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  • info@erahealth.com.au
  • 03 9944 6200
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Diving Medicals

2024 Patient survey results and response

Era Health provides initial and annual recreational and occupational diving medicals, and manages medical conditions caused by diving. These examinations and medical management are conducted by experienced doctors who have undertaken an approved course of training in underwater medicine at the School of Underwater Medicine, HMAS Penguin, Sydney, and who have been accredited by SPUMS.

The medical examinations are conducted in accordance with AS 4005.1 (for recreational divers) and AS 2299 (for occupational divers).

For recreational divers, the medical examination consists of:

  • Completion of a medical questionnaire regarding past and current health.
  • A physical examination
  • A urine analysis
  • An assessment of your vision
  • An assessment of lung function
  • An assessment of hearing

In some cases, an ECG and chest X-ray may also be required.

For those with certain pre-existing medical conditions, it may be necessary for the examining doctor to speak with either your general practitioner or specialist.

FAQ

Australia is a great place to go diving, which is why people travel from around the world to surf, dive and enjoy the crystal blue seas. Diving has its share of risks, and many of them revolve around a person’s short and long-term health.
Diving medicals are a necessity because the damage done by diving can cause permanent harm without treatment, and if you wish to dive again, then you need to make sure you are in peak condition.
If you are a recreational diver, then the test will ask questions of your current and past medical problems or issues.
  • Your lung function, vision, and hearing will be tested.
  • You will be given a physical examination, and your urine will be analyzed.
  • Any pre-existing conditions will be addressed.
  • Further screening and tests may be conducted if issues are found.
  • You may have to undergo a chest X-ray and an ECG.
If you are an occupational diver, then the specifications regarding your medical exam will be dictated by your employer, who is probably taking advice from their insurers. Having an occupational diving medical is good for if you work:
  • In the media
  • Offshore and inland commercial
  • Archaeology
  • Sports divers
  • Recreational/sporting diving instructors
Any occupational tests may involve a myriad of extra tests, with most involving a physical examination entailing an exercise test and a full blood count.

According to Medicare Australia, “the general privacy requirements for video consultations, relating to confidentiality, patient consent, and security of patient information and medical records, are the same as for face-to-face consultations. Video consultations bring a new dimension to privacy requirements given that they involve the transmission of sound, images, and other data relating to the consultation. Video consultations should be conducted using secure infrastructure or encryption. If the possibility of third-party interception exists, the patient should be told and asked for their consent to proceed.”

The things you should know

  • Most exams last around an hour.
  • Bring proof of any medical conditions that Era Health are not aware of.
  • Bring details of any recent health changes.
  • Bring any dive qualifications.
  • Bring proof of your identity.
  • Wear suitable clothing and underwear.

Avoid things that affect your pulse rate

It is a good idea to avoid things that will affect your pulse rate. This is especially true if your diving medical has an exercise section, such as the Chester step exercise test, in it. Even if your exam will not have a physical exercise section, you should do all you can to avoid affecting your pulse rate.