Cyprus is taking a major step towards boosting safety and quality in its growing diving tourism sector, with the cabinet on Wednesday approving legislation to regulate recreational diving services nationwide.

Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis said the bill closes a longstanding regulatory gap and aligns Cyprus with international safety standards.

Under the new framework, anyone offering diving services must meet minimum professional requirements, including employing instructors certified under the national standard CYS EN ISO 24803, maintaining valid compliance certifications, and carrying adequate insurance.

The bill covers diving centres, scuba schools, individual instructors, and licensed sea transporters of divers.

A new licensing system will also be introduced, with permits valid for three years, alongside a national register of approved providers.

The minister notes that penalties will be enforced against anyone operating without a licence.

“As a government,” he said, “we remain consistent in our commitment to improving and upgrading the services provided within the tourism framework.”

The bill will now go to the House for approval.