The medical fitness examination for recreational divers
Safety underwater starts on land – with physical fitness. While in the recreational sector the desire for quick and low-cost certification often dominates, at EOBV we focus on thorough education. Professional medical advice is not an obstacle, but the essential prerequisite for a safe sport.
Prevention through specialist medical expertise
The diving fitness examination serves to identify health risks at an early stage. Its aim is to give the diving candidate a clear picture of their ability to cope under hyperbaric conditions.
- Specialist advice: We strongly recommend having the examination carried out by a doctor with additional training in diving medicine. Only then can the specific physiological demands of diving be assessed correctly.
- Independence: The examining doctor acts as an independent expert directly commissioned by the diver. They are your partner for a well-founded risk assessment.
Although there is currently no strict legal requirement for examinations in recreational diving, EOBV takes its duty of care seriously: Our instructors require a valid fitness certificate before the start of every course. This serves not only to protect the diving school, but primarily your personal safety.
Legal provisions for professional use
In contrast to recreational diving, medical fitness in the commercial sector is strictly regulated. EOBV pays meticulous attention to compliance with these national and international standards:
Situation in Austria The examination of professional divers and compressed-air workers is enshrined in law. As a rule, it must be carried out annually by doctors authorised by the state for this purpose. This applies to divers as well as to medical personnel working in hyperbaric chambers.
International standards (Germany & offshore)
- Germany: Here, occupational health preventive examinations apply under the principle “G31 – Hyperbaric”. These are mandatory for all work under water or in compressed air (from 0.1 bar overpressure).
- Offshore operations: For work in the international offshore sector, proof in accordance with the guidelines of Oil & Gas UK (OGUK) is also required to guarantee worldwide deployability.
At EOBV, we combine a passion for diving with strict compliance with these safety standards. We will be happy to advise you on the medical requirements relevant to your training pathway.