HSE Commercial Diver Medicals
As per the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, those who dive as part of their work must have a valid certificate of fitness to dive issued by an Approved Medical Examiner of Divers (AMED). AMEDs are approved by HSE to conduct statutory medical examinations on divers to ensure they are fit to dive. Dr Sarah Zacheshigriva is an AMED and you can book your appointment on this website.
Why are HSE diver medicals required?
There are many varied roles where diving is necessary for work. These include recreational SCUBA instructors, aquarium divers, archeological work, media, inshore civil work, maintenance of underwater structures, and offshore saturation diving. Whilst these roles all share the basic physics of diving, the environments and demands of the role vary significantly.
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The medicals are designed to check for any health or fitness problems that may risk harm whilst at work to divers, their colleagues and others who may be nearby.
How do I book my medical?
If this is your first commercial medical, or if your previous medical has expired (ie. >12 months old), then you will need to ask your GP to complete a short questionnaire about your medical history (a link to this can be found here). Once you have this back from your GP you can email it to info@scottishmedicals.co.uk then book your HSE Initial Commercial Diver medical. We would advise that you are sure you have your GP questionnaire completed prior to booking your appointment.
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Alternatively, if you have had a previous HSE diver medical within the last 12 months, you can email your previous report to info@scottishmedicals.co.uk, and book a HSE Renewal Commercial Diver Medical.
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Booking is easy online. Just choose your medical, your date and time, and enter your details to book.
FAQs:
Common booking questions answered...
1. My diver medical has expired, which medical should I book?
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If you're medical is going to expire and your appointment is within 24 hours of your expiry date, you can book a renewal medical. If your medical is going to expire for a longer period than this, you will need to book an initial medical.
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2. How can I avoid my medical expiring again in the future?
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You don't need to wait until last minute to book your medical. We take bookings 2-3 months in advance. Once you have booked one appointment with us, you will get a reminder email from us when it is time to book your next appointment.
You can book an appointment within a month of your previous expiry date, and you will not loose time on your next expiry date, similar to when you book your car for an M.O.T. For example, if your current medical report expires on 10/10/24, your next appointment can be any date from the 10/09/24, and your next report will still expire 10/10/25.
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3. How can I get my GP to complete the GP questionnaire?
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You do not need to book an appointment with your GP for this. Print out the GP questionnaire and hand it to your GP receptionists and ask if the GP can complete this for you. Completing the GP questionnaire is not part of the normal NHS workload for the GP. Your GP is entitled to charge you for the time it takes them to check through your medical notes and complete the form. Depending on your medical history, this may take longer for some than others, and they usually charge for the time it takes them to complete this work. They also prioritise NHS work, so in some busier practices it may take up to 6 weeks for them to complete the questionnaire. Due to this, we would advise that you contact them as soon as you can once you realise that you need an initial diver medical. GPs are not trained to form an opinion on your fitness to dive. At first, they may assume the questionnaire is asking this of them, and for this reason, may initially be reluctant to complete this form. However, reassuring them that they are not being asked to form an opinion on your fitness to dive can be helpful. Further support for GPs is available if they would like to contact info@scottishmedicals.co.uk
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3. I am previously a diver for the MOD, but I no longer do this, and now I would like to be a civilian commercial diver, which medical should I book?
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Although you would have had medicals from your MOD doctor in the past, these are not the same as the HSE medicals. You will need to ask either your MOD doctor, or your GP to complete the GP questionnaire and book an Initial HSE diver medical.
What happens during and after my medical?
During your diver medical:
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You will be asked to provide photographic ID.
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You will discuss your medical and work history.
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An appropriate examination will be completed as per the standardised HSE guidance for examination of divers.
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Routine tests will include:
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Vision Test (bring your glasses if you have them)
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Spirometry (breathing test)
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Urine Test (checking for glucose, protein and blood)
An exercise test called the Chester Step Test (bring trainers and gym clothing)
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If indicated other tests may include:
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ECG to check heart rhythm.
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In most cases, a decision regarding your fitness to work as a diver will be made by the end of your appointment, based on the HSE standards. We will discuss these, and also discuss any potential areas that may become a problem for you in the future, so that you can address these.
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Your certificate will last a maximum of 1 year, at which point you will need to arrange a HSE Renewal Diver medical.
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After your medical:
Occassionally, medical conditions are identified from the medical that we need to collect further information and investigations for. This may include, with your consent, writing to your GP or consultant for further information, and liaising with the HSE diver specialist of that area. Eg. cardiology. In these cases, decisions on fitness to dive may be delayed until further information is available. Following discussion with the specialists, you may be found fit to dive, unfit to dive, or fit with a short term certificate, or fit to dive with some restrictions to your work (eg. depth).
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If you are ever found unfit to dive, or fit with restrictions to your work, then you can appeal this decision with the HSE within 28 days.
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