U.S.A. members looking to dive in AUS 2014

[Waterman123]

Hey guys. I come to you in need of information regarding diving in your country of AUS.

I have a large dive group of 11 people that charter a live-aboard each year. Last year was Belize, the year before Palau, etc..

Australia is on our list for next year, but a few of the divers are concerned about the stricter medical requirements of diving in Australia.

High blood pressure, or high cholesterol for example. Although they have never had any diving issues on any of our past trips. It appears to require an Australian Doctor evaluation before being allowed to dive. That is going to be a pain if we have to spend a day just to get checked out before jumping on the live-aboard.

1. Is there really a questionnaire and medical that must be passed by a doctor before diving? Specifically ( Australian Standard AS4005-1)

2. Any experience with this and tourist from the U.S.A?

3. This has been our reference thus far: Dive Medical - The Diver Medical Assessment Questionnaire - AS4005.1

Thanks

 

[Mike.D]

Waterman,
From what I've heard Aus Dive Medicals only need to be completed if your undertaking a course or if the dive operator requires you to have one. If you are going to book in a liveaboard I suggest you call them and ask before hand so you can book a Dive Medical. From memory they are $120 and takes 20 minutes. Simple questions and a general look over, nothing invasive or too personal.
-Mike

 

[clownfishsydney]

There is no law anywhere in Australia that requires dive medicals before doing any diving. The only requirement might be by a certification agency for courses. Unless you have diabetes or a heart problem, then I doubt that any operator would require a medical before diving with them. My experience is that there is no higher level of requirement here than any other location I have dived, including the US.

 

[Tortuga68]

What they said. Just sign the waiver

 

[diver257a]

Hey guys. I come to you in need of information regarding diving in your country of AUS.

I have a large dive group of 11 people that charter a live-aboard each year. Last year was Belize, the year before Palau, etc..

Hi,

Have a look at the following link - this may be of use to you - Medical requirements and recommendations for underwater divers - information for doctors - Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

 

[Waterman123]

Great!!! Thanks guys! And thank you for the link