Sport Diver Medicals
We can help with all recreational diving medicals. Whether you dive with PADI/BSAC/ScotSAC or any other SCUBA diving organisation we can advise on your fitness to dive.
Why do I need a Recreational Diving Medical?
SCUBA diving is a wonderful sport and opens up a world of new adventures to those who are lucky enough to have had the opportunity to learn to dive. However, there are risks to diving, particularly if you have underlying health problems.
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When joining a dive course, or booking a diving holiday, most people will be asked to declare whether they have any health problems. This is commonly done via a self declaration form. If you answer "yes" to having any of the listed health problems you will be advised to seek the view of a diving doctor prior to diving. This process is in-place to reduce the risk of you, and the others around you, coming to harm whilst diving. It is recommended to be as honest as possible when completing these forms, as otherwise your travel, medical, and life insurance may not cover any future incidents.
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Prudent divers also book regular recreational diver medicals for reassurance on their fitness to dive, particularly if they are new to the sport, or planning a change to the type of diving they do.
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How do I book my Recreational Diver Medical?
Booking is easy online, but we do request that you send over some information by email prior to booking to info@scottishmedicals.co.uk
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The following things are required by email:
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A copy of your completed self-declaration form. If you are unsure where to find these, you can find a link to the PADI/DAN form here, and the BSAC/UKDMC form here. If you are unsure which you require, please check with your organisation/dive school.
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A copy of your GP summary. You don't need to make an appointment with your GP to get this. All you need to do is ask your GP receptionist for a print out of your GP summary sheet. It is sometimes called the "Housecall summary". It is usually 2-3 pages that list your brief past medical history, prescribed medication, and allergies. There should not be a charge from your GP to provide this for you.
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If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you will need to ask your GP to complete the following form. Your GP may charge you for completing this.
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If you have been diagnosed with a mental health condition and you are currently taking medication or seeing a pscyhologist, you will need to ask your GP or pscyhologist to complete the following form. Your GP may charge you for completing this.
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Once you have sent the above paperwork by email, you can now book online, by choosing a Recreational Diver Medical, your prefered date and time, and completing your details to book.
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Nb: Not all declared medical conditions need an appointment to be signed off as fit to dive. If you have a minor condition and you are unsure if you need an appointment, please email info@scottishmedicals.co.uk for further advice and support.
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FAQs
Common Questions when booking a Recreational Diver Medical...
1. Can my usual GP sign off my diving medical certificate?
Your certificate should be signed by a doctor who has had further training on diving related illnesses. This is not part of the usual GP training and it is unlikely that your GP will have this expertise. Doctors who are able to advise on recreational diving are listed on the UKDMC website.
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2. I live far away, do I need an appointment, or can this be done online?
Unfortunately, you may live far away from a UKDMC registered doctors, and we do try and accommodate this. Many health problems need to be assessed in person, such as those with asthma, as an examination will be required. However, some can be done with an eConsult, over email, for a charge of £50. If you aren't sure, please ask when you send over your medical information prior to booking.
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3. How often do I need a recreational diving medical?
You can opt to have a recreational dive medical as often as you would like, but I would suggest anything more than annually would be excessive. Usually it would be required to do an annual self declaration form, and only require a medical if you have opted to "yes" within the form. If you have any ongoing health problems, your diving doctor will be able to advise how often you need to be reviewed. Many previous conditions will not be required to be checked again, but some such as hypertension, would benefit from an annual check.
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4. Why can't you see divers aged under 18 years old at the clinic?
This clinic is based in a premesis with a rental agreement where there should be no persons aged under 18 on the premesis at any time.
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5. I have a diving holiday booked and I need my medical ASAP...
We try and accommodate last minute requests, however this is not always possible. We will still require the pre-appointment paperwork from your GP. If we need to clarify any medical issues with your GP, specialist, or another diver specialist, then this will take further time. To avoid the disappointment of not diving on your holiday, we would advise arranging your medical prior to booking your holiday.
What happens during and after my medical?
During your medical:
You will be asked to provide photographic ID
You will discuss your medical and diving history.
An appropriate examination will be completed targeted to the medical concerns from your history.
Routine tests may include:
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Vision test (bring your glasses with you)
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Spirometry (breathing tests)
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Exercise tests (bring trainers and gym clothing)
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Urine test
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ECG to check heart rhythm
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In most cases, a decision regarding your fitness to dive will be made by the end of your appointment. We will also discuss any areas that may become a problem to your health and diving in the future, to help navigate and avoid these as best possible.
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After your medical:
Occassionally, medical conditions are identified that require further information from your GP/consultant, further investigations, or advise from the UKDMC diver specialists. This would mean a delay to the decision regarding your fitness to dive until this is completed to ensure your safety.
