Physicians Training in Diving Medicine 2024

Course Description and Goal

The UHMS Physicians Training in Diving Medicine Course was started in 1977 with financial support from the Department of Energy and the cooperation of the U.S. Navy. Further influence has been based on internationally accepted training objectives that were agreed upon by the Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC), the European Diving Technology Committee (EDTC), and the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine (ECHM).  This course has been approved by the Diving Medical Advisory Committee and the European Diving Technology Committee (DMAC/EDTCmed) as a Level 2D - Medical management of diving accidents and illnesses (Diving Medical Physician) course through 31 December 2024.

This course is primarily designed for those who possess an MD, DO, or equivalent degree; however those non-physicians who will use the training in their geographic areas to enhance the safety and efficiency of diving operations will also find the course of value.

The goal of this course is to train physicians in recognizing and treating diving medical emergencies. Course educational methodology includes lectures, case presentations, video clips, printed support materials, practical exercises, and both formal and informal question and answer sessions with the faculty.

In addition to lectures on the physiology and medicine of diving, the course will include practical exposure to different types of diving equipment, recompression chambers and support systems and situational/simulation training.

FORMS that must be filled out and uploaded on Registration or Emailed to uhms@uhms.org. 

• All students must complete the Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire if they wish to participate in diving/pressure-related activities for the upcoming PhysicianTraining in Diving Medicine course.  The purpose of this Medical Questionnaire is to find out if you should be examined by your doctor before participating in recreational diver training. (Click here for Diver Medical Questionnaire form). 

• All students must complete the SECNEC 5512 form in order to access the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) Diving Facility that is on the Naval base in San Diego for our field trip.  (Click here for the SECNAV 5512 form)
  • SECNAV 5512 Instructions
    • All sections need to be filled out on this form (full name DOB, full SSN, and signature (w/ date) are essential and cannot be left blank).
    • For foreign nationals, please provide their country and passport number.
    • This form needs to be filled out by each individual requesting access that are 18 years and older that do not have access to the installation.
    • This form gives NBSD permission to run everyone's background.  
    • The completed forms can be submitted in a PDF file in e-mail, or the hard copies can be dropped off by POC to be handed off to NBSD security.
    • If for any reason an individual's background comes back unfavorable, the POC will be notified and the individual will be removed from this list.  
    • Individuals with unfavorable backgrounds can be sponsored (same vehicle) on base by a military affiliated ID card holder.
    • The SECNAV form states "and/or" for providing the full social or driver's license number.  FULL SOCIAL IS REQUIRED.
    • CAC holders from other federal agencies DO NOT need to fill out this form.

CME Hours: For MD/DO/PhD, or equivalent advanced degree, a Certificate of Continuing Medical Education Credits will be issued for those who complete an online evaluation form; MOC credit will be available.

Other course information

• You will be required to bring a laptop or iPad/tablet. This is needed so you can take the online exam and to follow along with the lectures, as you wish. Paper copies of the exam will be available.
• Pool activities / Diving gear:  All pool day activities are voluntary and not required.  However, for safety purposes, you must complete this Discover course (information below), or equivalent, prior to diving participation in the pool experience.  If you choose to forgo the course, no worries.  We would welcome your participation on the pool deck learning tender skills, safety protocols, etc.
  • All registrants must bring their dive certification card.
    • If you do not have a dive certification card: We would be happy to arrange a separate "Discover Scuba" course, from an accredited agency, e.g. PADI.  This usually takes about 2 hours of pool time, and would take place in the evening, or perhaps on Saturday in a separate part of the pool.  We have done this before, and the feedback was universally positive.  Please note that this is NOT a certification course, just an introduction to the minimal knowledge needed to be safe in a pool environment.  The cost is $100 USD, which includes equipment rental.
  • The pool water temp will be 80-81 (heated).
  • Registrants should bring their own wetsuit (3mm suit will suffice for the pool), mask, snorkel, and fins if they own them. If you do not, we can pre-order the rentals for you.  However, please note, that there will be a nominal fee through Ocean Enterprises that you as the attendee will be responsible for. The fee should be no more than $30.
  • If registrants wish to purchase new gear, OE offers a 20% discount on all five gears.  Ocean Enterprises contact # 858-565-6054.
  • Tanks, BC’s, and regulators are supplied, however, registrants can bring their personal regulators if they wish.
• You will be provided with a web link to access all the lecture presentations, homework and handouts.
• You will be given a notebook to take notes (this notebook will have just the lecture topics and objectives).