training of scientific divers

Standard No.

ISO 8804-1:2024

Release Date

2024

Published By

International Organization for Standardization (ISO)  IX  /  ISO

Latest

ISO 8804-1:2024

Introduction

Overview of the Standard Framework

ISO 8804-1:2024, as the basic standard for scientific diver training, systematically regulates the three-level capability system for scientific diving activities for the first time. This standard complements the ISO 24803 recreational diving service standard, focusing on strengthening seven core capability modules such as underwater scientific research methodology and special environment response.

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Core Competency Matrix

Competency Dimensions	Basic Requirements	Scientific Diving Specialty	Evaluation Methods
Diving Skills	ISO 24801-2 Autonomous Diver Qualification	Special Equipment Operation, Scientific Research Task Collaboration	300 Minutes of Practical Record
Scientific Research Methods	-	6 Types of Survey Techniques, 12 Sampling Specifications	10 Scientific Research Diving Verifications
Risk Assessment	Basic Diving Safety	Site-specific assessment matrix	Scenario simulation test

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Key technical requirements

1. Training system architecture

The standard adopts a dual-track certification path: uncertified personnel are required to complete the entire ISO 24801-2 course (including rescue training), while certified personnel determine supplementary training content through capability gap analysis. Special training for scientific diving includes:

• Operation specifications of underwater measurement systems (7.2.2)
• 12 types of environmental adaptability training (7.2.4)
• GNSS underwater positioning technology (7.2.5)

2. Special environment response

For special scenarios such as polar scientific research, the standard requires the mastery of ice diving equipment operation, blue water diving and other 9 types of environmental technologies, with special emphasis on:

"When visibility is less than 3 meters, tethered diving technology must be used" (7.2.4)

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Implementation suggestions

Institutional training program design

1. Establish a triple evaluation mechanism: admission qualification review (5.4), mid-term skills verification (10.2), and final comprehensive assessment
2. Configure complex teachers: hold both ISO 24802-2 instructor qualifications and scientific research diving project experience (9.2.2)
3. Develop an environmental simulation system: cover high-risk scenarios such as polluted waters and strong currents

Key points of quality control

According to clause 9.6 of the standard, special attention should be paid to:

• Single-day diving time ≤ 180 minutes
• Emergency oxygen system needs to continuously supply oxygen ≥ 15L/min
• Minors’ training requires the signing of additional legal documents (5.2)

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Analysis of standard evolution

Compared with the early scientific research diving specifications, the 2024 version has the following major breakthroughs:

Version features	Technical differences	Management requirements
Traditional standards	Focus on basic diving skills	Institutional self-certification
ISO 8804-1:2024	New data collection specifications, scientific research ethics	International mutual recognition system

This standard and ISO 8804-3 (project leader standard) constitute a complete three-level certification system, which is expected to promote the global scientific research diving qualification mutual recognition process.