SCUBA Diving Medical Assessments
A SCUBA diving medical assessment ensures you’re physically and medically fit to safely SCUBA dive.
Who Needs a Diving Medical?
New Recreational Divers
If you’re enrolling in a SCUBA diving course for the first time, you’ll need a diving medical assessment before you can begin open water training. This is a standard requirement across all diving certification agencies.
Divers with Health Conditions and Divers aged 45 years and over
If you’re an active diver and experience any significant changes in your health—such as a new medical diagnosis, surgery, injury, or change in medication—you should get a medical reassessment before returning to diving. Divers aged 45 years and over have higher cardiovascular risks and should undertake a medical assessment regularly.
Professional/Occupational Divers
Commercial divers must undergo more rigorous medical examinations annually, following the AS/NZS 2299.1 Standard. These must be performed by doctors specifically qualified in occupational diving medicine.
Why Diving Medicals are Important?
Diving places unique physiological stresses on your body that don’t occur in everyday life. A diving medical helps identify conditions that could become dangerous underwater and should be undertaken by a doctor with specific training in diving and hyperbaric medicine. These doctors understand the unique risks and physiological challenges of diving.
Cardiovascular Fitness
Diving involves moderate to peak physical exertion, especially in challenging conditions or emergencies. About one-third of diving fatalities in people over 45 involve cardiac events. Your heart needs to be strong enough to handle the demands.
Respiratory Health
Your lungs must equalise pressure changes and handle compressed air safely. Conditions like asthma, lung disease, or previous lung injuries need careful evaluation to prevent life-threatening pulmonary barotrauma.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Function
The ability to equalise pressure in your ears and sinuses is critical. Blocked Eustachian tubes or chronic sinus problems can lead to painful barotrauma or perforated eardrums.
Neurological Conditions
Seizure disorders, stroke history, or other neurological issues can be catastrophic underwater where maintaining consciousness is essential for survival.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
Insulin-dependent diabetics face specific risks. A sudden drop in blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) underwater can lead to loss of consciousness and drowning. Special guidelines exist for diabetics who wish to dive.
Physical Fitness and Mobility
You need adequate strength, flexibility, and swimming ability to handle equipment, manage currents, and respond to emergencies.
Important Note on Cardiovascular Risk
For divers aged 45 and over, enhanced cardiovascular screening is strongly recommended, depending on your individual risk profile. Given that cardiac events are a leading cause of diving fatalities in this age group, this screening can be life-saving.
What do I bring to my Diving Medical?
Please bring:
A health summary from your GP including:
A list of all current medications (including supplements)
Your medical history, including any previous surgeries or hospitalisations
Recent test results if you have them (blood tests, ECGs, lung function tests, scans etc.)
Medical Specialist’s letters
Audiometry (hearing test) report
Prescription glasses or contact lenses (if required)
What happens during a Diving Medical?
A SCUBA diving medical assessment is thorough and specific to the demands of diving. Your medical will be completed in two parts – an initial 45 minute consultation and a 15-45 minute follow up consultation at a later date to complete your assessment.
Initial Consultation (up to 45 minutes)
1. Comprehensive Questionnaire
You will complete a detailed health questionnaire with Dr Lee covering your medical history, current conditions, medications, surgeries, and family health history. Be honest—withholding information puts your life at risk.
2. Physical Examination
Dr Lee will perform a thorough physical exam including:
– Cardiovascular examination
– Respiratory examination
– Ear, nose, and throat examination
– Neurological assessment
– Vision and hearing assessment
– Evaluation of overall fitness and mobility
3. Additional Testing
Dr Lee will refer you for an ECG and lung function test. He may refer you for other testing and/or specialist review if required.
Review Consultation (15-45 minutes)
Once you have completed your initial consultation and additional testing, Dr Lee will review your results in a second consultation. Dr Lee will provide a medical statement outlining whether you are fit to dive and any restrictions. This statement should be given to your diving training establishment or employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a diving medical certificate valid?
This varies based on age and health conditions. For healthy adults under 45, a medical is typically valid for 2-3 years. For those over 45 or with certain health conditions, annual assessments may be recommended. Commercial diving certification is valid for 12 months.
How much does a diving medical cost?
Fee | |
Initial medical consultation 45 minutes | $432 |
Spirometry (lung function test) | $148 |
ECG | As per external provider |
Other testing/referrals | Depending on requirements |
Review medical consultation | $144-$432 depending on the length of consultation |
Is a diving medical covered by Medicare or private health insurance?
Diving medicals are considered pre-employment or recreational assessments and are not covered by Medicare or most private health insurance. Commercial certification may be claimed as a work related expense (seek professional advice).
What if I fail my diving medical?
“Failing” doesn’t necessarily mean you can never dive. The doctor may:
– Recommend treatment or management of a condition before reassessment
– Refer you to a specialist for further evaluation
– Suggest diving restrictions (depth limits, buddy requirements, etc.)
– Require additional testing
In some cases, certain medical conditions may permanently prevent safe diving, but many issues can be addressed or managed.
I got certified years ago but haven't dived recently. Do I need a new medical?
If your previous medical certificate has expired or if you’ve had any significant health changes, yes. Even if your medical is technically still valid, it’s wise to get reassessed if you’ve been inactive for several years or if you’re over 45.
Additional Resources
Recreation Diving
For more detailed information about recreational diving medical standards and guidelines, visit the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) website at spums.au
Commercial/Occupational Diving
For further information about commercial/occupational diver medicals, visit the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS) website at adas.org.au
Emergency Diving Contacts
In the event of a diving emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately (000 in Australia) and seek specialised diving medicine support.
Dr Malcolm Lee is SPUMS certified to complete recreational and commercial SCUBA diving medicals for those aged 16 years and over.
Your First Appointment
You can book directly online or via phone with our receptionist with Doctor Malcolm Lee, no referral needed.
Your 45-Minute initial consultation takes a whole-person approach, covering:
- Complete detailed health questionnaire
- Physical Examination
- Additional Testing Referral