Physicians Training in Diving Medicine 2026

If you are military or part of a fellowship that will be covering your fee, please contact us at uhms@uhms.org.

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 2025. 

The Level 2D – Medical Management of Diving Accidents and Illnesses (Diving Medical Physician) course is to prepare Physicians (holding an MD, DO, or equivalent degree) and Non-Physician Practitioners (NPPs)to recognize, evaluate, and treat diving-related injuries and illnesses. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of diving physiology, pathophysiology, and medical management principles, enabling them to provide informed clinical care to injured or ill divers.

The goal of this course is to train physicians and NPPs 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). 

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 do an online course (course to be announced) during the exam time frame.
• 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:  Getting in the pool is not required, but it is required that you still attend for the successful completion of the course.  However, for safety purposes, you must complete this Discover course (information below), or equivalent, prior to diving participation in the pool experience. 
  • 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 temperature will always be 80-81 F, almost always bright sunshine and minimal wind. Many people find the event a bit chilling after 8 hours in the pool, and opt for some protection.
    • Swimsuit only: If you are comfortable with the water temperature of 80 degrees, keep it simple, however remember that sun protection should not be ignored, so at least a rash guard is highly recommended.
    • Bring or rent your personal wetsuit. Rental suits are available at Ocean Enterprises, San Diego, 1.858.565.6054.
    • Best Option: Buy or bring your own neoprene vest or hooded vest. This will provide plenty of thermal and sun protection. 3-5 mm thickness is ideal.
    • Please Note:  You are responsible for renting or buying the wetsuits or vests.
    • 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). 

What is the difference between the
Level 1 and Level 2D course?