Who is the International Standards Organization (ISO) and What Do They Do?
The International Standards Organization (ISO) is a global body composed of national standards organizations from 165 countries. Founded in 1947, ISO develops and publishes international standards to ensure the quality, safety, efficiency, and interoperability of products, services, and systems across various industries. These standards are based on the consensus of international experts and provide a framework for best practices and operational excellence.
Who would apply for ISO certification?
Dive training organizations mostly apply for ISO certification and after a rigorous audit will receive certification if they meet all requirements for the relevant standards they have applied for. There are 10 standards that a training organization may apply for and if they meet them all it is a good indicator of the quality of operational standards of the organization. ISO standards are valid for 5 years and require re-audit if the training agency wants to keep their ISO certifications.
Dive Centers / Dive professionals will select their preferred service providers like dive training organizations based on many factors like ISO certifications. There are not many dive centers or service providers who apply for the ISO24803 – Dive Center certification, and if they have together their service providers is indicative of high standards.
Why is Having ISO Recognition Important for Businesses?
ISO recognition is a mark of quality and credibility. For businesses, having ISO certification signals to customers, partners, and regulators that the company adheres to globally recognized standards. This can enhance reputation, increase customer trust, open new market opportunities, and improve internal processes.
In the competitive world of scuba diving, ISO certification can differentiate a dive center or training organization from its competitors by demonstrating a commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
Who Recognizes ISO Certifications?
ISO certifications are recognized worldwide. They are often required or recommended by government bodies, industry regulators, and international trade organizations. In the scuba diving industry, this includes national diving federations, tourism authorities, insurance companies, and diving enthusiasts who seek assurance of quality and safety.
Do ISO Requirements Standardize Scuba Dive Training?
Yes, ISO requirements play a significant role in standardizing scuba dive training.
Dive professionals who have selected an ISO training organization service provider are subject to the organizational standards which intern reflects the ISO Standards.
ISO has developed standards specifically for recreational diving services, like ISO 24801-2 for “Autonomous Diver” – Requirements for the training of recreational “Open Water” divers.” These standards are reflected in the training agency standards and outline the necessary competencies, safety protocols, and instructional methodologies for “Open Water” diver training. By adhering to these standards, dive professionals and training organizations can ensure a consistent level of training quality and safety.
If You Have ISO Certification, Do You Have to Follow Their Standards or Might Insurance Waive Liability?
Active dive instructor is signatory to the Terms and Conditions of ISO dive training organization certified as ISO compliant, it is expected they follow the standards set by ISO certified dive training organization. Compliance with these standards is often a condition of the instructor membership. No ISO certified dive training organization can ensure the instructor is training according to standards.
There is no agency relationship between dive professionals (Instructors) and the ISO training organization, who are only service providers to the dive professionals.
Dive professionals advertising their preferred training organization service provider does not transfer any responsibility to the training organization.
It is the responsibility of dive professionals to act within good faith and train people as would be expected of a certified ISO dive Instructor.
ISO do require a Quality Assessment (QA) to be monitored by the training organization, however most are after the training is completed. There are few training agencies that have proactive quality assessments during training.
While having ISO certification can enhance an organization’s credibility and reduce liability risks, it does not automatically waive liability in case of incidents.
Insurance companies may offer more favorable terms to ISO-certified organizations due to their adherence to recognized safety and quality standards, but they still require compliance by all parties with all relevant regulations and safety practices.
Is a Certification Issued by One Organization with ISO the Same Level as Another Organization with ISO Certifications?
In theory, a certification issued by one ISO-certified organization should be at the same level as another, as both are based on the same international standards. However, the implementation and interpretation of these standards can vary between organizations. Therefore, while the baseline quality and safety should be consistent, the actual training experience might differ slightly due to factors such as instructor quality, training facilities, and additional organizational policies.
Is Training Any Different Between ISO Certified Organizations When Training ISO Standard Courses?
While ISO standards ensure a baseline level of quality and safety, the training experience can still differ between organizations. Factors such as the instructor’s experience, the organization’s teaching methodologies, and the available resources like training materials can influence the training. However, all ISO-certified organizations must meet the minimum requirements set by the standards, ensuring a certain level of consistency in the training provided. Certifications issued by an ISO certified organization has the same limitations and recognition of standards reached as any other ISO certification, like the “Open Water” diver (OWD) certification. Worldwide dive professionals know the OWD certification level, irrespective of the issuing organization.
Why Should I Be More Concerned About Ensuring the Organization Has ISO Certification Rather Than the Organization Branding?
Ensuring that a scuba diving organization has ISO certification is more critical than focusing solely on branding because ISO certification is an objective measure of quality and safety. Branding can be influenced by marketing and may not always reflect the actual standards of the organization. ISO certification, on the other hand, is based on rigorous assessments and audits by independent bodies. It provides assurance that the organization follows internationally recognized best practices and safety protocols. For divers, this means a more reliable and learning experience. The next important aspect to be concerned with is the Dive professional experience, service and safety standards.
In conclusion, ISO certification is a powerful indicator of quality, safety, and reliability in the scuba diving industry. It standardizes training practices, enhances organizational credibility, and provides divers with peace of mind. When choosing a scuba diving training provider, prioritizing ISO certification, and dive professional experience over branding can ensure a higher standard of training and a worldwide recognized certification.
