European Scientific Diving Panel
Scientific Diving in Europe
Understanding the legal framework, standards and practical requirements for scientific diving across Europe.
What is Scientific Diving?
Scientific diving is diving carried out as part of scientific research, monitoring, education or related activities. It combines the requirements of scientific work with specific training, competence, safety and organisational requirements.
The European Framework
The legal Framework for Scientific Diving
Scientific diving is subject to different legal and organisational frameworks across Europe. National legislation, occupational safety requirements and professional standards determine how scientific diving is organised and carried out.
European Framework
European standards, recommendations and common approaches for scientific diving.
National Legislation
National laws, regulations and occupational safety requirements applicable to scientific diving.
Qualifications and Recognition
Training, certification and the recognition of scientific diving qualifications across Europe.
GUIDANCE & PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Guidance for Scientific Diving
Practical guidance for scientific divers, research institutions and organisations planning or conducting scientific diving activities in Europe.
01 · Planning
Planning & Preparation
Requirements to consider when planning scientific diving activities, including responsibilities, qualifications and national requirements.
02 · Training
Training & Competence
Information on training, qualifications and competence requirements for scientific diving activities.
03 · safety
Safety & Organisation
Guidance on responsibilities, organisation and safe working practices for scientific diving operations.
04 · cross-border
Working across Borders
Information on national requirements and the recognition of scientific diving qualifications when working in another European country.
Countries & National Requirements
Scientific Diving across Europe
Scientific diving requirements vary between European countries. Explore the country profiles to find information on national regulations, competent authorities, scientific diving qualifications and the recognition of ESD/AESD or equivalent qualifications.
European Scientific Diving Qualifications
ESD & AESD Standards
The European Scientific Diver (ESD) and Advanced European Scientific Diver (AESD) standards provide a common framework for scientific diving qualifications and support mobility and recognition across Europe.
ESD
European Scientific Diver
A European standard describing the minimum training and competence requirements for scientific divers.
AESD
Advanced European Scientific Diver
An advanced European standard for scientific divers with additional experience, competence and responsibility.
Documents & Resources
Standards, Guidance & Downloads
Access ESDP standards, guidance documents and other resources related to scientific diving in Europe.
Standards
European standards and qualification frameworks for scientific diving.
Guidance Documents
Practical guidance and recommendations for scientific diving activities.
Downloads
Documents, reference material and other ESDP resources.
EXPLORE SCIENTIFIC DIVING IN EUROPE
Find the information you need
Explore national requirements, European scientific diving standards and practical guidance for scientific diving activities across Europe.