Ethics Code
The International Association of Dive Professionals (IADP) upholds the highest ethical standards across the diving industry. The following principles set out the core ethical baseline expected of all members, promoting a culture of integrity, respect, responsibility, and professional excellence. They are intended not only to guide conduct that is legally compliant and morally commendable, but also to form the foundation of a broader standards framework that strengthens the reputation, credibility, and trustworthiness of our profession worldwide.
Principles & Rules of Conduct
1 Honesty
IADP members prioritize truthfulness and transparency, avoiding any form of deceit. This commitment builds trust and credibility in both professional practice and interpersonal relationships.
2 Integrity
Members adhere to their principles even under pressure. By consistently doing what is right, they demonstrate honorable and upright character.
3 Trustworthiness
Reliability is central to professionalism. Members provide accurate information, honor commitments, and ensure dependability in all relationships.
4 Loyalty
Loyalty is reflected through steadfast support and confidentiality. Members protect sensitive information and maintain commitments to colleagues, partners, and employers, including when transitioning to new opportunities.
5 Fairness
Members act with justice and equity, avoid exploiting others, and foster an inclusive and respectful environment in which equal treatment is valued.
6 Concern for Others
Compassion and responsibility guide professional actions. Business and operational goals are pursued with minimal harm and maximum positive impact, mindful of the well-being of others.
7 Respectfulness
Respect for human dignity and diversity is paramount. All individuals are treated with equal respect, regardless of personal, professional, cultural, or social differences.
8 Law Abiding
Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is a fundamental obligation. Members conduct themselves lawfully and ethically in every professional and operational context.
9 Commitment to Excellence
Professional excellence requires continuous improvement. Members remain well-informed, prepared, and proficient, upholding high standards across the industry.
10 Leadership
Members recognize their influence and lead by example, encouraging ethical decision-making, sound judgment, and principled reasoning in their communities and workplaces.
11 Reputation and Morale
Protecting the profession’s reputation and colleagues’ morale is essential. Members engage in conduct that upholds respect, discourages destructive behavior, and supports corrective action where necessary.
12 Accountability
Members embrace personal accountability by owning their ethical choices and ensuring their conduct meets the expectations of peers, organizations, clients, and society at large.
These principles represent the shared ethical foundation of IADP membership. By adhering to this Ethics Code, members strengthen the trust placed in our profession and actively contribute to a safer, more sustainable, and more respected diving industry.
For professional members, this framework will be further expanded into more detailed standards tied to conduct, responsibility, and quality assurance. In time, this will help establish a stronger culture of professional assurance and accountability across the sector — something that has long been overdue within the diving industry.
Ethics Must Be Lived, Not Just Stated
The IADP exists to uphold professional standards with substance. Ethics, accountability, mutual respect, and a stronger culture of responsibility are central to building a more credible and more sustainable future for dive professionals worldwide.