Recreational Dive Medicals
Australia is one of the safest destinations in the world to go scuba diving. This is due to its strict safety regulations and Dive Standards. Under these standards recreational divers are required to complete a Recreational SCUBA Diving Medical to the Australian Dive Standard 4005.1 before they are able to train or dive with official diving operators. Dive Medicals have to be conducted by accredited General Practitioners, who have completed a course in Diving Medicine and follow the Dive Standards for Medicals.
Dive Medicals are valid for 12 months. Overseas medicals are not accepted in Australia unless they are considered to be equal to or better than the AS 4005.1 standard.
Our Accredited Scuba Diving Medical Examiners
Dr Chris Rook and Dr Michael Stacey are accredited to conduct Recreational SCUBA Diving Medicals under the Dive Standards. Dr Michael Stacey is also accredited to undertake Commercial Dive Medicals. The Dive Medical focuses on assessing cardiac, pulmonary, ear nose and throat, neurological and general health issues to ensure that the diver is not placed at undue risk. Our doctors can follow up any health conditions that may present during the Dive Medical, or refer these conditions back to your regular GP.
Not everybody is suited to SCUBA diving, and diving against medical advice may put yourself and others at risk in open water. Honest answers to the medical history form are vital. You can pick up a medical form from Globe Medical, or download the SPUMS form from the "Policies and Forms" page to complete prior to your appointment. Where a condition exists that may present a problem with diving, and you are nonetheless keen to dive, our doctors will seek advice from specialists at the Hyperbaric Unit of the Royal Adelaide Hospital. As part of the Dive Medical you will need Lung Function Testing (spirometry) and hearing test, both of which can be performed at Globe Medical. If you are planning to learn to dive as part of an overseas or interstate holiday, it is best to organise your dive medical well ahead of your trip.
Making a Dive Medical Appointment
Please allow approximately 30-45 minutes for the medical with your examiner (excluding ancillary tests with the nurse). Please be aware that a deposit of $80 is payable to secure your appointment time, and will be deducted from your total consultation fee following your appointment. If you are unable to attend your appointment, please let us know by calling 8232 7372 at least 12 hours before your scheduled appointment time. Failure to cancel at least 12 hours prior to your appointment or failure to attend the appointment will result in the deposit being forfeited as a non-attendance fee. If you have any questions about fees payable, please speak with our friendly reception team at the time of making an appointment.