Diving Medical Examination
What is a Diving Medical Examination?
A diving medical examination consist of physical examination and special tests done to prevent diving injuries and diving-related illnesses. It is also done to comply with diving regulations of military and commercial diving. Diving medical examinations are done by a medical doctor specially trained in Diving Medicine, assisted by trained paramedics.
Why do Diving Medical Examinations?
Divers are exposed to pressure while diving. The pressure changes can cause alterations in bodily functions. Fit and healthy divers can tolerate these physiological changes well. However, for some people, these changes can cause illnesses which may be dangerous or even fatal.
A diving medical examination is done:
- to detect illnesses which may be unsuitable for diving activities
- to continuously monitor divers health, so that if an illness from diving should occur, it can be detected and treated early
- to provide baseline health status for future reference / comparison
Each diver is also given customised health advice appropriate to his/her health condition during a diving medical examination t IUHM.
Who should undergo Diving Medical Examinations?
- Military Divers.
Military divers are required to perform a diving medical examination before they start diving, and annually afterwards. Diving medical examinations are done to ensure military divers are protected from ill health that may occur from diving, and to ensure their operational readiness. - Commercial Divers.
Working divers dive regularly and rigorously. Fitness to continue working are important for their livelihood. Although there are no local regulations requiring diving medical examinations for commercial divers, many companies adopt international standards which requires annual diving medical examinations. - Recreational Divers.
Recreational diving is less rigourous and less technical than military or commercial diving. However, diving illnesses and injuries do occur frequently during recreational dives. Although there is no legal / regulatory requirement for recreational divers to undergo diving medical examinations, it is recommended that recreational divers undergo diving medical examinations on a regular basis. This is especially so for aging divers and those who has had intercurrent illness.
What tests and examinations are done?
- Medical / Diving History
- Physical Examination
- Blood and Urine Tests:
- Full blood count
- Erythorcyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
- Random blood sugar
- Serum Lipids (for divers over 35 years of age)
- Urine screening test
- X-ray
- Chest X-ray
- Long bone x-ray (for deep / mixed gas divers)
- Special investigations
- Spirometry (lung function test)
- Pure Tone Audiogram (hearing test)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What happens if any of the tests are abnormal?
Abnormal test results are usually repeated to see if it is really abnormal. Sometimes additional tests are done to confirm or to look at the extent of abnormalities. Abnormal test results does not necessarily mean that the diver should not dive. The diving medical officer will discuss the abnormalities after the examination, and explain how these results may affect your health as a diver.
How long does it take?
A diving medical examination usually takes 2 days. Blood tests, x-ray and special investigations are done on the first day. This usually takes 2 hours. Once the test results are available (usually the next day), you will be seen by the Diving Medical Officer for a physical examination and a review of the test results. A medical examination report will be handed to you after the examination.
How long does the certification last?
A certificate of fitness to dive is valid for 1 year. However, if in the meanwhile you suffer from a diving illness, injury or any illness requiring hospital admission, you should repeat a diving medical immediately before starting to dive again.
Where can I get a Diving Medical Examination done?
The Institute of Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine in Armed Forces Hospital Lumut perform diving medical examinations as part of an overall strategy to prevent diving illnesses and injuries in our country.
How do I make an appointment?
Call IUHM at (05-681 9491). You will be given an appointment date immediately.
What do I need to bring?
You should bring along your previous health records and diving log book for the Diving Medical Officer to see and record your health status.