Medical Examination of Divers
The IMCA International Code of Practice for Offshore Diving (IMCA D 014) requires divers to have valid certificates of medical fitness to dive issued by suitable doctors, for which an annual medical is required. This is an essential requirement - even a minor illness, such as the common cold or a dental problem, can have serious effects on a diver under pressure, let alone more serious health problems.
The medical examination looks at the diver’s overall fitness for purpose. It includes the main systems of the body - cardio-vascular system, respiratory system, central nervous system - and ears, nose and throat, capacity for exercise, vision and dentition.
The importance of a full medical carried out by a doctor who is not only fully qualified as a medical practitioner, but who also has a sound knowledge of diving medicine, hyperbaric physiology and of the scope, nature and organisation of commercial offshore diving work, cannot be understated. For this reason, contractors world-wide have, until recently, relied on the recognition provided by the UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to suitable doctors carrying out these medicals.
Despite extensive lobbying by IMCA, HSE withdrew such recognition at the end of September 2001 (although continuing and enhancing its approval arrangements for doctors based in the UK). In the absence of any suitable international alternative, it is up to each diving contractor to identify doctors with such qualifications and facilities to perform annual medical examinations on divers.
To assist IMCA's contractor members in identifying appropriately qualified doctors in their region, the association has produced an information note (IMCA D 20/01) which provides guidance for IMCA members, based on the UK requirements, covering:
- doctors' qualifications and experience;
- equipment needs;
- key elements in the medical examination.
It should be noted that IMCA is not involved in the approval of doctors for carrying out diver medicals, but merely aims to assist its members by providing guidance on aspects to be considered when considering company-recognition of a doctor.
Training in Diving Medicine
IMCA is pleased to note a the development of a scheme for the approval of training in diving medicine by the independent Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC) and the Medical Subcommittee of the European Diving Technology Committee (EDTCmed).
Two levels of approval are available:
- Level I - Medical assessment of divers (Medical Examiner of Divers)
- Level IIa - Medical management of diving accidents and illnesses (Competence in Diving Medicine)
Full details on this scheme, including the list of currently recognised establishments, can be found on the DMAC website at www.dmac-diving.org
It is emphasised that DMAC/EDTCmed will approve only the courses and not the competence of those who have attended them. Further, it is restated that IMCA itself does not approve individual doctors to undertake diving medicals.
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