Title
Rules for accrediting sports scuba diving in PH
Law
Dot
Decision Date
Apr 10, 2003
A Philippine law enacted in 2003 establishes rules and regulations for the accreditation of sports scuba diving establishments, outlining safety requirements, personnel standards, and grounds for cancellation or non-renewal of accreditation, while also establishing fees and discounts for recompression chamber facilities.
sports scuba diving
accreditation rules
safety requirements

Governing law mandate and policy intent

  • The rules are issued pursuant to LOI No. 745, which creates the Philippine Commission on the Development and Promotion of Sports Scuba Diving.
  • PCSSD is mandated to ensure the safety of both domestic and foreign diving enthusiasts and to promote the Philippines as a premiere dive destination (Section 1, Chapter I).

Key definitions and terminology

  • PCSSD refers to the Philippine Commission on the Development and Promotion of Sports Scuba Diving (Section 1(a), Chapter I).
  • DOT refers to the Department of Tourism (Section 1(b), Chapter I).
  • LGU refers to the Local Government Unit (Section 1(c), Chapter I).
  • PCG refers to the Philippine Coast Guard (Section 1(d), Chapter I).
  • MARINA refers to the Maritime Industry Authority (Section 1(e), Chapter I).
  • Accreditation is a certification issued by PCSSD recognizing compliance with minimum standards for operation of a sports scuba diving establishment or as a diving professional (Section 1(f), Chapter I).
  • Scuba is a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (Section 1(g), Chapter I).
  • Sports scuba diving establishments are business establishments licensed by the LGU engaged in conducting sports scuba diving activities in the Philippines, whether or not for a fee (Section 1(h), Chapter I).
  • A Dive Boat is a motor-run or sail boat used for scuba diving purposes duly registered with PCG and MARINA (Section 1(j), Chapter I).
  • A Live Aboard Dive Boat is a dive boat with live-aboard facilities used for scuba diving purposes, duly registered with PCG and MARINA (Section 1(k), Chapter I).
  • A Dive Banca is a motor-run or sail operated banca with outriggers used for sports scuba diving and duly registered with PCG and MARINA (Section 1(m), Chapter I).
  • Fun Dive is a dive where there is no contractual relationship between the diver(s) and the diving establishment/professional (Section 1(y), Chapter I).
  • Training Dive is a closely supervised dive conducted by a sports scuba diving instructor in a contractual relationship for purposes of providing sports scuba diving skills (Section 1(w), Chapter I).
  • Supervised Dive is a dive involving a scuba diving establishment or sports scuba diving professional and a sports scuba diver or group of divers where a contractual relationship exists (Section 1(x), Chapter I).
  • Dive Leader is the leader of a dive buddy team or the diver in charge of a dive (Section 1(z), Chapter I).

Who may apply and what must be accredited

  • Individuals who are Filipino citizens, or foreign nationals with valid proof of permanent residency issued by the Bureau of Immigration and a valid work permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment, and with required permits/licenses from other concerned authorities may apply to teach, train, or conduct sports scuba diving activities, whether or not for a fee (Section 1(a), Chapter II).
  • Establishments organized under Philippine laws and duly registered with concerned government agencies/authorities engaged in sports scuba diving activities may apply, whether or not for a fee (Section 1(b), Chapter II).
  • Branch or extension offices of PCSSD-accredited scuba diving establishments must secure their own PCSSD accreditation prior to establishment and operation (Section 2(a), Chapter II).
  • Accreditation applies to the minimum standards for operation of a sports scuba diving establishment or for qualifying diving professionals (Section 1(f), Chapter I).
  • Accreditation fees are charged annually for specified categories and include individual categories and establishment categories (Section 4(a), Chapter II).

Application, fees, inspection, issuance, renewal

  • Accreditation fees are charged annually under the following schedule (Section 4(a), Chapter II):
    • Professional Dive Center/Shop/Facility: PHP 2,000.00
    • Branch/Extension Office: PHP 500.00
    • Professional Dive Instructor: PHP 1,000.00
    • Assistant Dive Instructor/Dive Master: PHP 750.00
    • Advanced Open Water Diver: PHP 750.00 (one-time charge for government personnel)
  • After submission of documentary requirements and payment of required fees, PCSSD or its duly designated representatives conduct a physical inspection of the applicant’s facility, equipment, and premises within a reasonable period to determine compliance with PCSSD minimum standards (Section 5(a), Chapter II).
  • If requirements are complied with satisfactorily, PCSSD issues accreditation certificates within:
    • 30 working days after inspection for establishments (Section 6(a), Chapter II); and
    • 5 working days after complying with all requirements and payment of fees for individuals (Section 6(a), Chapter II).
  • Accreditation certificates for entities and individuals are valid for one (1) year from the date of issuance (Section 7(a), Chapter II).
  • Accredited establishments must display, in a conspicuous place within premises, their PCSSD Accreditation Certificate and the permits/licenses issued by other government authorities (Section 8(a), Chapter II).
  • Accreditation cards are issued by PCSSD to professional dive instructors, assistant dive instructors, dive masters, and advanced open water divers, and holders must carry the cards at all time (Section 9(a), Chapter II).
  • Applications for renewal of accreditation must be filed on or before expiration and must be signed by the individual concerned or the establishment’s authorized representative (Section 10(a), Chapter II).

Accreditation requirements by applicant category

  • Dive Boat Operator applicants must submit (Section 3(a), Chapter II):
    • Philippine Coast Guard permit
    • MARINA Registration Certificate
    • Business license and permit issued by the LGU and other concerned government authorities
    • Certificate of ownership of vessel
    • Bureau of Domestic Trade, SEC registration, Articles of Incorporation and by-laws for vessels owned by a juridical entity, if applicable
    • List of employees with positions, citizenship, and home address
    • List of safety equipment
    • Compliance with PCSSD Scuba Diving Safety Standards
  • Dive Banca Operator applicants must submit (Section 3(b), Chapter II):
    • Philippine Coast Guard permit
    • MARINA Registration Certificate
    • Business license and permit issued by the LGU and other concerned government authorities
    • Certificate of ownership of vessel
    • Bureau of Domestic Trade registration, SEC registration, Articles of Incorporation and By-laws for vessels owned by a juridical entity, if applicable
    • List of employees with positions, citizenship, and home address
    • Compliance with PCSSD scuba diving safety standards
  • Professional Scuba Dive Center applicants must submit (Section 3(c), Chapter II):
    • Pertinent registration certificate (SEC Registration or Bureau of Domestic Trade Registration of Business Name)
    • List of employees with positions, citizenship, and home address, must have at least one dive master and one dive instructor
    • Compliance with PCSSD Scuba Diving Safety Standards
    • Appropriate business license and permit issued by the LGU and other concerned authorities
  • Scuba Dive Shop/Facility applicants must submit (Section 3(d), Chapter II):
    • Pertinent registration certificate (SEC Registration or Bureau of Domestic Trade Registration of Business Name)
    • List of employees with positions, citizenship, and home address, must have at least one dive master and one dive instructor
    • Compliance with Minimum Standards for Diving Operations and Standard Diving Procedure under Chapter III and Chapter VIII of these guidelines
    • Business license and permit issued by the LGU and other concerned authorities
  • Professional Dive Instructor / Assistant Dive Instructor / Dive Master applicants must submit (Section 3(e), Chapter II):
    • Copy of the individual’s Philippine or international certificate of expertise or credentials
    • Appropriate visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration and work permit issued by DOLE for foreign nationals
    • Compliance with PCSSD Scuba Diving Standards
  • Advanced Open Water Diver applicants must submit (Section 3(f), Chapter II):
    • Copy of proof of training issued by the concerned government agency or by a PCSSD recognized international certifying agency
    • Appropriate visa issued by the Bureau of Immigration and work permit issued by DOLE for foreign nationals
    • Compliance with PCSSD Scuba Diving Standards

Minimum diving operations and safety rules

  • Individuals who wish to dive with scuba in the Philippines must prove diver training certification by providing any of the following (Section 1(a), Chapter III):
    • Diver’s Certification Card (C-Card)
    • Diving Log Book
    • Certificate of Advanced Open Water Diver Training issued by a government agency or by a PCSSD recognized international certifying agency
    • Valid PCSSD Accreditation ID/Certificate
  • Individuals who wish to dive without any of the above proof must undergo and pass an evaluation dive conducted by an instructor and must demonstrate proficiency in (i)–(v) skills (Section 1(b), Chapter III):
    • Pre-dive scuba equipment assembly
    • Mask removal and clearing
    • Regulator recovery and clearing
    • Air sharing
    • Buoyancy control through “hovering”
  • All non-training dives conducted by an accredited dive establishment are supervised dives if under the direct control of the establishment’s Dive Master (Section 2(a), Chapter III).
  • Divers wishing to dive from an accredited dive establishment must log-in with the establishment’s Dive Master and must strictly observe the establishment’s rules and regulations (Section 2(b), Chapter III).
  • Accredited dive establishments must strictly observe safety diving rules and regulations in conducting their business (Section 2(c), Chapter III).
  • Accredited establishments must require orientation dives for dive tours on the first dive, conducted in a quiet, shallow and safe area to familiarize divers with the dive site, dive master, and emergency procedures (Section 3(a), Chapter III).
  • Training dives require logging by the accredited instructor with the establishment’s duty Dive Master prior to diving activities (Section 4(a), Chapter III).
  • Training dives must be conducted according to the standards and procedures prescribed by the instructor’s agency manual (Section 4(b), Chapter III).
  • Fun dives are undertaken at the sole risk and responsibility of the persons undertaking the activity (Section 5(a), Chapter III).
  • Dive boat/dive banca operators must be responsible for safe conduct of dives from their boat; if divers contract for the boat act dangerously, the operator may terminate the dive and return the group to shore (Section 6(a), Chapter III).
  • All dives must follow the mandatory diving procedure rules (Chapter VIII), including:
    • Buddy System is mandatory for all dives (Section 1(a), Chapter VIII)
    • Buoyancy control device must be used for all dives (Section 2(a), Chapter VIII)
    • Alternate air source, depth gauge, pressure gauge, and dive watch (or equivalent) are mandatory (Section 3(a), Chapter VIII)
    • The Dive Master must enter in the Master Log for every dive (i)–(v) data (Section 4(a), Chapter VIII):
      • Name of divers/buddies
      • Destination
      • Sign-out/sign-in
      • Weather, surface and underwater conditions
      • Actual dive profile
    • All diving activities must be under the direct supervision of the establishment’s Dive Master (Section 5(a), Chapter VIII)
    • Maximum sports scuba diving depth is limited to 130 feet or 40 meters; dives must be confined to depth and time required by U.S. Navy Air Decompression Tables or its equivalent (Section 6(a), Chapter VIII)
    • Dive flags and signs must be prominently displayed at the dive site whenever diving is being conducted, using a Dive Flag (red with white diagonal line and/or a blue and white flag “alpha flag”) and using a highly visible marker buoy for shore dives (Section 7(a), Chapter VIII)
    • Service banca personnel must be properly trained on dive boat handling procedures; minimum crew complement is two (2) persons (Section 8(a)–(b), Chapter VIII)
    • Motorized dive service boats must have the Dive Flag painted on two sides of the bow, running lights, oars, and 100 feet of anchor line (Section 8(c), Chapter VIII)
    • Accredited establishments must ensure strict compliance with these diving safety procedures (Section 9(a), Chapter VIII).

Minimum breathing-air compressor standards

  • A compressor running time logbook must be kept at all compressor stations (Section 1(a), Chapter IV).
  • Breathing air compressors must use proper air filtration systems specified in the manufacturer’s operating manual (Section 1(b), Chapter IV).
  • Compressor air filter elements must be replaced periodically as specified in the manufacturer’s operating manual (Section 1(c), Chapter IV).
  • Compressor lubricating oil must be changed periodically as specified in the manufacturer’s operating manual (Section 1(d), Chapter IV).
  • Air purity output must be checked annually by PCSSD and must not exceed the maximum standards (Section 1(e), Chapter IV):
    • Carbon Dioxide: 500 PPM
    • Carbon Monoxide: 20 PPM
    • Oil: 5 mg./m3
  • High Pressure Relief Valves must be checked for proper setting every six (6) months or as the need arises by a qualified technician (Section 1(f), Chapter IV).

Scuba and cylinder requirements

  • Hydrostatic test pressure frequency for scuba tanks and cascade cylinders is every five (5) years in accordance with the manufacturer’s specification (Section 1(a), Chapter V).
  • Heavily used tanks must undergo hydrostatic test every three (3) years (Section 1(b), Chapter V).
  • All scuba tanks must undergo annual visual inspection by qualified technician or PCSSD personnel (Section 1(c), Chapter V).
  • Compressed air loaded in a tank must not exceed the limits set by the manufacturer and/or the result of hydrostatic test (Section 1(d), Chapter V).
  • No person other than the authorized compressor operator and his assistant may enter the compressor room (Section 1(e), Chapter V).
  • A blast fragmentation deflector or similar device must be installed in air-filling stations (Section 1(f), Chapter V).
  • Tank valves and components must be removed and inspected every six (6) months for proper servicing (Section 1(g), Chapter V).

Minimum scuba equipment requirements

  • Buoyancy Control Devices (BCD) and Tank Back Packs (TBP) must have:
    • A positive locking device to hold the tank securely (Section 1(a), Chapter VI)
    • A quick release device (Section 1(b), Chapter VI)
  • BCD must be equipped with a power or oral inflator mechanism prescribed for scuba diving (Section 1(c), Chapter VI).
  • Weight systems for buoyancy control must have a quick release device (Section 2(a), Chapter VI).
  • Scuba regulators must:
    • Have sufficient ports to accommodate connections for a submersible pressure gauge, alternate air source, and power inflator (Section 3(a), Chapter VI)
    • Undergo annual safety check or overhaul by a qualified technician; regulator hoses must be examined for dents, cracks and/or pinholes (Section 3(b), Chapter VI).

Standard emergency equipment requirements

  • Accredited dive establishments must be equipped with (Section 1(a), Chapter VII):
    • Divers first aid kit
    • Medical oxygen-filled tank
    • Oxygen resuscitator (Ambo Bag)
    • Spine board
    • Effective sea-shore communication equipment
    • Current U.S. Navy Air Diving Tables
    • Skin and Scuba Diving Manual
    • Diver recall system
    • Diver Medical Evacuation Plan
    • Copy of the “Lifesaving and Water Safety Manual” (Red Cross)
    • Copy of “First Aid and Personnel Safety Manual” (Red Cross)
  • Accredited dive boats for organized dives must have the Section 1 equipment plus (Section 2(a), Chapter VII):
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Ring float with training line
    • Flashlights
    • Drinking water
    • Divers ladder or similar device
  • Accredited dive bancas must at all times have (Section 3(a), Chapter VII):
    • Fire extinguisher
    • Ring float with trailing line
    • Flashlights
    • Drinking water
    • Divers ladder or similar device
    • Paddles
    • Effective two-way communication system
    • Anchor rope or chain with sufficient length with a quick release
    • Personal floatation devices for the crew and passengers
    • Diver recall system
    • Diver Emergency Medical Evacuation Plan

Accident management and reporting

  • In case of accidents, dive leaders must follow these procedures (Section 1(a), Chapter IX):
    • Immediately initiate proper rescue measures and administer necessary first aid
    • Bring the victim immediately to the nearest available source of emergency assistance
    • Accompany the victim to the nearest hospital or Recompression Chamber and bring the victim’s emergency information card
  • All dive-related accidents must be reported immediately by accredited dive establishments or by the dive leader to local authorities and to PCSSD for appropriate action (Section 2(a), Chapter IX).
  • PCSSD may conduct a fact finding investigation to aid the commission in coming up with safe diving procedures (Section 2(b), Chapter IX).

Recompression chambers and fees

  • PCSSD operates and maintains Recompression Chamber facilities in Cebu and in Metro Manila for divers, military, and the public for a fee; rules and regulations and fees are contained in a separate schedule promulgated by PCSSD (Section 1(a), Chapter X).
  • PCSSD accredited individuals and establishments are granted special discounts for use of PCSSD Recompression Chambers (Section 2(a), Chapter X).

Personnel standards for accredited establishments

  • Accredited dive establishments must have at least one (1) certified Dive Master accredited with PCSSD, available at all times during conduct of diving activities (Section 1(a), Chapter XI).
  • Accredited dive masters must undergo refresher courses on first aid and diver rescue every two years and an annual CPR training in any authorized training center (Section 2(a), Chapter XI).

Cancellation or non-renewal grounds; separability and repeal

  • PCSSD must cancel or refuse renewal of accreditation if any of these acts or omissions occur (Section 1(a), Chapter XII):
    • Making false declarations or statements, using such declarations or statements, using documents containing them, committing fraud, or any act of misrepresentation to obtain accreditation
    • Failure to maintain accreditation standards and requirements
    • Violation of or non-compliance with any provision of the rules, promulgated orders, decisions, and circulars issued by PCSSD and other concerned government agencies
    • Environmental degradation through destructive practices, improper waste disposal, and causing harm to floral and fauna
    • Desecration and/or vandalism of underwater relics
    • Any other act or omission that works against the interest of the sports scuba diving industry
  • The rules contain a separability clause: if any provision is declared invalid, the validity of all other provisions is not affected (Chapter XIII).
  • The rules repeal or modify all existing PCSSD rules and other issuances relative to the operation of sports scuba diving establishments that are inconsistent with these rules (Chapter XIV).

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