Diver qualifications and medical certificates

Who may dive, and on what paperwork: approved qualifications, certificates of medical fitness and industry certification.

How to read this page: four kinds of statement

Law Law / regulation: Legislation: Acts, regulations and statutory instruments. It has the force of law in its jurisdiction.
ACOP / code Approved Code of Practice or code with legal status: A code the law itself gives special status (for example an HSE Approved Code of Practice). Following it is one way of complying; alternatives must be at least as good.
Guidance Regulator or industry guidance: Guidance, industry codes and standards. No legal force by itself, although clients, contracts or regulators may call it up.
Explanation Marine Deep explanation: Our own plain-English explanation. It is not a requirement and not legal advice.

Every law, code and guidance statement links to its primary source. Read the source before relying on it: our summary is not a substitute.

Great Britain

LawA diver may not dive in a diving project without an approved qualification valid for the work they may reasonably expect to do, subject to limited exceptions (e.g. training). DWR 1997, reg. 12(1)(a)
LawA diver may appeal to HSE within 28 days against a medical examiner's refusal, limitation, conditions or revocation of a certificate. DWR 1997, reg. 15(4)
GuidanceIn its Professional Qualifications Act 2022 statement, HSE says anyone practising as a professional diver must hold a qualification on its list of approved diving qualifications. HSE training and qualifications, Professional Qualifications Act 2022 statement

LawEach dive team member must have the experience or training needed for their assigned tasks, including tools and equipment, techniques of the assigned diving mode, and diving operations and emergency procedures. 29 CFR 1910 Subpart T, § 1910.410(a)(1)–(2)

LawPersonnel who lead or carry out bell diving or surface-oriented diving in the petroleum activities must hold a valid certificate. Aktivitetsforskriften (FOR-2010-04-29-613), § 21 annet ledd
LawThe Norwegian Ocean Industry Authority (Havindustritilsynet) designates suitable bodies to train diving personnel and to issue certificates on its behalf. A fee may be charged for issuing a certificate. Aktivitetsforskriften (FOR-2010-04-29-613), § 21 annet ledd
LawThe regulations deal with documented safety training for diver's certificate class A, diver's certificate class B and dive leaders. Forskrift om utførelse av arbeid (FOR-2011-12-06-1357), §§ 26-21 – 26-23
LawChapter 26 has separate requirements for divers from other EEA countries or Switzerland who set up in Norway or work there temporarily, and a further section on citizens of countries outside the EEA and Switzerland. Forskrift om utførelse av arbeid (FOR-2011-12-06-1357), §§ 26-24 – 26-26

LawEmployees involved in diving operations have to demonstrate each year that they are competent for the types of dives they are likely to do. COHSR Part XVIII, s. 18.5(2)
LawThe employer and diving supervisor have to ensure all divers meet the minimum requirements of CSA Standard Z275.4-97, the competency standard for diving operations. BC OHSR Part 24, s. 24.13(1)(a)

LawOnly persons registered in the relevant register (for civil work, the Register civiele duikarbeid) may act as dive team leader, diver or standby diver. Arbobesluit art. 6.13–6.18, art. 6.16 lid 3 and 6

GuidanceADAS states that French certifications are again accepted for crossovers and for entry to further training at ADAS schools. ADAS, home page, news item dated September 4, 2026

GuidanceIMCA certifies only a few safety-critical offshore diving roles: Diving Supervisor, Life Support Technician and Approved Diving Systems Inspector. IMCA diving certification, Introduction
GuidanceIMCA runs a Diving CPD programme so that certified supervisors, trainees and others in offshore diving can show they have kept their knowledge current with IMCA guidance. IMCA diving certification, Diving CPD
GuidanceIMCA publishes guidance on diving technician competence and training (IMCA D001) but does not approve or certify technician training or individuals. IMCA diving certification, Other diving roles — Diving Technicians
GuidanceFor diving under IMCA's international code of practice for offshore diving, IMCA recognises only the diver and supervisor training certificates listed in the current version of IMCA IN 1256. IMCA diving certification, Initial Diver Training
GuidanceIMCA notes that some companies call the life support technician a chamber operator or panel operator. IMCA LST, FAQ — What do you mean by a 'Life Support Technician'?