HSE Commercial Diving Medical

At your HSE Commercial Diving medical examination

(Approximately 45min)

Registration

• Completion of a medical questionnaire.
• A picture ID such as passport or driving licence will be checked by a member of the team.
• A urine sample will be obtained to look for protein, glucose, and blood.

Medical History

• GP will enquire about the patients’ medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, surgeries, medications, or disabilities.
• Health questionnaire will form part of the appointment.

Physical Examination

• Audiogram hearing test if it is the first HSE medical.
• Blood pressure, Weight (BMI), Height, Pulse and oxygen levels will be tested.
• Discussion with a doctor regarding any existing health issues and medication
• Listening to the patients breathing and heart sounds with a stethoscope.
• External examination/ feel of the abdomen.
• Examination of the nervous system, looking at tone, power, reflexes, sensation, and coordination.
• Examination of the eyes and other nerves in the face
• Sight test- Distance only, with each eye done separately, with or without glasses.
• Sight and Ishihara test to measure colour blindness.
• Balance Assessment and nerve test for the back of the brain.
• General movement of the back and neck.
• Lung capacity and breathing will be checked using a spirometry test.
• Ears will be checked with an otoscope.
• Chester step test to look at fitness levels.

Once the examination is complete, the Doctor will make a decision as to whether the patient has passed or whether they require additional tests before receiving a signed certificate to take away.

These free re-tests may include another blood pressure reading at a later date if it is found to be too high at the appointment, or the doctor may want to review a copy of the patient’s medical notes from their registered GP.

Additional information surrounding the medical examination and assessment of commercial divers can be found on the HSE website, https://www.hse.gov.uk/diving/ or through their guidance document, https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ma1.pdf

Please be aware that in line with HSE guidance prospective divers with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of more than 35 will be found unfit to dive.

At AC Medical Services you can rest assured that our team of experts are on hand to help and support every step of the way.

If you have any other questions or queries, please get in touch with us at enquiries@acmedical.co.uk

All appointments with The AC Medical Group are audio recorded. Please let us know If you would like a trained chaperone for your appointment.