COVID-19 and diver safety

This updates the post-covid guidelines for occupational divers who were either asymptomatic or experienced mild symptoms that resolved within two weeks with a return to a normal level of fitness.

What happened?

In the last few months the global spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has allowed additional data to be gathered on its effects upon occupational divers.
Many people may be affected, ranging from being asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) to suffering from severe respiratory responses. Resulting incidents of respiratory distress have resulted in some people showing possible longer-term damage to their lungs.

This continues to highlight the importance of establishing safe medical standards for those who may have been infected with COVID-19.

Recent international experience and medical studies have allowed hyperbaric specialists to establish updated advice on what to do if exposed to COVID-19 and how to best protect divers.

An approach adopted in the UK and endorsed by the Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC) allows for an alternative to the one month stand-down for divers who are either asymptomatic or experience mild symptoms which resolve within two weeks with a return to a normal level of fitness.

What we know

A respiratory injury can cause serious harm to a diver.
Occupational divers have to pass annual medical assessments to be deemed to be medically fit.

With limited studies into the effects of COVID-19 on occupational divers, general clinical observations indicate that COVID-19:

• transmits easily from person to person
  
• a person may be asymptomatic but still test positive
  
• may not present symptoms for 10–14 days
  
• often shows symptoms similar to influenza
  
• can include serious respiratory disease such as chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma.
  

The best way to protect yourself and others around you from the effects of COVID-19 is to be double vaccinated and boosted and follow public health advice.

WorkSafe advice

Anyone with respiratory symptoms should not dive and should arrange for COVID-19 testing. If testing is negative, they should see their GP for further advice and appropriate treatment for their symptoms.
Anyone being vaccinated should monitor for any side-effects (generally these are nil or mild) and do not dive if feeling unwell. A return to diving can occur when any symptoms have passed.

If someone is a Household Contact (as per the Ministry of Health classification) they should not dive until cleared to return to work. See the Ministry of Health’s website for the definition of Household Contact

If someone has tested positive for COVID:

If unable to undertake the exercise capacity demonstration, above divers should not dive for 30 days and should contact DHMS when clear.

Remember – you must advise the DHMS if you have received a positive COVID-19 test result.
COVID-19 can have serious medical effects for divers. All workers and Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) have an obligation under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to ensure their own health and safety and the health and safety of those around them. Monitoring for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and following this medical advice will help manage the risks for occupational divers

Further information

Occupational diving guidance List of designated diving doctors Diving Hyperbaric Medicine Service

Acknowledgement

This safety alert has been developed in consultation with Diving Industry Advisory Group hyperbaric medical specialists.

* How to demonstrate normal exercise capacity: Demonstrating normal exercise capacity includes measurement of oxygen saturation during exercise. The Chester Step Test or an exercise bike evaluation are both appropriate tests. The acceptable target for a ‘pass’ in these tests is a peak exercise capacity of 13 METS or VO2 of 45ml/kg/min. If a diver has a previous test record (prior to contracting Covid) it would be reasonable to accept return to that level of exercise capacity. Though some doctors may be able to do this, most are not able to perform exercise tests in the clinic. Divers will need to arrange for the test to be done (for example, at their local gym), and then forward the result (signed by the tester) to DHMS at divemeds@gmail.com