The core of ISO 24803:2017 is the establishment and maintenance of a management system that ensures the safety and quality of recreational diving services. Clause 4.2.3, “Internal Audit,” is critical for verifying the effectiveness of this system. An internal audit’s primary purpose is not to enforce external regulations directly, but to assess conformity with the organization’s own documented procedures and the requirements of the standard itself. While external regulations, such as those pertaining to maritime safety or environmental protection, are important for the overall operation of a diving provider, the internal audit’s scope is focused on the internal management system’s adherence to ISO 24803:2017. Therefore, the most accurate statement regarding the purpose of an internal audit within the context of ISO 24803:2017 is its role in evaluating the effectiveness of the management system in meeting the standard’s requirements and the provider’s own operational controls. This evaluation provides the necessary feedback for continuous improvement.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in ensuring the safety and quality of its services. Clause 6.2 of the standard, “Operational Control,” is paramount. This clause mandates that the provider must identify and control operational processes that are critical to achieving its safety objectives. For an internal auditor, this means scrutinizing how the provider manages risks associated with dive planning, equipment maintenance, dive site selection, and personnel competency. A key aspect of this is ensuring that documented procedures are not merely present but are actively implemented and that their effectiveness is regularly reviewed. For instance, the auditor would examine records of pre-dive briefings, equipment inspection logs, and incident reports to ascertain if the controls are functioning as intended. The auditor must also assess the provider’s adherence to relevant national or regional regulations concerning recreational diving, which may impose additional requirements beyond the ISO standard. The effectiveness of the management system is demonstrated when these controls consistently prevent or mitigate risks, leading to a safe diving experience for customers. Therefore, an internal auditor’s focus on the implementation and review of operational controls, in conjunction with regulatory compliance, forms the bedrock of assessing the provider’s adherence to ISO 24803:2017.

The core of ISO 24803:2017 is ensuring that recreational diving providers operate safely and competently. A critical aspect of this is the provider’s internal audit process, which serves as a mechanism for self-assessment and continuous improvement. When an internal audit identifies a significant non-conformity, such as a failure to adequately assess a diver’s medical fitness for a specific dive profile, the provider must implement corrective actions. These actions are not merely about fixing the immediate problem but about preventing recurrence. This involves investigating the root cause of the non-conformity, which might stem from inadequate training of dive leaders, unclear procedures for medical questionnaire review, or insufficient oversight of dive planning. The standard mandates that the provider document these corrective actions, implement them, and then verify their effectiveness. This verification step is crucial; it confirms that the implemented changes have indeed addressed the root cause and will prevent similar issues in the future. For instance, if the non-conformity was due to a dive leader not properly interpreting a medical declaration, the corrective action might involve retraining all dive leaders on medical assessment protocols and updating the standard operating procedures for pre-dive briefings to emphasize this aspect. The verification would then involve observing subsequent dives or reviewing dive logs to ensure the updated procedures are being followed and that no similar medical fitness issues are overlooked. This systematic approach, encompassing identification, root cause analysis, corrective action, and verification, is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of the provider’s safety management system as outlined in ISO 24803:2017.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as per ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting both the standard’s requirements and the provider’s own stated objectives and policies. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and primary action required is not to implement a corrective action plan, nor to simply document the finding for future reference, nor to escalate it to external regulatory bodies without internal processing. Instead, the auditor must ensure that the non-conformity is clearly documented and that the diving provider initiates a process to determine the root cause and subsequently implement appropriate corrective actions. This aligns with the fundamental principles of continuous improvement embedded in management system standards. The auditor’s role is to facilitate this process by accurately reporting the deviation from the established requirements. The diving provider then takes ownership of the corrective action process, which includes root cause analysis, action planning, implementation, and verification of effectiveness. The auditor’s role is to audit the effectiveness of this corrective action process in subsequent audits. Therefore, the most direct and appropriate initial step for the auditor upon identifying a non-conformity is to ensure its proper documentation and the initiation of the provider’s corrective action process.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. Specifically, clause 6.2, “Competence,” mandates that the organization shall determine the necessary competence for personnel performing work that affects the quality of diving services, including instructors and guides. This involves ensuring individuals possess the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience. Furthermore, clause 7.2, “Awareness,” requires that persons doing work under the organization’s control are aware of the quality policy, relevant quality objectives, their contribution to the effectiveness of the quality management system, and the implications of not conforming with the quality management system requirements. An internal audit must therefore assess how the provider identifies, documents, and verifies the competence of its personnel, and how it ensures they are aware of their roles and responsibilities within the quality management system. This includes reviewing training records, certifications, performance evaluations, and evidence of awareness programs. The audit’s objective is to identify any gaps in competence or awareness that could impact the safety and quality of the diving experience provided, and to recommend corrective actions. The focus is on the *process* of ensuring competence and awareness, not just the existence of training.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. This involves assessing how well the provider controls its operations to ensure safety and quality. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most critical action is to determine its root cause. This is not merely about fixing the immediate problem but understanding why it occurred to prevent recurrence. The standard emphasizes a systematic approach to auditing, which includes planning, conducting, reporting, and following up on audit findings. The follow-up phase is crucial for ensuring that corrective actions are implemented and are effective in addressing the identified non-conformity. Therefore, the auditor’s role extends beyond just identifying issues; it includes verifying the closure of these issues through effective corrective action. This verification process is a fundamental part of ensuring the continuous improvement of the diving provider’s safety management system. The auditor must confirm that the corrective actions taken are appropriate for the nature and extent of the non-conformity and that they have effectively eliminated the root cause. This diligent follow-up ensures the integrity of the audit process and contributes to the overall enhancement of the diving provider’s operational safety and compliance with ISO 24803:2017.

The core principle of an internal audit within a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. This involves a systematic and independent examination of all relevant aspects of the operation. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most crucial step is to document it thoroughly. This documentation should include objective evidence of the deviation from the established requirements or procedures. Following documentation, the auditor must then communicate this finding to the appropriate management personnel within the diving provider. This communication is essential for initiating the corrective action process. The auditor’s role is not to implement the corrective action but to identify and report the non-conformity, thereby triggering the organization’s internal processes for addressing it. The standard emphasizes a proactive approach to quality management, and effective internal auditing is a cornerstone of this. The auditor’s responsibility extends to ensuring that the findings are clear, concise, and actionable, facilitating the provider’s continuous improvement efforts. This process aligns with the broader objectives of ensuring diver safety and operational integrity.

The core of ISO 24803:2017 concerning internal auditing for recreational diving providers is the systematic evaluation of the organization’s management system against the standard’s requirements and the organization’s own policies and procedures. This process is not merely about checking boxes but about fostering continual improvement. An internal auditor’s role extends to identifying non-conformities, which are deviations from specified requirements, and opportunities for improvement. When an auditor identifies a situation where a dive center’s documented emergency action plan (EAP) does not explicitly detail the procedure for contacting local emergency medical services (EMS) with specific dive-related incident information, this represents a potential gap. The standard emphasizes that the management system should be effective in achieving its intended outcomes, including safety. Therefore, the auditor’s primary responsibility is to report this deficiency. The most appropriate action for the auditor, as per the principles of internal auditing and the intent of ISO 24803:2017, is to document this as a non-conformity or a significant observation that requires corrective action. This documentation serves as the basis for the dive center to revise its EAP, ensuring it meets the standard’s implicit requirement for comprehensive emergency preparedness and aligns with best practices in dive safety, which often involve clear communication protocols with external emergency responders. The auditor’s report should highlight the specific area of the EAP that needs enhancement to ensure all critical elements for effective emergency response are addressed, thereby contributing to the overall robustness of the dive center’s safety management system.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as outlined by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. This involves assessing whether the provider’s documented procedures are being followed and if they are adequate to ensure safety and quality. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most crucial step is to document it accurately. This documentation serves as the foundation for all subsequent actions, including root cause analysis, corrective action planning, and verification of effectiveness. Without precise documentation, the audit process loses its integrity, and the ability to drive meaningful improvement is compromised. The standard emphasizes a systematic approach to auditing, which begins with clear and factual reporting of findings. Subsequent steps, such as root cause analysis and corrective action, are dependent on the initial accurate recording of the non-conformity. Therefore, the primary and most immediate action is to ensure the non-conformity is properly recorded.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. This involves assessing whether the provider’s documented processes and actual practices align with the standard’s clauses, particularly those concerning safety, training, equipment maintenance, and emergency preparedness. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most critical step is to determine its root cause. This is not merely about documenting the deviation but understanding *why* it occurred. For instance, if a dive log is incomplete, the root cause might be a lack of staff training on documentation procedures, insufficient time allocated for logging, or a poorly designed logbook format. Without identifying the root cause, any corrective action taken will likely be superficial and fail to prevent recurrence. Therefore, the auditor’s primary responsibility upon finding a non-conformity is to initiate the process of root cause analysis. This analysis then informs the development of effective corrective actions, which are also a key part of the audit process, ensuring that the system is improved rather than just being checked. The focus is on systemic issues that could lead to broader safety concerns or a decline in service quality, rather than isolated incidents.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most critical action is to document it thoroughly. This documentation must include objective evidence of the deviation from the standard or the provider’s own procedures. Following documentation, the auditor’s role shifts to facilitating the root cause analysis process. This involves working with the auditee to understand why the non-conformity occurred, rather than simply assigning blame. The goal is to identify systemic issues that led to the problem. Subsequently, the auditor must ensure that a corrective action plan is developed and that this plan addresses the identified root cause. The effectiveness of the corrective action is then subject to follow-up verification by the auditor. Therefore, the sequence of actions is: document the non-conformity with evidence, facilitate root cause analysis, ensure a corrective action plan is developed, and plan for follow-up verification. This systematic approach ensures that the audit process leads to tangible improvements in the diving provider’s safety and operational management systems, aligning with the principles of continuous improvement inherent in ISO standards.

The core of ISO 24803:2017 is ensuring that recreational diving providers operate with a robust safety management system. Clause 5.3.1.2 specifically addresses the internal audit process, emphasizing that audits must be conducted by personnel who are competent in auditing techniques and have knowledge of the specific diving operations being audited. This competence is not merely about knowing the standard; it extends to understanding the practical application of safety procedures within the context of a diving provider. An internal auditor’s role is to verify conformity to the provider’s own documented procedures, which are themselves designed to meet the requirements of ISO 24803:2017, as well as any applicable national or local regulations governing diving activities. Therefore, an auditor must possess the skills to plan, conduct, report, and follow up on audits, ensuring that the findings are objective and evidence-based. This includes the ability to identify non-conformities and opportunities for improvement within the provider’s safety management system. The focus is on the systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of the safety controls and the overall safety culture of the organization.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting both the standard’s requirements and the provider’s own objectives. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity during an audit of the dive center’s equipment maintenance logs, the primary and most immediate action required by the standard is to document this finding. This documentation serves as the basis for subsequent corrective actions. The auditor’s role is to report the non-conformity, not to implement the corrective action or to immediately halt operations, although the severity of the non-conformity might necessitate further investigation or recommendations. The standard emphasizes a systematic approach to identifying and addressing deviations from established procedures and requirements. Therefore, the most appropriate initial step for the auditor is to formally record the observed discrepancy in the maintenance logs, which will then trigger the provider’s internal process for root cause analysis and corrective action implementation. This aligns with the audit process of gathering objective evidence and reporting findings to management for their review and action.

The core of ISO 24803:2017 is establishing and maintaining a system for managing risks associated with recreational diving activities. Clause 5.2.1 of the standard mandates that a recreational diving provider shall establish, implement, and maintain a risk management system. This system must address the identification, analysis, evaluation, treatment, monitoring, and review of risks. When an internal auditor is assessing the effectiveness of this system, they must verify that the provider has a documented process for identifying potential hazards. These hazards could range from environmental conditions (e.g., currents, visibility) to equipment malfunctions, diver competency, and even administrative procedures. The auditor would then examine how these identified hazards are analyzed to understand their potential severity and likelihood of occurrence. Following this, the evaluation phase determines the significance of the risks. The crucial step for an internal auditor is to confirm that appropriate risk treatment strategies are in place and are being effectively implemented. This involves checking if controls are designed to mitigate identified risks to an acceptable level. For instance, if a hazard is identified as a potential equipment failure, the risk treatment might involve rigorous pre-dive equipment checks, regular maintenance schedules, and emergency procedures. The auditor’s role is to ensure that the entire cycle of risk management is operational and contributes to the overall safety of diving operations, aligning with the principles of continuous improvement inherent in management system standards.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. This involves assessing the documented procedures, operational practices, and the competency of personnel. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most crucial step is to ensure that the root cause of the issue is understood and addressed. This is not merely about fixing the symptom but preventing recurrence. Therefore, the auditor must facilitate the identification of the root cause and ensure that corrective actions are planned and implemented. The subsequent verification of the effectiveness of these corrective actions is also a critical part of the audit process, ensuring that the system has indeed been improved. While reporting the non-conformity to management and documenting the findings are essential procedural steps, they are secondary to the primary objective of driving improvement through root cause analysis and effective corrective action. The standard emphasizes a proactive approach to risk management and continuous improvement, which is directly supported by thorough root cause analysis.

The core of ISO 24803:2017 is establishing and maintaining a system for ensuring the safety and quality of recreational diving services. Clause 5.2.1 of the standard mandates that the diving provider shall establish, document, implement, maintain, and continually improve a quality management system (QMS). This QMS must be appropriate to the purpose of the organization and the nature of its services. An internal auditor’s role is to verify the effectiveness of this QMS. When an internal audit identifies a significant non-conformity, such as a recurring failure in equipment maintenance procedures leading to potential safety risks, the auditor must assess whether the existing QMS is capable of preventing recurrence. This involves examining the root cause of the non-conformity and evaluating the adequacy of the corrective actions proposed or implemented by the diving provider. The auditor’s report should detail the findings, including the non-conformity, its potential impact on safety, and recommendations for improvement. The diving provider is then responsible for implementing these corrective actions. The auditor’s subsequent follow-up audit verifies the effectiveness of these actions. Therefore, the most appropriate action for an internal auditor when a significant non-conformity is found is to ensure that the provider addresses the root cause and implements effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence, which is then verified through follow-up. This aligns with the principles of continuous improvement inherent in ISO standards.

The core of ISO 24803:2017 is ensuring that recreational diving providers operate with a robust safety management system. This standard, while not a direct regulatory body, provides a framework for best practices that align with and often exceed national and international safety regulations for diving activities. An internal auditor’s role is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s implemented safety management system against the requirements of the standard and any applicable legal or regulatory obligations. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most critical action, as per the principles of continuous improvement inherent in management system standards like ISO 24803, is to initiate corrective action. This involves not just identifying the deviation but also investigating its root cause and implementing measures to prevent recurrence. While reporting to management and reviewing the overall system are crucial steps, they follow the immediate need to address the identified non-conformity. Furthermore, the auditor’s responsibility extends to ensuring that the provider’s safety management system is demonstrably effective in mitigating risks associated with recreational diving, which includes adherence to all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. Therefore, the most direct and impactful action for an internal auditor upon discovering a non-conformity is to ensure that the provider initiates the process to correct the issue and prevent its recurrence.

The core principle of an internal audit, as applied to ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the recreational diving provider’s management system in meeting its own stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. This involves assessing whether the processes implemented are actually achieving the desired outcomes and if the organization is conforming to its policies and procedures. For instance, if a provider’s objective is to maintain a diver incident rate below a certain threshold, the internal audit would examine the data, incident investigation procedures, and corrective actions taken to determine if this objective is being met and if the system is robust enough to prevent recurrence. The audit is not merely about checking if documents exist, but if the documented processes are being followed and are leading to the intended results, thereby ensuring the safety and quality of the recreational diving services offered. This proactive verification is crucial for continuous improvement and for demonstrating due diligence in managing risks inherent in diving activities, aligning with the spirit of the standard which emphasizes a risk-based approach to safety management.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, involves verifying the effectiveness and adherence to established procedures and the standard itself. When an internal auditor identifies a significant deviation from a documented safety protocol, such as the mandatory pre-dive buddy check procedure, the immediate action is not to dismiss it as a minor oversight but to investigate its root cause and potential impact. The standard emphasizes the importance of a systematic approach to identifying nonconformities and ensuring corrective actions are taken. Therefore, the auditor’s primary responsibility is to document this deviation thoroughly, including the specific protocol violated and the context of the incident. This documentation forms the basis for further analysis, which may include interviewing personnel involved, reviewing dive logs, and assessing the potential consequences of the deviation. The goal is to understand why the protocol was not followed and to determine if it poses a risk to diver safety or the provider’s compliance with the standard. This detailed recording and initial assessment are crucial steps before any broader conclusions about the provider’s overall safety management system can be drawn. The subsequent steps would involve root cause analysis and the development of corrective and preventive actions, but the immediate and most critical action for the auditor is accurate and comprehensive documentation of the observed nonconformity.

The core of ISO 24803:2017, particularly concerning the internal auditor’s role, is to verify the effectiveness of the recreational diving provider’s management system against the standard’s requirements and the provider’s own documented procedures. When an internal audit identifies a non-conformity, the auditor’s responsibility extends beyond mere identification. The standard mandates that the internal auditor must ensure that appropriate corrective actions are initiated and that the effectiveness of these actions is subsequently verified. This verification process is crucial for closing the loop on the non-conformity and ensuring that the underlying causes are addressed to prevent recurrence. Therefore, the auditor’s role in follow-up and verification of corrective action effectiveness is a critical component of the internal audit process, ensuring continuous improvement and adherence to the safety and operational standards set forth by ISO 24803:2017. Without this verification, the audit’s findings would be incomplete, and the provider might continue to operate with systemic issues.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s safety management system and its adherence to the standard’s requirements. This includes assessing the competence of personnel, the condition of equipment, the adequacy of training programs, and the robustness of emergency procedures. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the primary objective is not to assign blame but to facilitate the provider’s own process of root cause analysis and corrective action. The auditor’s role is to document the finding objectively, ensuring it clearly states the deviation from the standard or the provider’s own documented procedures. Following this, the auditor must verify that the provider has initiated a process to investigate the root cause of the non-conformity and has implemented or is implementing appropriate corrective actions to prevent recurrence. This verification step is crucial for demonstrating the effectiveness of the internal audit process itself and for ensuring continuous improvement within the diving operation. Therefore, the most appropriate action for the auditor is to confirm the establishment and commencement of the provider’s corrective action process, rather than dictating specific solutions or immediately escalating the issue without allowing the provider to engage in their own problem-solving framework.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. When an internal audit identifies a non-conformity, the subsequent action is crucial. The standard emphasizes a systematic approach to corrective action. This involves identifying the root cause of the non-conformity, determining the necessary actions to prevent recurrence, implementing those actions, and then verifying their effectiveness. Simply documenting the non-conformity without a robust plan for root cause analysis and verification of corrective actions would not fulfill the intent of the standard’s requirements for continual improvement and effective management system operation. Therefore, the most appropriate internal audit finding and recommendation would focus on the need for a comprehensive root cause analysis and the implementation and verification of corrective actions to address the identified deviation from the established procedures or the standard’s requirements. This ensures that the audit process drives meaningful improvement rather than just identification of issues.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the organization’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the standard’s requirements. Clause 7.2, “Competence,” is a critical area. This clause mandates that the organization shall determine the necessary competence for personnel performing work affecting quality and safety, ensure these individuals are competent on the basis of appropriate education, training, or experience, and where applicable, take actions to acquire the necessary competence and evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken. For an internal auditor, assessing compliance with 7.2 involves examining evidence of how the diving provider identifies, trains, and maintains the competence of its dive leaders, instructors, and support staff. This includes reviewing training records, certifications, ongoing professional development, and performance evaluations. The auditor must also assess the process for identifying competence gaps and the actions taken to address them. Therefore, the most pertinent aspect for an internal auditor to focus on when reviewing the competence of dive leaders is the documented evidence of their ongoing professional development and the provider’s systematic approach to assessing and maintaining this competence, ensuring it aligns with the specific diving activities and risks undertaken. This goes beyond initial certification to encompass continuous learning and skill validation relevant to the evolving nature of diving and safety practices.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. This involves assessing how well the provider ensures the safety and quality of its diving activities. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most crucial step is to document it thoroughly. This documentation should include the objective evidence gathered during the audit that demonstrates the deviation from the standard or the provider’s own procedures. Following documentation, the auditor must then communicate this finding to the appropriate management personnel within the diving organization. This communication is essential for initiating the corrective action process. The auditor’s role is not to implement the corrective action, but to identify and report non-conformities, facilitating the organization’s own process for addressing them. Therefore, the primary action is to formally record the non-conformity with supporting evidence and inform management.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the process of addressing it is crucial. A non-conformity signifies a failure to meet a requirement. The auditor’s role is not to dictate the corrective action but to ensure that the provider has a robust process for identifying the root cause of the non-conformity and implementing effective corrective actions to prevent recurrence. This involves a systematic approach: first, documenting the non-conformity clearly, then facilitating the provider’s own investigation into its causes, and finally, verifying the implementation and effectiveness of the chosen corrective actions. The auditor’s report should reflect this process, highlighting the non-conformity, the provider’s response, and the auditor’s assessment of the adequacy of that response. The focus is on the system’s ability to self-correct and improve, rather than on the auditor performing the correction. Therefore, the most appropriate action for the auditor is to document the non-conformity and ensure the provider initiates a corrective action process.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the immediate and most critical action is to document it thoroughly. This documentation must include objective evidence, the specific requirement that was not met, and the potential impact on safety or service quality. Following documentation, the auditor’s role shifts to facilitating the provider’s own root cause analysis and corrective action planning process. The auditor does not implement the corrective actions themselves, nor do they dictate the specific solutions. Instead, they ensure that the provider has a robust process for identifying the underlying causes of the non-conformity and for implementing effective measures to prevent recurrence. The auditor’s subsequent role involves verifying the implementation and effectiveness of these corrective actions in a follow-up audit. Therefore, the most appropriate immediate step after identifying a non-conformity is to meticulously record the findings and then ensure the provider initiates its own corrective action process, with the auditor’s role being to monitor and verify.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, involves verifying the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting both the standard’s requirements and the provider’s own stated objectives. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the process of addressing it is crucial. This involves not just documenting the issue but also understanding its root cause and implementing corrective actions. The standard emphasizes a proactive approach to risk management and continuous improvement. Therefore, an auditor’s report should reflect the extent to which the provider’s corrective action process is effective in preventing recurrence. This includes evaluating the thoroughness of the root cause analysis, the suitability of the implemented corrective actions, and the verification of their effectiveness. A key aspect of this is ensuring that the corrective actions are integrated into the provider’s operational procedures and that the management system is updated accordingly. The auditor’s role is to provide objective evidence of the system’s performance and identify opportunities for enhancement, thereby supporting the provider’s commitment to safety and quality in recreational diving services. The focus is on the systemic impact of the non-conformity and the corrective actions, rather than merely the isolated incident.

The core of ISO 24803:2017 is establishing and maintaining a system for ensuring the safety and quality of recreational diving services. Clause 6.1, “General requirements,” mandates that the recreational diving provider shall establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve a quality management system (QMS) in accordance with the requirements of this International Standard. This QMS must address the specific needs and risks associated with recreational diving operations. Clause 6.2, “Documentation,” requires the provider to document its QMS, including quality policy, quality objectives, scope of the QMS, and the procedures and records needed to ensure its effective operation and control. This documentation forms the foundation for audits and continuous improvement. Therefore, an internal auditor’s primary focus when assessing the QMS’s effectiveness, particularly concerning the provider’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance (such as adherence to local diving regulations which are implicitly part of the operational context), is to verify that the documented QMS is not only present but also actively implemented and that its processes are demonstrably contributing to the achievement of the provider’s stated quality and safety objectives. This involves reviewing records, observing practices, and interviewing personnel to confirm alignment between documented procedures and actual operations, and to identify any non-conformities or opportunities for improvement within the system itself.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the requirements of the standard. When an internal auditor identifies a significant deviation from established procedures, such as a dive leader failing to conduct a pre-dive safety briefing that includes a review of emergency procedures and communication signals, this represents a nonconformity. The auditor’s role is not to implement corrective actions but to document the finding and its potential impact. The most appropriate immediate action for the auditor is to report this nonconformity to the management representative responsible for the diving operation. This ensures that the appropriate personnel are aware of the lapse and can initiate the necessary investigation and corrective actions. The standard emphasizes the importance of documented evidence and the auditor’s responsibility to communicate findings to facilitate improvement. Therefore, the auditor’s primary duty is to ensure the finding is formally recorded and brought to the attention of those who can rectify the situation, thereby upholding the integrity of the provider’s safety management system. This process aligns with the principles of continuous improvement inherent in ISO management system standards.

The core of an internal audit for a recreational diving provider, as guided by ISO 24803:2017, is to verify the effectiveness of the provider’s management system in meeting its stated objectives and the standard’s requirements. When an internal auditor identifies a non-conformity, the process of addressing it involves several critical steps. The auditor’s role is not to implement the corrective action but to ensure that a systematic process for identifying, documenting, investigating the root cause, and implementing effective corrective actions is in place and functioning. This includes verifying that the provider has a documented procedure for handling non-conformities, that these are logged, that an analysis of the root cause is performed, and that actions are taken to prevent recurrence. The auditor then follows up to confirm the effectiveness of these actions. Therefore, the most appropriate immediate action for the auditor upon identifying a non-conformity is to document it thoroughly and initiate the provider’s established non-conformity management process. This ensures that the provider takes ownership and responsibility for addressing the issue according to its own procedures, which are themselves subject to audit. The auditor’s subsequent role is to audit the effectiveness of these implemented actions.