Are You Medically Fit?
Professional diving is a very demanding career. It requires a high degree of physical and psychological fitness that means you will need to be very fit initially and will need to keep yourself in top condition. Under the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 (DWR) you will need to pass a thorough medical examination by an Approved Medical Examiner of Divers (AMED), before starting training. There is an HSE database of approved AMEDs all which are trained in diving medicine. The following medical conditions are likely to prevent you from diving or restrict the type of diving that you do:
- Disease of the heart and circulation, including high blood pressure, angina, chest pains and palpitations
- Collapsed lung/pneumothorax
- Other chest problems or lung disease
- Ear, nose, throat or sinus problems
- Persistent stomach or intestinal problems
- Mental illness
- Epilepsy or childhood convulsions
- Claustrophobia or severe motion sickness
- Severe migraines
- Disease of the brain or nervous system such as strokes or multiple sclerosis
- Blackouts or recurring fainting
- Injury or surgery to the head or spine
- Skin problems
- Blood disorders
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Pregnancy – A diver who is pregnant or who suspects she may be pregnant should not dive.
Medical Examination
Before beginning training and or assessment you must pass an initial medical examination carried out by an AMED to ensure you are medically fit to dive. The AMED also needs to make you aware of any underlying health problems, which could affect your fitness in the future. If you pass the medical you will be issued with a certificate of medical fitness to dive, which is valid for up to 12 months. This must be renewed annually and will include a fitness test.
Download our MA1 Form – Medical Questionnaire for Diving at Work