As a result of a number of enquiries recently re the revised UKDMC Medical Form, please find below guidance notes re the completion of the form
The UKDMC medical form is now in three parts. When completing the form the following should be observed:
1] Everyone completes Page 1, the form has been designed so that this can be done digitally and includes the ability to digitally sign the form.
2a] If all questions on Page 1 have been answered “NO”, send a copy of Page 1 to your Diving Officer, answering no to all the questions does not disclose any personal medical data.
or
2b] If one or more questions have been answered “YES” and this is the first time you have answered yes or there has been a change in your condition, complete Page 2 and refer to a medical Referee. When the Referee issues the medical certificate (Page 3) ONLY a copy of Page 3 should be sent to your Diving Officer, Pages 2 & 3 disclose personal medical data which should not be shared. The certificate will contain details of any dive restrictions which should be observed.
or
2c] If one or more questions have been answered “YES” and there has been no change since the Medical Referee issued the medical certificate. Initial and date the form at Page 3 section b and send a copy to your Diving Officer.
The new system supports the rights of the diver not to disclose medical conditions to others, unless they choose to do so. Whilst there is no requirement to disclose medical conditions any condition which might give rise to a potential incident should be made known to the dive party in the interest of safety.
The new system, as always, introduces an anomaly for anyone who already holds a valid countersigned medical form. To facilitate the process under 2c above it is suggested that details of the current medical be copied by the diver into Page 3, these should include:
- Copy any listed dive restrictions into section a
- Indicate the period of validity in section b, either indefinite or the number of years
- In section c print the Medical Referee’s name and the date the original form was signed
- In the box for the medical stamp enter confirmation that a copy of the original form is held by the club diving officer
- Before accepting the Page 3 confirmation the Diving Office will ensure that the form accurately reflects the details held on the original form.
In future years the diver may follow the process outlined in 2c above and need only provide a copy of the updated Page 3 to the Diving Officer.
If this process is adopted it must be noted that this cannot be accepted as a valid medical unless a copy of the original form is held.
Steve Orange, National Diving Officer
