Common practices for recognition of European competency level for scientific diving at work, European Scientific Diver (ESD) and Advanced European Scientific Diver (AESD)

Diving at work in support of science is regulated at national levels in many different ways across Europe. In accordance with EU directive 2005/36/EC, there is a requirement for an established methodology to facilitate the recognition of original professional qualifications by other member states. The EU also encourages harmonization of work health and safety laws in its member states through Directive 89/391/EEC as well as the free movement of workers (TFEU 2007: Article 45 (Ex. Art. 39 TEC). This consultation document outlines a framework whereby competence levels achieved by an individual diver while at work or under training in their own country can be recognized by another EU Member State.

Tools: The European Scientific Diver (ESD) and Advanced European Scientific Diver (AESD) qualifications recognize the current level of competency of an individual diving at work in their own country. These certified levels of competency then permit organizations in other Member States to recognize that level within their own national regulations. The ESD and AESD qualifications are, therefore, approved by national scientific diving committees that themselves are recognized by national regulating bodies.
The European Scientific Diving Panel (ESDP) monitors the implementation of the ESD and AESD scheme and collates activity; approval and adoption of the scheme can only be achieved through the national scientific diving committees.