Members of the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) recognize the importance of underwater activity for recreation, public service, education, research and business purposes and the necessity of preparing students with the knowledge and skill necessary to engage in recreational underwater activity while minimizing risk. NAUI leaders recognize the right of mature persons with requisite skills and physical capacity to receive instruction without discrimination as to race, sex, or beliefs, and pledge to practise the profession according to the highest ethical standards. NAUI members acknowledge the nature of the responsibilities of instructing students in skin and scuba diving and exposing them to a potentially hazardous environment and are committed to improving safe diving instruction.

1. COMMITMENT TO THE STUDENT -The NAUI member’s first duty is to student safety. Success is measured by the progress of each student toward gaining the skills, knowledge and habits essential to minimize the risk of underwater activity. The instructor is obligated to stimulate the acquisition of knowledge, understanding, physical skills, fitness and the formulation of safe personal diving practices. The NAUI Instructor is pledged to promote “Dive Safety Through Education.” In fulfilling this obligation, the instructor shall:
   • assure the safety of students.
   • expose the student to varying points of view and theories.
   • instruct in all subject matter as required by NAUI standards and policies.
   • present equipment of various manufacturers with fair and impartial comparisons of products by feature without degrading any manufacturer, except that the instructor is free to express honest opinions consistent with personal experience.
   • personally follow all safe diving principles, recognizing that influence by example is the cornerstone to the development and promotion of safe diving practices.
   • instruct objectively, without favoritism or granting special advantage or placing special requirements, and not expose the student to prejudice, embarrassment or disparagement.
   • enroll and instruct any student physically and psychologically qualified and not engage in any arbitrary discriminatory practice or procedure.
   • maintain a level of physical, educational and professional competence meeting or exceeding the standards and policies established by the Association.
   • conduct all training sessions personally or arrange for them to be conducted by a designated qualified substitute NAUI member.
   • certify only those students who have satisfactorily achieved the established standards of a NAUI course and award certification materials within a reasonable period of time.
   • instruct in conformity with established association standards and policies so that all students are eligible to be certified by the Association upon satisfactory
   completion of the NAUI course.
   • fully disclose to the prospective student all reasonably anticipated costs, charges, fees and assessments before enrollment or obligation is established.
   
   
2. COMMITMENT TO THE PUBLIC - NAUI members are responsible for the support and development of sound public policy relating to diver education, the use and conservation of wet lands, bodies of water, aquatic life and for the promotion and encouragement of programs and policies directed at such use and conservation. In fulfilling this obligation to the public, NAUI members shall:
   • participate in the implementation of sound educational and conservational policies.
   • keep informed of developments in diving equipment, techniques, procedures, technology and education.
   • officially represent the Association to the press and public only when specifically authorized and in other cases specifically identify personal views and opinions as such.
   
   
3. COMMITMENT TO THE PROFESSION - NAUI underwater instructors recognize that the quality of their services influences the attitudes of other water users, the public in general and governmental bodies. The NAUI Instructor pledges to:
   • raise professional standards.
   • improve instructor services.
   • encourage qualified and interested persons to pursue the profession.
   • contribute actively to the support, planning and programs of the Association. In fulfilling this obligation to the profession, NAUI instructors shall:
   • instruct in conformity with course standards and policies established by the National Association of Underwater Instructors, as amended and supplemented.
   • accord just and equitable treatment to all members of NAUI.
   • cooperate in a professional inquiry if and when requested by the Association.
   • accurately represent their professional qualifications.
   • when requested by the Association and, for good cause, accurately evaluate performance and qualifications of other instructors.
   • avoid endangering the life, physical well being or property of any student, member or the general public.
   
   
4. COMMITMENT TO PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT
   AND CONTRACTUAL INSTRUCTION -The NAUI member regards an employment agreement as a pledge to be executed in spirit and fact in a manner consistent with quality instruction. NAUI members recognize that sound professional relationships with employers and employees are built upon integrity, dignity, and mutual respect. NAUI members shall not conduct or participate in any course where unqualified persons are utilized in underwater instruction or engage in any course of instruction that fails to meet commitments to the student, the public, the profession, or the Association. In fulfilling employment obligations, NAUI members shall:
   • only apply for and accept a position on the basis of professional qualification.
   • give prompt notice to the employer of any change in the availability of service or status.
   • adhere to the terms of an employment agreement, unless these terms have been legally terminated, falsely represented or breached.
   • not delegate assigned tasks to unqualified personnel.
   
   
5. COMMITMENT TO THE ASSOCIATION - NAUI instructors, by virtue of their voluntary membership in NAUI, recognize a responsibility and obligation to promote the Association and support the official decisions and policies of the Association. In fulfilling this obligation to the Association, the NAUI instructor shall:
   • publicly support NAUI as an association.
   • bear in mind that NAUI is unique in the worldwide recreational diving industry, in that it is a truly democratic organization with a leadership directly elected by the membership. This democratic structure is the best possible mechanism for ensuring that Association activity meets the needs of the majority of the members, and members have the real opportunity, if they wish, to lead the Association at the highest levels.
   • make every effort to bring about necessary changes in a professional manner by direct personal contact with those fellow-low
   members who are in positions of authority and responsibility.
   • prior to instructing in any fashion, be in Active status.
   
   
6. VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF ETHICS - In order to maintain high standards of professional conduct the Board of Directors of the National Association of Underwater Instructors shall have the power to censure, suspend, or expel any NAUI member, or impose any other discipline, sanction, supervision, or probation. The Board of Directors may review and, with good cause, reinstate a suspended or expelled member. The Board of Directors may appoint Ethics Committees to hear complaints regarding alleged violations of the Code of Ethics and to recommend a course of action to the Board of Directors.