May 2nd, 2011
A Commercial DIVERS Medical is not the same as a sport divers medical, you must go to an approved WORKSAFE BC dive doctor or an approved DCBC dive doctor. You can get the doctor list from the following places:
- DIVESAFE INTERNATIONAL - email us at info [at] divesafe [dot] com or phone us and we will be happy to mail you a copy 1-888-325-3483(DIVE)
- WORKSAFE BC website
- DCBC website
The doctors appointment is more extensive than a regular sport divers medical. The appointment will entail (but possibly not limited to...) the following:
- An extensive questionnaire
- general checkup
- sight test
- blood pressure test
The doctor will then send you off to the hospital or lab to get a few other tests. These tests may include:
- Blood test
- hearing test
- long bone x-rays
- stress test
The cost of the medical varies depending on the doctor, but it usually falls between $180 - $700.
The variation in cost is due to the following:
- 1st time to get a divers medical or are you a return diver
- age (over 40 - you need to do a stress test every 5 years, over 50 you need to do a stress test every year)
- previous experiences (both as a diver and in your personal life)
- type of diving you will be doing
- doctors decision
- 1 day divers medical
The time frame for the completion of the DIVERS medical can take up to 3 or 4 weeks. BUT Don't panic... most medicals can be completed in a week. And there are two doctors that can do the complete process for you in 1 day. Many students coming from out of the country - stop in Vancouver and get their divers medical done in 1 day - then - continue up to Campbell Riviera. The time frame of the medical depends on the following:
- 1st time to get a divers medical or are you a return diver
- age (over 40 - you need to do a stress test every 5 years, over 50 you need to do a stress test every year)
- previous experiences (both as a diver and in your personal life)
- type of diving you will be doing
- doctors decision
PLEASE NOTE - IF YOU HAVE HAD ASTHMA OR ARE CURRENTLY ON ASTHMA MEDICATION - talk to your personal doctor before spending the money to get your commercial divers medical.