Ethics & Code of Conduct

The core ethical principles guiding IADP members, forming the foundation for future professional standards and quality assurance.

Ethics Code

The International Association of Dive Professionals (IADP) upholds the highest ethical standards across the professional diving industry. The following principles define the core ethical baseline expected of all members, promoting a culture of integrity, respect, responsibility, and professional excellence.

These principles are not only intended to guide conduct that is legally compliant and morally sound, but also to form the foundation of a broader standards framework that strengthens the credibility, trust, and long-term sustainability of the profession.

Integrity Respect Excellence Accountability

Principles & Rules of Conduct

1 Honesty

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.

5 Fairness

Members act with justice and equity, avoid exploiting others, and foster an inclusive and respectful environment.

6 Concern for Others

Compassion and responsibility guide professional actions. Operational goals are pursued with minimal harm and maximum positive impact.

7 Respectfulness

Respect for human dignity and diversity is paramount. All individuals are treated with equal respect.

8 Law Abiding

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations is a fundamental obligation in every operational context.

9 Commitment to Excellence

Professional excellence requires continuous improvement, competence, and preparation.

10 Leadership

Members lead by example, encouraging ethical decision-making and sound professional judgment.

11 Reputation and Morale

Members act in ways that protect the profession’s reputation and support constructive, responsible behavior.

12 Accountability

Members take responsibility for their actions and uphold expectations toward peers, clients, and society.

These principles represent the shared ethical foundation of IADP membership. By adhering to this Ethics Code, members actively contribute to a safer, more credible, and more sustainable professional environment.

For professional members, this framework will be further expanded into structured standards linked to conduct, responsibility, and quality assurance. This evolution supports the development of a stronger professional framework across the diving industry.

Application: This Ethics Code complements — and does not replace — applicable laws, regulations, site rules, employer policies, and operational procedures. Where standards differ, the stricter requirement applies.

Ethics Must Be Lived, Not Just Stated

Ethics form the operational foundation of everything the IADP represents. They connect directly to our Vision & Mission and underpin the development of professional standards across the industry.

IADP – International Association of Dive Professionals
Head Office

IADP – DIVE PROFESSIONALS
International Association of Dive Professionals
Non-Profit Association (ASBL)

BE0785.392.370

Rue Émile Féron 153
1060 Saint-Gilles (Brussels) – Belgium

A proud member of Cité des Associations, Saint-Gilles

Cookies user preferences
We use cookies to ensure you to get the best experience on our website. If you decline the use of cookies, this website may not function as expected.
Accept all
Decline all
Read more
Chat
Crisp Chat is used to contact us, it records your IP address
Crisp Chat
Crisp Chat is used to contact us, it records your IP address
Analytics
Tools used to analyze the data to measure the effectiveness of a website and to understand how it works.
Google Analytics
Save