Divemaster medical.

[Martyn Ward]

Subject to gaining access to next year's toy allowance, I'm contemplating having a bash at PADI DM this coming winter.

Do I need a full HSE medical to start with, even though I don't intend to work in diving at the moment, or will an ordinary sport diving medical suffice?

Thanks in advance.

[sch]

I'd say that if you think you might work at some point in the future, it'd be worth it to get the HSE just to check out that's there's nothing that'll cause you problems in the future.

If you're doing the course for the experience and extra knowledge then I'd just stick with the ordinary medical - although that depends on how the cost of an ordinary medical compares with the HSE one.

Simon

[Jay]

You don't need a full HSE medical (i.e. x-rays etc) but you will need a reduced HSE medical (as opposed to simply having your GP sign you off as dive fit) before you can apply for your cert card (as I remember it anyway). Expect to pay about £50 for your medical and you will need it annually.

[Fiona]

When I did mine the only medical I had was my BSAC medical form, although it wasn't the self certification ones they have now.

Don't know if the rules have changed though. Maybe if you actually want the be paid for DMing you will need something more.

[wreckweasel]

It looks like people have already posted all the relevant bits. One thing I'd add, is that I reckon its worth having the HSE medical for your own peace of mind.

You're looking at around £140 for your first medical (including all blood work) and then another £80 each time you want to redo it (blood work is only on the 1st medical).

[willc]

PADI simply require that the you have a medical signed by a physician certifying that you are fit to dive. There is no requirement that it be an HSE one or a modified HSE one.

I have corresponded with the HSE something over a year ago about what their requirements are. They told me that the Divemaster trainee did not require an HSE medical provided he was not being paid and provided that he was genuinely in training on the dive in question. They did recommend that all Divemaster trainees have a full HSE medical both to avoid any grey areas and also because they suggested that most Divemaster trainees would not be too thrilled to go through the entire course and then find they were not able to function as Divemasters in this country because they failed the medical.

[parahandy]

This HSE Medical Requirment seems rather vague to me, and seems to pinion on if you are actually getting payment.

Would recieving free air whilst helping out a certified instructor be recieving payment in kind?

Would having a free place on a boat whilst the others pay accompanying Trainees also fall under the same criteria?

I'm not saying theres anything wrong with either of the above practices

The point being here seems to be the HSE maybe arn't that bothered until the crap hits the fan in the case of an incident and claim.

The reality is and continues to be one of the reasons why most instructors and DM's choose to play their wares abroad.

The jobs not finished till the paperworks done pheeeeeeeeeeeeeeew

[sch]

Originally Posted by parahandy

This HSE Medical Requirment seems rather vague to me, and seems to pinion on if you are actually getting payment.

Would recieving free air whilst helping out a certified instructor be recieving payment in kind?

From my conversations with the HSE, yes.

Would having a free place on a boat whilst the others pay accompanying Trainees also fall under the same criteria?

again yes

The point being here seems to be the HSE maybe arn't that bothered until the crap hits the fan in the case of an incident and claim.

When we were checked out by the HSE one day (we were told we did on this BTW, exceeding what was needed), we had a chat with them about this - instructors obviously need HSE medicals. Apparently this applies even if you're doing somebody a freeby course as a favour (i.e. friends and family).

We asked about DM's and HSE medicals and we were told

We'd recommend it

I pushed a bit more and asked if it was compulsory, and was told no, but its recommended. Of course, what they would say if there was an accident and it ended up in court is a different matter.

But there again, this applies to so much of what the HSE say - some of it's definite i.e. risk assessments, project plans etc but a lot of it is a bit vague, depends on who you ask, which way the wind's blowing and you'll never know if you've got everything right until it goes to court one day

Simon

[Scuba1]

If you are not planning to work as a DM why dont you do your Master scuba diver instead.

Michael