Competitive freediving continues to evolve in search of higher standards of safety, organization, and technological adaptation. In this context, the International Association for the Development of Apnea (AIDA) officially announced the implementation of version 17.8 of its Competition Regulations, a document that will govern all World Freediving Championship events starting on May 25, 2026. The update was approved by the AIDA Assembly during the annual vote held in March and represents one of the most significant regulatory adjustments in recent years for the sport.
The introduced modifications not only affect technical aspects of competition, but also the way athletes, coaches, and judges interact during international events. From the expanded use of electronic monitoring devices to changes in jury composition and limits established for depth disciplines, the new regulations reflect a clear intention to modernize the competitive structure of freediving. At the same time, AIDA announced that throughout 2026 it will work on a future full reorganization of its rules, separating regulations according to the different competition areas and formats.
Technology and flexibility take center stage in the new regulations
One of the most significant changes in version 17.8 is related to the use of electronic monitoring devices. From now on, athletes and their coaches will be allowed to use any technological tool to supervise the competitor’s performance and physical condition, even during static apnea events. The removal of the previous restriction in this discipline marks an important shift toward a more open integration of technology within the sport, especially in events where physiological monitoring is essential for safety and performance.
Another major modification concerns depth disciplines, specifically CNF (Constant Weight No Fins). The new regulations establish that announced depths by athletes will now be limited to a maximum of three meters beyond the depth previously certified to the organizer during the last three months. The measure seeks to strengthen competitive control and reduce excessive differences between declared performances and actual capability. However, the previous five-meter margin will remain in place for the other depth disciplines, showing that AIDA chose to apply specific adjustments according to the characteristics of each event.
World Championships modify their competitive and officiating structure
The update also introduces important changes to the development of the World Championships. Among them is the elimination of mandatory minimum intervals between extra attempts in both static and dynamic apnea. Until now, regulations required 14-minute intervals in static apnea and 10-minute intervals in dynamic apnea, rules that were removed in order to provide greater operational flexibility to event organizers and competition scheduling.
At the same time, AIDA redefined the official jury composition for world championships. Under the new version, the officiating body will consist of two AI judges, two B judges, and two C or D judges, although the organization recommended that at least four members hold AI or B certification. This adjustment aims to strengthen the quality and consistency of officiating decisions at the most important international events. Alongside these modifications, the Assembly approved moving forward with a future comprehensive restructuring of the regulations, which will be divided into separate documents for pool competitions, depth disciplines, organizers, and world championships, a process that will be developed progressively throughout 2026.
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