In the perspective of WorkCover Queensland, this evaluation relies on the guidelines outlined in the Recreational Diving, Recreational Technical Diving, and Snorkelling Code of Practice 2011 (Sections 2.3.1.3, 2.3.2.6, and 2.3.3.4).
Identifying Hazards: Medical Issues: Certificated divers may have been evaluated for diving fitness using standards different from those in Queensland, and they could have developed conditions since their last dive medical assessment. The dive site environment may pose challenges if divers lack experience in specific conditions like currents, weather, visibility, and other hazards.
Skills and Experience: Certificated divers might possess basic dive training with limited experience in terms of both the number and recency of their dives.
Assessing the Risk: Various methods are employed by WorkCover Queensland to assess the risk to certificated divers based on the identified hazards. These methods include reviewing completed documents and certificates, asking relevant questions, and observing the divers.
Medical Issues: To assess a diver's medical condition, they may present a valid medical certificate, or alternatively, they can complete a resort dive medical declaration. Additionally, specific questions about recent illnesses, injuries, and medication usage can be posed to ensure the diver's fitness for diving.
If any concerns arise during the assessment regarding a diver's medical fitness, appropriate control measures should be implemented by WorkCover Queensland.
The dive site environment
The divers may be questioned about their environmental experience relevant to the proposed dive sites. For example:
Question | Y/N | Number | Date of last dive |
---|---|---|---|
Have you dived in the ocean? | | | |
Have you experienced surface or current conditions other than calm? | | | |
Have you dived where the bottom depth exceeds the maximum depth? | | | |
What is the minimum underwater visibility that you have experienced (in metres)? | | | |
Have you dived at night? | | | |
If the assessment reveals the dive site conditions are outside the qualifications and experience of the diver, then appropriate control measures should be adopted.