ISO 21416 discusses recreational diving services. ISO 21416 specifies requirements for service providers regarding responsible practices for the provision of their services.
ISO 21416 applies, but is not limited, to recreational-diving-related activities, for example:
ISO 21416 helps stakeholders to identify and compare service providers who follow environmental best practices.
Note: In ISO 21416 the term “aquatic” refers to all bodies of water
ISO 21416 on recreational diving services is useful for:
The diving community has a unique capability and therefore has the responsibility of observing and reporting on the condition of the aquatic environment. ISO 21416 elaborates on how the recreational diving community can make use of this capability while ensuring that full consideration is given to environmentally sustainable interaction with the aquatic environment. ISO 21416 provides guidance on how divers can positively affect the aquatic environment through activities such as underwater cleanups and aquatic surveys. In diver training and diving activities, divers must have an awareness of their environmental impact.
This should include actively minimising any negative aspects, both potential and actual. Such training should encourage awareness of positive actions. Further, ISO 21416 provides guidance to all stakeholders involved in recreational-diving-related activities on best practices to minimize the negative impact on the aquatic environment and to optimize positive outcomes.
BSI recommends this version of standard for organisations operating in or with the UK. The ISO edition is available here if required.