The judgment of suitability for the specific job of Scientific Diver is issued by the Competent Physician designated by the Employer (D.Lgs. 81/2008). It is good practice for the competent physician, whenever he or she is not an expert in diving or hyperbaric medicine, to seek the advice of a specialist.

In this regard, SIMSI – Società Italiana di Medicina Subacquea ed Iperbarica, the Italian Society of Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine, to implement to the standards "Educational and Training Standards for Physicians in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine" defined in 2011 by the Joint Medical Subcommittee of ECHM and EDTC, introduced in Italy the figure of "Medical Examiner of Divers (MED)" (Level 1 competence). This qualification is attainable through a refresher course aimed at physicians interested in the medical supervision of recreational, technical, scientific, law enforcement, military divers, underwater workers (offshore, port area, inland waters), tunnel excavation workers, and hyperbaric therapy medical assistants (physicians, nurses, hyperbaric technicians). This makes it possible to expand the medical expertise of occupational physicians and significantly increase the number of consultants they can call upon.

For more information contact:

For more information and to find a medical expert, also check the International Diving Medical Expert Board (IDMEB) website where there is also a useful map with the location of qualified doctors throughout Europe.