Employment Exams
Commercial Diving and Scuba Examinations
DEFINITION
The Association of Diving Contractors (ADC) and OSHA recommend initial and periodic examination of divers engaged in commercial diving or other exposures to hyperbaric conditions. A diving medical examination should be performed by a physician with an understanding, experience and training in the treatment and recognition of diving illnesses and injuries. Initial examination is recommended before the commencement of diving training. Periodic examinations should be performed every two years and annually after age 35. Re-examination after an injury or illness is also recommended.
Initial examination: History and physical, chest X-ray (as required by physician based on exam findings), EKG, pulmonary function test, audiogram, visual acuity, color blindness, complete blood count and urinalysis.
Periodic examination: History and physical, chest X-ray (as required by physician based on exam findings), pulmonary function, audiogram, visual acuity, complete blood count and urinalysis.
Saturation divers require long bone and joint X-ray studies prior to beginning saturation diving and then as medically indicated.
Recreational Scuba Examinations
Diving examinations for recreational SCUBA divers are not performed on a routine basis but may be required to obtain clearance before the commencement of SCUBA training or before returning to diving following an illness or injury. The components of a recreational SCUBA examination vary depending on the individual situation.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR COMMERCIAL DIVING EXAM
The diving examination takes approximately 45 minutes. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete your paperwork, or print the required forms and bring them completed to your appointment. If you wear corrective lenses when you drive please bring them with you to your appointment.
During your evaluation the Medical Assistant and/or Physician will:
- Review your medical history as it relates to diving
- Measure your height, weight and pulse
- Take your blood pressure reading
- Check your vision
- Collect a urine sample to check for sugar, protein, blood, specific gravity and PH
- Perform an audiogram
- Record an EKG
- Obtain a pulmonary function test
- Obtain a blood sample for a complete blood count
- Conduct a neurologic exam
- Examine your eyes, ears, nose and throat
- Listen to your heart and lungs
- Examine your abdomen
- Examine your extremities
- Examine your spine
- Check your flexibility and range of motion.
Depending upon the examination findings and/or the result of your pulmonary function test, your examination may also include a one or two view chest x-ray.
You can download our forms prior to your visit from the list below. Please print and fill them out completely to expedite your visit with Cascade Occupational Medicine.
REQUIRED FORMS:
Consent for Contracted Services Form
Initial Medical and Work HIstory
Spiromerty Pre-testing Questionnaire
All forms are presented in PDF format. Adobe Reader or similar software is required to be installed on your computer in order to properly display and print these forms. If you do not have Adobe Reader installed on your computer, please click the icon at the bottom of the page.
