Analyzes of unfortunate incidents with divers undoubtedly prove that training standards should be raised, with special attention paid to buoyancy training and the correct equipment configuration for recreational and technical divers. Achieving better teaching results must be associated with a longer time spent on in-water practice, under the guidance of a competent training staff.

From the first in-water classes, training must focus on learning the proper habit patterns required in real dives. The acceptance of kneeling during classes gives a false sense of security and develops bad habits. Neutral buoyancy is the basic skill of the diver that affects the comfort and safety of the dive in a significant way.

The ISSF training system has been based on training the most important skills with a gradually increasing difficulty level. Thanks to this approach and an extended time devoted to in-water training, in comparison to other training organizations, our students achieve above-average skills and become responsible partners underwater. The teaching system and the ethical approach of the training staff, in an significant way, make it possible to influence the protection of underwater life which has been devastated on massive scale, by the lack of divers’ ability to maintain neutral buoyancy.

Confirmation of the ISSF training standards are the statistics of diving incidents, conducted by the DAN (Divers Alert Network) organization known worldwide for taking care of the divers’ safety. On the basis of analyzes, it proves that the main causes of incidents involving beginner divers are, among others: lack of ability to maintain neutral buoyancy, improper weighting, lack of knowledge in regards to the used equipment operation.

Many years of experience in technical diving, made the founders of the International Scuba Schools Federation develop higher standards of technical courses. This is reflected both in the higher criteria of students’ qualification for ongoing programs as well as the training of ability and practical skills in emergency situations, leading finally to higher certification requirements. Training programs, among others, focus on learning the correct equipment configuration, buoyancy control, finning techniques, dive planning and realization as well as rescue techniques. A particular attention has been given to the ability to deal with stressful situations and the diving team cooperation.

Due to the high mental stress and the lack of research on the effects of the compressed-gas breathing influence on the child’s body, ISSF does not recommend training with SCUBA equipment for kids under the age of 14.