Since the foundation of RSTC Europe back in 1994, many new innovations have taken place. Minimum safety standards have been agreed by all members, for both diver and instructor levels of education. This has led to a greater understanding between member organisations and an increased level of credibility within the diving industry, both on a European and a world-wide level. Members affiliated with
RSTC Europe, include ACUC, IAC, IDA, NASDS, PSS, SNSI, IDEA Europe, PADI, PDA, SDI and SSI, as well as DAN as an associate member in the position of "consultant". The influence of these member organisations span all European countries as well as most of the Red Sea and the Maldives. The aim of RSTC is to support the diving industry by all legitimate means, and to present a professional forum that is both respected and recognised throughout the world of recreational diving. The expertise within this group provides a non-prejudicial code of practise in diver safety for all governmental bodies who are working to improve diving and safety standards in Europe. This will in turn facilitate a consistent and efficient standardisation of regulations and laws related to the professional recreational diving industry throughout Europe. By standardising European and global qualifications government bodies concerned with the level of competency of the European instructor will have a recognisable qualification that has international acceptance to relate to. With this in place it would allow a diver to dive with a certificate which could be accepted world-wide. Having an internationally recognised certification allows recreational diving to become an accepted interest within the maritime and tourist community.
