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Scuba Diving Service Providers
Diving Centers, Diving Resorts, Diving Clubs
Diving Center Mark . Given the abundance of different services an the market, it is no easy task for recreational scuba divers to choose the right service provider.
Statements that are trustworthy because endorsed by certification can thus assist potential clients in making their choice. A certificate for the service offered increases confidence in its provider and enhances its market viability.
DIN CERTCO, the certification subsidiary of DIN German Institute for Standardization, now provides certification and classification of scuba diving service providers and awards the corresponding certification mark: DIN CERTIFIED SERVICE PROVIDER - DIVING CENTER, that can be issued with up to five stars, depending an the range of services offered.
This certification gives recreational scuba divers, tour operators and holiday companies a reliable yardstick for judging the quality and range of the services provided.
Basis of certification
The certification scheme was drawn up on the basis of the European Standard
- EN 14467 "Recrational diving services - Requirements for recrational scuba diving service providers"
and of the referenced European training Standards for recrational scuba divers
- EN 14153-1 "Recreational diving services - Safety related minimum requirements for the training of recreational scuba divers - Part 1: Level 1 - Supervised diver"
- EN 14153-2 "Recreational diving services - Safety related minimum requirements for the training of recreational scuba divers- Part 2: Level 2 - Autonomous diver"
- EN 14153-3 "Recreational diving services - Safety related minimum requirements for the training of recreational scuba divers - Part 3: Level 3 - Dive leader"
as well as for scuba instructors
- EN 14413-1 "Recreational Diving Services - Safety related minimum requirements for the training of scuba instructors - Part 1: Level 1"
- EN 14413-2 "Recreational Diving Services - Safety related minimum requirements for the training of scuba instructors - Part 2: Level 2"
The certification process involves an evaluation of the quality and range of the services according to a five star classification system specified in the certification scheme.
Procedure
Inspection comprises two parts and is carried out by an inspector recognized by DIN CERTCO:
Document review
On submission of the application for certification, the applicant must provide specified information and documents (e. g. description of services offered, proof of required qualification of personnel). These are used to check whether they meet the requirements for the classification applied for and justify an on-site assessment.
On-site assessment
- Audit meeting with the responsible manager and any qualified personnel
- Evaluation of facilities, equipment, dive sites etc.
- Verification of the information given by the service provider
- Inspection of documents and records
DIN CERTCO assesses on the basis of the report submitted by the inspector whether the applicant has met all specified requirements. When the result of this assessment is positive, a certificate is awarded and the licence to use the quality mark is granted.
Certified scuba diving service providers are monitored by DIN CERTCO during the period of validity of the certificate, i.e. a routine check is made whether the certificate holder continues to meet specified requirements. In order to maintain the validity of the certificate, the certificate holder is further required to notify any changes that reduce or extend the range of certified services or relate to the qualification requirements of personnel. At defined intervals, documentation of any changes with respect to membership in associations, equipment, personal qualifications etc., is to be submitted. This information may make it necessary for the on-site assessment to be repeated.
