The Health and Safety Executive has issued new guidance in respect of the requirements for diver’s certificate of medical fitness during the current coronavirus situation. If you have a 12 months certificate of medical fitness to dive that expires on or after 16 March 2020, and you cannot get a medical re-examination with an approved medical examiner of divers (AMED) because of coronavirus, your certificate may be accepted until 1 June 2020. 

To qualify for the extension, you must be able to explain why you have not been able to take a medical examination and demonstrate what steps you have taken to try to get one. You will need to confirm that you have not been diagnosed with or suffered any illness or injury that could impact on your medical fitness to dive. 

Any diver who does not hold a current certificate of medical fitness to dive issued by an AMED on or before 16 March 2020 must undertake a full examination.

First Aid Certificates 

Anyone with Offshore Medic (OM), Offshore First Aid (OFA), First Aid at Work (FAW) or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificates who cannot access re-qualification training because of coronavirus should see a separate guidance on renewing first aid qualifications during coronavirus. The International Maritime Contractors Association (IMCA) has advice on IMCA recognised Diver Medic certification.

If you require health and safety advice contact one of our team.