The Association and its History

Since its founding in 1985, the EOBV has stood for the highest level of professionalism and quality in recreational dive training. As an economically managed association with a lean structure, the organization works far beyond standard requirements on internal and international guidelines.

This profound expertise culminated in state authorization in 2008. What does this mean for diving?

Quality without compromise: Recreational divers at the EOBV benefit directly from a training system that is officially audited and also applied in the state sector (e.g., law enforcement and military).
Solid growth: While many find their luck as an “independent recreational diver,” the EOBV offers the unique security that even the first kicks of a fin are performed according to the strict criteria of a state-recognized educational institution.
From hobby to professional: As the only association in Austria authorized to issue certificates according to the Specialist Knowledge Proof Ordinance, the EOBV paves a seamless path for recreational divers into a professional career.

At the EOBV, recreational diving is more than just a hobby – it is training at a state-recognized top level which enables a seamless transition into legal vocational training as a diver.

State Authorization & Competence

A milestone in the association’s history was receiving state authorization in 2008. This makes the EOBV the first and only organization of its kind officially entitled to issue certificates in accordance with the Specialist Knowledge Proof Ordinance (FK-V).

This state legitimacy means:

Legal certainty: Certificates issued for general diving work, research diving, or signal persons have legal character throughout the EU.
Official standards: The EOBV training system forms the basis for state units such as the Federal Armed Forces (Jagdkommando), the police (Cobra), fire departments, and water rescue services.
Internationality: As a co-founder of CEDIP (European Committee of Professional Diving Instructors) in 1992, the EOBV plays a key role in shaping European diving standards.

Training Spectrum: From Hobby to Profession

The EOBV portfolio covers all facets of diving:

Recreational Diving: Thorough basic training for beginners and advanced divers.
Technical Diving: Specializations such as mixed gas diving and sophisticated technical equipment.
Commercial Diving: Qualified training for commercial divers as well as for engineering and research activities.

Your Advantage as a Diver

Even if fun is the priority for pure recreational divers, they benefit at the EOBV from a system based on professional standards. Every training course lays the foundation for a possible career in the professional sector. Those who get certified with the EOBV choose training that, if required, goes far beyond the hobby level and is recognized worldwide.

Further information on European cooperation can be found at www.cedip.org.