Emissions Reduction Standard

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Emissions Reduction Standard (ERS)

Operational Policy Document – Version 1.0

Document Control

• Policy Owner: Operations Manager
• Approved  By: Director, Scuba Obsession
• Version: 1.0
• Effective Date: 28 May 2026
• Review Cycle: Annual
• Next Review: May 2027

1. Policy Purpose

The purpose of the Emissions Reduction Standard (ERS) is to formalise Scuba Obsession’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all operations, safeguarding Western Australia’s marine ecosystems, and leading the local dive community in sustainable practice.

This policy establishes measurable targets, operational requirements, and accountability structures to ensure continuous improvement.

2. Scope

This standard applies to all Scuba Obsession activities, including:

• Vessel operations
• Training and certification programs
• Retail and equipment servicing
• Events and community engagement
• Administrative and digital operations

All staff, contractors, volunteers, and partners are required to comply with this policy.

3. Emissions Reduction Targets

Scuba Obsession commits to the following measurable targets:

• 20% reduction in vessel fuel emissions by 2028
• 50% reduction in non‑recyclable waste by 2027
• 30% reduction in electricity consumption by 2028
• Net‑zero  emissions for all training events by 2030
• Annual public reporting of emissions performance

Targets are reviewed annually and adjusted based on operational capacity and technological advancements.

4. Emissions Categories & Measurement

4.1 Vessel Operations:

• Fuel consumption
• Engine idling time
• Hull and propeller efficiency
• Charter distance and passenger load

4.2 Facilities & Administration:

• Electricity usage
• Air‑conditioning and refrigeration
• Office consumables
• Digital infrastructure

4.3 Training & Events:

• Transport emissions
• Compressor and gas‑fill usage
• Single‑use materials
• Catering and waste

4.4 Equipment & Retail:

• Supplier emissions
• Packaging waste
• Product lifecycle impacts

Quarterly emissions logs must be completed by responsible staff and submitted to the Operations Manager.

5. Operational Requirements & Reduction Strategies

5.1 Vessel Emissions Reduction:

• Implement fuel‑efficient routing for all charters.
• Limit engine idling to 3 minutes unless required for safety.
• Conduct monthly hull and propeller cleaning.
• Use low‑sulphur fuels where available.
• Optimise passenger loads to reduce unnecessary trips.
• Investigate hybrid/electric propulsion options by 2029.

5.2 Facility Energy Reduction:

• Install LED lighting across all facilities.
• Use automatic shut‑off systems for compressors and non‑essential equipment.
• Maintain air‑conditioning at 24°C minimum.
• Transition to solar power by 2028.
• Conduct annual energy audits.

5.3 Waste & Consumables Reduction:

• Replace single‑use plastics with compostable or reusable alternatives.
• Require suppliers to use recyclable or minimal packaging.
• Operate a Gear Recycling Program for old fins, masks, and wetsuits.
• Provide refillable water stations on all charters.
• Compost organic waste from events.

5.4 Sustainable Training & Events:

• Deliver course materials digitally unless accessibility requires print.
• Encourage carpooling or shuttle transport for dive sites.
• Use locally sourced, low‑waste catering.
• Offer carbon‑neutral upgrades for all courses.
• Integrate environmental stewardship into training modules.

5.5 Equipment & Retail Sustainability:

• Prioritise suppliers with ISO 14001 or equivalent certification.
• Stock products with long service life and reparability.
• Offer trade‑in discounts for old equipment.
• Reduce packaging waste by 40% by 2027.
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6. Monitoring, Reporting & Accountability:

6.1 Quarterly Review:

The Operations Manager will review:

• Vessel fuel logs
• Electricity and water usage
• Waste and recycling volumes
• Supplier sustainability performance
• Training and event emissions

6.2 Annual Public Report

Scuba Obsession will publish an annual Sustainability Performance Report, including:

• Emissions data
• Progress toward targets
• Achievements and challenges
• Planned improvements

6.3 Staff Responsibilities:

• Operations Manager: overall compliance and reporting
• Vessel Skippers: fuel logs and vessel efficiency
• Instructors: training emissions and waste reduction
• Retail Manager: sustainable procurement
• Admin Team: digital efficiency and data management

7. Community & Industry Leadership

Scuba Obsession commits to:

• Hosting eco‑focused dive events
• Partnering with conservation groups
• Providing sustainability workshops
• Supporting citizen‑science programs
• Promoting low‑impact diving practices

8. Continuous Improvement

This policy will be reviewed annually and updated based on:

• New technology
• Regulatory changes
• Environmental research
• Staff and customer feedback
• Performance data

Scuba Obsession aims to remain a regional leader in sustainable marine recreation.