In response to the rapid growth of the diving industry in Mauritius and Rodrigues, as well as the increasing presence of international commercial diving agencies, the Mauritius Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) has taken decisive steps to strengthen safety, compliance, and representation within the sector.
Mauritian authorities have recently intensified safety inspections of diving centres. Unannounced joint inspections are now being carried out by the Tourism Authority in collaboration with the MSDA to ensure that all centres comply with national regulations and international safety standards.
To unite efforts and strengthen the industry’s representation, the MSDA adopted important amendments to its internal regulations during its Extraordinary General Meeting held on 1 August 2025. These changes include the creation of a Technical Committee bringing together the local directors of the main international commercial diving agencies operating in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
The Technical Committee is responsible for overseeing affiliated centres to ensure strict compliance with:
the standards set by their respective international agencies,
the common regulatory framework established by the MSDA,
the applicable Mauritian legislation.
Agreements signed with partner agencies
During the meeting, the MSDA formalised agreements with the following agencies:
British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) – Represented by Mr Cassamjee Buchoo, President of the BSAC (MUG) club in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Dive RAID International – Represented by Mr Olivier Fayolle, Regional Director for Mauritius and Rodrigues.
National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) – Represented by Mr Benoit de Baize, official representative for Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Scuba Diving International (SDI) – Also represented by Mr Benoit de Baize, official representative for Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Existing agreements
The MSDA already has long-standing partnerships with:
World Underwater Federation (CMAS) – Agreement signed in 1989, locally represented by the President of the MSDA.
French Federation of Underwater Studies and Sports (FFESSM) – Agreement signed in 2018, also locally represented by the President of the MSDA.
Future plans
The MSDA is actively working to finalise agreements with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and Scuba Schools International (SSI), two of the world’s largest diving agencies, to ensure that all diving centres in Mauritius and Rodrigues operate within a unified framework that complies with the highest international standards for safety and training.
About the MSDA
Founded in 1985, the Mauritius Scuba Diving Association is officially recognised by the Mauritian authorities as the national representative body for scuba diving. It oversees the National School of Underwater Activities, affiliated with CMAS, and works to promote safety, professionalism, and the protection of the marine environment within the diving industry.
Email: msda@intnet.mu