It would also save divers the cost of examination until a specific area of concern arises. The system has been devised by the nine doctors who make up the UK Sport Diving Medical Committee. Following a consultation process, which reports during May, the scheme is expected to be accepted by the clubs imminently, given a positive response. If introduced, it would also be made available to divers who do not belong to any organisation. The move would bring clubs closer to PADI, which provides divers with a Recreational Scuba Training Council Medical Form containing a questionnaire.
Any affirmative replies mean that the client needs to obtain medical clearance for diving.
An official statement concluded that the questionnaire part of the proposed form was the most useful way of screening members to see if further assessment was required. Under the present system, GP medicals are required of new members, existing members under 40 every five years, 40-50 every three years, and annually for members over 50. UK SDMC member Dr Chris Edge, who also advises the BSAC on medical matters, expects the new system to be more popular than the old. A lackadaisical approach by some GPs was also a factor in the move for change, added Edge. We have evidence of cases where certification of medical fitness to dive was granted to people with asthma, and others with diabetes, possibly because the doctor had simply not read guidance notes properly.