Scuba Diving Certification
Protecting reefs and marine life through guided diving, controlled buoyancy and no touching, feeding or collecting wildlife. Managing waste, supporting diver safety and respecting workers’ rights.
About the certification
Friend of the Sea assesses the way diving excursions are delivered, including participant preparation, guide supervision and conduct around reefs and animals.
The programme is intended for operators offering diving activities. Guests can use it to understand the practices expected on the assessed service, while operators can demonstrate how those practices are implemented.
What can be certified
Defined diving services, together with the vessels, sites and operating arrangements included in the assessment.
What the standard covers
Operators check diving qualifications or arrange appropriate training or a water test. Equipment, briefings, trained guides and suitable sea conditions are required.
Groups have no more than eight divers plus a professional guide. Divers remain within ten metres of the guide. Crew monitor the surface until all divers return.
Divers control buoyancy and equipment to avoid bottom contact or stirring sediment. Keep at least one metre from coral reefs; do not stand on them or collect souvenirs.
Do not touch, feed, chase or reposition animals. Keep at least three metres from large marine animals and two metres from turtles. Flash use is restricted. Organised diving with dolphins or whales is prohibited.
Activities and vessels need authorisation. The assessment covers collision and anchor-damage prevention, waste containment and disposal, and workers’ rights.
Assessment and certification
The assessment checks evidence for the service or facility being proposed. Agree the scope and audit arrangements before work begins, including the locations, activities and records to be reviewed.
Certification fees
Request a quotation for the proposed scope. Confirm assessment charges and any logo-use royalties before proceeding; submitting an enquiry does not commit you to certification.
Check certification status
Check the listed facility or service and its scope before making a booking or using a certification claim. If the listing is unclear, contact the team for confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
No. It assesses the diving service. Divers must still meet the operator’s qualification, training and participation conditions.
Feeding marine animals, including sharks, is prohibited under this programme.
Claims should identify the diving services included in the approved scope. Other activities need their own applicable assessment.
No. Confirm certification approval, the permitted scope of the claim and the applicable logo-use agreement before adding the logo to your website or promotional materials.
Request a quotation based on the facilities or services to be assessed. Ask for assessment charges and logo-use royalties to be identified so you can review the full cost.
Use the application link below and describe the activities and locations you want assessed. The team will confirm the appropriate route and next steps.
Apply for certification
Provide your contact details, operating locations and a description of the service. For boat-based excursions, include vessel details and the activities offered.
Complete the application form and email it to quality@friendofthesea.org.
