NASE Worldwide Standards Summary

Mission Statement NASE will introduce the world to diving by providing superior, innovative training materials and methods. We will provide our members with a profitable business model that focuses on 3 key factors: safety, integrity and education while building confidence that ensures the enjoyment of diving for all participants.

Goals As a world presence in the recreational scuba community, NASE Worldwide will: n Be the educational company providing quality, convenience and value worldwide. n Focus on safety, building confidence and ensuring the enjoyment of diving for all participants by using defined proficiency standards n Provide members the cutting edge resources needed to profit through training divers and promote best business practices by our membership n Enforce a code of conduct for its members to ensure the highest possible adherence to these standards and procedures.

General Training Standards

The standards given in this section of the Standards and Procedures apply to all NASE Worldwide courses of instruction unless otherwise specified. NASE Worldwide members in active training status must follow these standards during all training activities sanctioned by NASE Worldwide when either training or supervising student divers of any level. Additional standards and procedures may apply to individual courses. Refer to the specific standards for each training course for further information. Policies applying to all Training n Teaching status NASE Worldwide Instructor must be present and in control of all activities during any NASE certification course. n All performance objectives in a NASE course are to be personally witnessed by a NASE Instructor (although a certified NASE Assistant Instructor may be the one actually conducting the skill, under direct instructor supervision.) n Under no circumstances are student divers to be left unattended at anytime during in-water training. This includes any confined water sessions or open water dives. Students are to be with dive buddy and under direct to in-direct instructor supervision during in-water training. n Minimum age is to be reached by the beginning of the in-water phase of training. n Students who have not reached their sixteenth birthday by the time of certification may be issued an NASE Worldwide Junior Diver rating for that particular certification. Junior divers possess the same qualifications as adult divers unless modified by individual course standards; however, until their sixteenth birthday, they must be accompanied at all times by a certified buddy who is at least 18 years of age. n Exams for Junior level certifications require student and parent or guardian signatures. n The parent or guardian of a Junior level certification agrees to restrictions placed on that level of training (see individual course standards). n Student registration must be processed without unnecessary delay once the certifying instructor has ensured each student has met the minimum requirements for certification. n NASE Worldwide materials are to be used for all courses in which they are available. n Upon completion of each dive required for certification, the instructor is to review and sign student logbook. Definitions for Key Terms Certified Assistant A certified assistant is an individual who has successfully completed and is in teaching status as a NASE Worldwide or Assistant Instructor and non-teaching status Instructor — providing they all have professional liability insurance, where required. Certified assistants may be used by the Instructor to increase student to instructor ratios for confined water or open water training sessions according to the individual standards for the specific course (see specific course training standards). Direct Supervision Direct Supervision requires that the Instructor accompany students and be in a position that allows for immediate intervention on the students behalf. If direct supervision of enrolled students is required, the certifying instructor is to personally observe and evaluate each student’s performance of all skills required for certification. The maximum allowable student/instructor ratio for any dive requiring direct instructor supervision is eight to one, regardless of whether or not certified assistants are used. Indirect Supervision Indirect Supervision requires the certifying instructor to prepared to lend assistance and enter the water if necessary. The Instructor is not required to personally observe and direct all in-water student-training activities. The maximum allowable student/instructor ratio for any dive requiring indirect instructor supervision is eight to one, with an additional four students per certified assistant, up to a maximum of twelve. For confined water or open water activities the certifying instructor must be present at the dive site, oversee and approve the activities, preparations, equipment assembly and inspection, entries, and exits. The instructor must be at the dive site, prepared to enter the water, while students are in the water. For academic classroom activities, the certifying instructor must be in the area and ready to take control of the classroom when necessary. Confined Water Confined water is any body of water that provides similar conditions as a swimming pool to introduce diving skills. Should include: good visibility, calm (free of surf and current), adequate water depth to perform required skills. Open Water Dive Site An Open Water dive site is defined as any body of water with a minimum depth of 5 m/15 ft and approximates entry level diving conditions of the local area. Pools of any depth cannot be considered as an Open Water Dive. With the exception of Cave, Cavern, Ice and Wreck Diver courses, no open-water training dives are to be conducted in, or within diver access, to caves, caverns, under ice, inside wrecks or in any situation where direct access to the surface is not possible at all times. The dive site must be chosen with safety in mind. Moderate to high surf conditions, or currents present wherein the instructor cannot maintain direct contact with all students are not allowed. Visibility conditions must be present that allows the instructor to see and maintain physical contact with all students in the water. Bottom Time This is defined as the time a diver spends underwater while using scuba. Time begins as diver submerges and continues until diver surfaces. Skill Competency A combination of related knowledge, skills and attitudes that leads to successful participation in and is measured against well-accepted standards and is improved through training and experience. NASE Worldwide defines competency as the ability to meet the stated performance objective: Whenever asked, repeatedly, without undue stress and without significant error. *Model for Competency based training is in the Instructor Candidate Workbook. Disabilities As disability is defined as any physical or mental impairment that obstructs or interferes with a student’s ability to learn or perform the skills required during the course of training. Disabilities may range from complete inability to engage in in-water activities to minor challenges that can be overcome by the student and instructor with adaptive techniques. Prospective students with disabilities must obtain approval from a licensed physician before engaging in any aspect of NASE Worldwide sanctioned courses. However, the certifying instructor has the authority to decide who will enter the course. Individuals with disabilities must satisfactorily complete all aspects of the required training before becoming certified. Open Water Dives Open water training dives for recreational-level NASE Worldwide diver courses must meet the following requirements; n To count as an open-water training dive, a dive must be one in which students accrue at least 15 minutes of Actual Bottom Time (ABT) or consume the equivalent of at least 1,400 liters/50 ft3 of gas. n The minimum depth for an open-water training dive is 5.0 m/15 ft. n The maximum depth for an open-water training dive is 40 m/130 ft. n All dives must be planned to keep students well within the no- limits. n The minimum time between dives is ten minutes. n With the exception of Cavern Wreck and Ice Diver courses, students must always have direct access to surface. n With the exception of Advanced Open Water and Night Diver course night dives, dives are to begin at least 30 minutes after sunrise and end 30 minutes before sunset. n All training dives conducted above 300 m/1,000 ft must follow procedures.

Required Equipment Each student, instructor, and certified assistant engaged in the open water portion of any NASE Worldwide sanctioned course of underwater instruction must be equipped with the following personal equipment: n An exposure suit for thermal and environmental protection that is adequate for the needs of each individual at the specific dive site. n A scuba unit consisting of a minimum of the following: Scuba cylinder for compressed gases with sufficient volume for planned dive. First and second stage regulator complete with alternate second stage (octopus) BC with a low- inflator Submersible pressure gauge or n Mask and fins n system and as required. n Dive watch, dive computer, or other timing device. n Personal Note: Students enrolled in the course who are receiving training in the Integrated Dive Computer program must each have access to their own dive computer. Each instructor and certified assistant must also have the following equipment for all open water dives: n. Compass. n Knife or other cutting device (unless prohibited by law). n Signaling device (audible and/or visual device as appropriate for the dive location). Dive flags must be present at all dive sites where they are required by law. It is a good practice to use a dive float with flag at all underwater training areas for surface support during open water activities.

Course Standards Open Water Diver Course

The Open Water Diver course is NASE Worldwide’s entry-level certification program. It is designed to help prepare divers to: n Independently plan and conduct no-stop (no-decompression) dives, with a qualified buddy or buddies, to depths of 20 m/65 ft (12 m/40 ft for divers 10 and 11), in conditions similar to those in which the divers were trained or have gained prior experience. n Make guided dives, under direct Instructor, Assistant Instructor or Divemaster supervision, to depths of 30 m/100 ft (12 m/40 ft for divers 10 and 11; 20 m/65 ft for divers ages 12 to 15). n Continue their education through NASE continuing education courses.

General Prerequisites To enroll in the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver course, students must: n Meet all of the prerequisites outlined in the NASE Worldwide General Course Standards and Procedures. n Be at least ten years old by the start of the course. There are no prerequisite diver certifications for this level. Special Requirements for Junior Open Water Diver Students Students who have not reached their sixteenth birthday by the time of certification may be issued an NASE Worldwide Junior Open Water . Junior divers possess the same qualifications as adult divers; however, until their sixteenth birthday, they must be accompanied at all times by a certified buddy who is at least 18 years of age. Junior divers ages ten and eleven are subject to the following additional requirements. n Instructors are to evaluate student maturity levels and ability to safely manage the necessary equipment prior to enrollment. Exposure suits, BCs and scuba units must fit younger students comfortably. n During all phases of confined and open-water training, ten- and eleven-year-old Junior Open Water Diver students are to have at least one parent or legal guardian present. (The parent/guardian does not have to be a student or certified diver, nor do they need to be in the water with the student.) n Following certification, ten- and eleven-year-old Junior Open Water Divers must be accompanied at all times by a certified buddy who is either a parent or legal guardian, or a certified Divemaster, Assistant Instructor or Instructor. n The depth limit for 10- and 11-year-olds is 12 m/40 ft. Participation by any student, of any age, is subject to the instructor’s discretion. Watermanship and Comfort Level Assessment Prior to certification as an NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver, students are to demonstrate the following: n Swim a distance of 180 m/200 yards using any combination of strokes. There is no time limit; however, use of snorkels, fins, flotation devices or standing in shallow water to rest is not allowed. n Tread, float or drown proof in water to deep to stand for at least ten uninterrupted minutes. If water requires the use of exposure suits, students are to be weighted for neutral .

Student/Instructor Ratios and Supervision All Open Water Diver course students are to be under the direct supervision of an NASE Worldwide Instructor or certified assistant at all times (refer to General Course Standards and Procedures for more information on direct and indirect supervision). n Students are to be under direct instructor supervision during all phases of Open Water Dive One. n Certified assistants who have current professional liability insurance where required may independently supervise and guide students during the non-skill-assessment portion of subsequent dives, as long as the students have demonstrated competency in mask clearing, regulator recovery and clearing, alternate air source use and the ability to maintain depth through buoyancy control. A ratio of no more than two students per certified assistant while under the indirect supervision of a NASE instructor with active Teaching status. n Certified assistants may also independently escort student divers to and from entry and exit points on the surface, and temporarily attend to remaining students while an instructor conducts skills with other divers. n Current NASE Worldwide Assistant Instructors may conduct skill assessments during confined- and open-water training, provided both they and the students are under the direct supervision of an NASE Worldwide Instructor. n There is no maximum student/instructor ratio for academic knowledge development and assessment. Nevertheless, smaller ratios generally result in greater learning. n The maximum allowable student/instructor ratio during confined water training is ten students per instructor (twelve students if one or more certified assistants are used). n The maximum allowable student/instructor ratio during open water training is eight students per instructor — regardless of whether or not certified assistants are used. n The maximum allowable student/instructor ratio during any in-water training in which one or more ten- or eleven-year-old students are taking part is four students per instructor — regardless of whether or not certified assistants are used. Please Note: These are the maximum allowable ratios under ideal conditions. Real-world conditions, however, generally dictate the use of more conservative ratios to ensure maximum student safety and enjoyment.

Required Materials Instructor Materials To teach the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver course, instructors are to have and use a minimum of the NASE Worldwide: n Instructor Manual n Open Water Diver Course DVD* n Open Water Diver Course Power Point* n Open Water Diver Course Final Exam Booklet(s)* n Open Water Diver Course Skill Slates *Not required if students will be taking advantage of the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver online training course. Student Materials To take the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver course, each student is to own and use a minimum of the NASE Worldwide: n Open Water Diver Manual or Open Water Diver Online Course n Recreational Dive Tables (RDT)* n Dive Log n Student Record Folder *Not required if students will be taught using a personal dive computer throughout the course.

Required Equipment All instructor and student equipment listed in the General Standards and Procedures is to be used during the Open Water Diver course. Additionally: n If students are taught using dive computers in lieu of dive tables, each student is to be equipped with a personal dive computer during open-water training dives (i.e., buddy teams are not to share a single dive computer). n If computers are not used, each students is to be equipped with a depth gauge and dive watch or timer during open-water training dives.

Academic Development and Assessment To be certified as NASE Worldwide Open Water Divers, students must meet the academic performance objectives outlined in the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver manual or online training course. This must take place before the first open-water training dive. Mastery of these objectives can be demonstrated by: n Successfully completing the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver online training program, followed by successful completion of the Open Water Diver Rapid Exam. n Successfully completing the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver Final Exam (for students not taking part in online training). Note that there are no “passing” scores for these exams (although students who fail to score at least 80 percent are to review the material they missed and re-take the alternate versions of the exams). To “pass” either exam, students are to score at least 80 percent and review the questions they missed with their instructor until the instructor is satisfied the students fully understand the correct answers to the missed questions. Knowledge Development Using Traditional Learning Materials Students who elect not to take part in the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver online training program are to develop their knowledge as follows: n Watch the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver course DVD. n Read the corresponding sections in the Open Water Diver manual. n Complete the Pop Quiz (homework assignment) at the end of each section. n Review each homework assignment with the instructor, who will ensure students fully understand the required material. n Demonstrate mastery of the required material by successfully completing the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver course Final Exam. Instructors may use any of a variety of materials to help students meet these goals, including the NASE Worldwide Open Water Diver Power Point presentation.

In-Water Skill Development Prior to applying the required course skills in open water, students must first develop these skills in confined water. (See General Course Standards and Procedures for definitions and requirements for confined water training.) With the exception of compass and natural navigation, and certain site-specific entry and exit skills that can only be introduced in open water, no student is to be asked to perform a skill in open water unless he or she has had the opportunity to master it first in confined water. (See the section on Open Water Training below for a list of in-water skill performance objectives.) There are no minimum time requirements or number of sessions for confined water training, as each individual student’s needs and abilities will be different. Nevertheless, before progressing to open water, each student must be able to demonstrate competency in of all required skill performance objectives. It is up to the instructor to assess each individual student’s readiness for open-water training. As previously discussed in the General Course Standards and Procedures, competency is defined as the ability to meet the stated performance objective: n Whenever asked. n Repeatedly. n Without undue stress. n Without significant error. NASE Worldwide does not have a rigid sequence in which skills must be introduced and mastered in confined water (although the Open Water Diver Course Instructor Guide and Skills Slates suggest ways in which this may be accomplished). Confined water training requires: n Skill development is to progress by moving from simple to complex skills. n Components of more complex skills are to be mastered individually before being combined with others. n Ample time must be allowed for practice and repetition of skills, especially for those students who need additional time to gain comfort performing certain skills. n It is better to repeat essential skills multiple times, than it is to introduce unrealistic and unnecessary skills, if doing so consumes time that could otherwise be used achieving mastery of required skill performance objectives. Please refer to the Open Water Diver Course Instructor Guide for a complete listing of recommended confined water skills and suggested sequences to teach them. Instructors are free to include skills in confined water that directly relate to required skills. Under no circumstance, however, is the instructor to include skills designed solely to wash students out, or which require students to “bail out” of scuba systems or exchange equipment underwater. Additionally, practice of weight system and scuba unit removal and replacement under water, and Independent Emergency Ascents (swimming and buoyant) are to be limited solely to confined water and not repeated in open water. The following general standards apply to confined water skill development: n NASE Worldwide recommends that students complete all confined water sessions before participating in open water training. At the instructor’s discretion, however, — and only if necessary to complete training within unavoidable time restraints — instructors may conduct some open-water training dives before all confined water training has been completed. If, however, this happens, skills are to be limited to just those students have mastered in confined water. Students must also successfully complete the Final Exam or the Open Water Diver Rapid Exam if they took the NASE online course before any open-water training takes place. n Students must be given ample confined water time for learning and repetition of skills. Some individuals may require that additional confined water sessions be scheduled to provide for repetitive learning and reinforcement. n At the instructor’s discretion, open water training may also include practice of and/or breath-hold diving skills. See the Open Water Diver Course Instructor Guide for specific recommendations.

Open Water Training Open water training is where students learn to apply the skills they mastered in confined water in a realistic, open-water setting. Some skills, such as compass and natural navigation, as well as certain site-specific entry and exit techniques, can only be introduced and practiced in open water. Bottom Time and Number of Dives NASE Worldwide does not have a set number of open water dives that must be completed prior to certification. During the Open Water Diver course, students are to: n Accrue a minimum of at least 100 minutes of Actual Bottom Time (ABT). n Assemble and disassemble their scuba units a minimum of three times. n Enter and exit the water completely a total of at least three times. n Log a minimum of three distinct open water dives. Although these requirements could, theoretically, allow students to be certified in as little three dives conducted on a single day, a more realistic expectation is that students will make a minimum of four dives conducted over two days (more may be required depending on student comfort and ability, and environmental conditions). Any time students make more than two open-water training dives on a single day, instructors must consider: n Students’ motivation, readiness, and physical and mental stamina. n Whether environmental conditions are suitable for more than two training dives in a single day. n Residual nitrogen levels and surface interval time. If instructors elect to make more than two training dives on a single day: n The minimum surface interval between dives is to be no less than 45 minutes between Dives One and Two, and 60 minutes between all subsequent dives. n The maximum depth for all dives made during the day is to be no more than 15 m/50 ft n No mandatory/required decompression stops are permitted at any time. All dives are to be completed within the no-decompressions limits. Minimum and Maximum Depths n The minimum depth for skill assessments during open-water training dives is 5.0 m/15 ft. n The maximum depth for the first 50 minutes of open water training is 15 m/50 ft. n The maximum depth for all subsequent bottom time is 20 m/65 ft. Skill Performance Objectives To be certified as NASE Worldwide Open Water Divers, students must be able to demonstrate the following abilities in confined water only: n Remove and replace a scuba unit under water in water too deep to stand up in. n Remove and replace a weight system under water in water too deep to stand up in. n Simulate an independent emergency (out-of-air) ascent. Students are to demonstrate the following abilities in both confined and open water: n Assemble and test a personal scuba unit as well as any other equipment required for the dives. n Perform a pre-dive systems and safety check, using buddy assistance, as needed. n Enter and exit the water using techniques appropriate for the dive site or dive vessel. n Remove and replace a scuba unit at the surface. n Remove and replace a weight system at the surface. n Simulate a cramp release at the surface. n Tow another diver a distance of at least 20 m/65 ft at the surface. n Descend both with and without visual references, while equalizing and maintaining control over rate of descent (i.e., “arrive at the bottom neutral”). n Demonstrate buoyancy control throughout the dive through proper weighting, BC use and breath control. Note: Mastery of buoyancy control is defined as the ability to: n Swim effortlessly in a near-horizontal position while maintaining control over depth and direction. n Make repeated changes in depth without losing control over buoyancy. n Initiate a hover by simply stopping. Note - Students who can only maintain depth by aiming fins thrust upward or downward are not demonstrating mastery of this important skill and are not ready for certification. Additionally, students must be able to: n Simulate power inflator failure by orally inflating a BC both at the surface and under water. n Remove, replace and completely clear a mask of water. n Remove, clear and resume breathing from a regulator second stage that has fallen behind the shoulder. n Share gas with another diver, using an alternate air source, while both stationary and ascending. Ascents are to be made no faster than 10 m/30 ft per minute, and include a safety stop. Each diver is to do this as both donor and receiver. n Monitor supply and communicate this status with the instructor, or buddy(s) as needed. n Communicate with the instructor, dive leader or buddy(s) using common hand signals. n Maintain buddy team cohesion by keeping team members in sight (and close enough to respond quickly in an emergency) at all times. n Ascend at a rate of no more than 10 m/30 ft per minute, while making at least a three-minute safety stop between 3 and 6 m/10 and 20 ft. n Disassemble and clean a scuba unit and other equipment, and prepare it for transport (or another dive). Students must also be able to demonstrate the following abilities in open water: n Identify potential risks and , as well as environmental and other features unique to the open-water training site. n Identify how to summon emergency medical assistance as well as how to initiate any emergency action plan that may be in place at the dive site or on the dive vessel. n Plan a series of no-stop (no-decompression) dives using dive tables or computers, accounting for residual nitrogen time as needed. Finally, students are to log each dive made during open-water training in the NASE Logbook. Students should be able to record (with minimal instructor assistance): n Dive date and location. n Maximum depth. n Actual Bottom Time (ABT). n Starting and ending gas pressure. n Ending letter group (if using dive tables). If it can be done so accurately (i.e., if students’ dive computers record average dive depth, or a substantial portion of the dive was at a relatively constant depth), students should also calculate and record Surface Air Consumption (SAC) rate data. Although doing so is not essential to safety, it can help show students how their gas consumption improves as they gain more experience — and it can even be used to determine how much gas will likely be needed for upcoming dives.

PLEASE NOTE: This same is for summary of NASE training, for complete standards and procedures please contact NASE Worldwide.