While offshore diving, there is a requirement that one member of a dive team who is not diving, other than the supervisor, should be trained in advance first aid - generally referred to as a 'diver medic'. Diver medic training requires refresher training at regular (three-yearly) intervals.

In the UK with the introduction of the new Diving at Work Regulations 1997, HSE (the UK Health & Safety Executive) ceased to have statutory responsibility to approve and monitor diver medic training and at that time sought for IMCA to take over this role. After discussion with training establishments, the HSE and IMCA's medical advisers, IMCA agreed to take on the role of auditing diver medic training establishments to an agreed syllabus and to issue certificates of IMCA recognition.

The scheme has subsequently seen wide international adoption, with training establishments approved around the world.

This document sets out the arrangements IMCA has put in place to recognise training establishments offering diver medic training.