What is it?
The AS/NZS 2299.1 commercial divers medical is the Australian / New Zealand standard medical examination for occupational diving. It's significantly more thorough than a regular GP medical or a recreational dive medical. It covers lung function, heart, ears, neurological status, and overall fitness to work underwater.
It's a prerequisite for every ADAS course. No current medical = no diving, no exceptions. The medical is also what employers, insurers and worksites all rely on once you're working, so it follows you through your entire commercial diving career.
Recreational medicals (PADI / RSTC) are often a one-page questionnaire. The AS/NZS 2299.1 includes spirometry, ECG, often a chest X-ray, and a hands-on examination by a doctor specifically trained in dive medicine. It costs more and takes longer because the bar is higher: commercial divers work in conditions a recreational diver never sees.
What is SPUMS?
SPUMS, the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society, is the professional body for hyperbaric and diving medicine in Australia and New Zealand. SPUMS-listed doctors have completed specific training in dive medicine and are recognised by ADAS, employers and insurers as competent to issue AS/NZS 2299.1 commercial dive medicals.
Only SPUMS-listed doctors can do the commercial medical. A regular GP, even one who signs off on recreational PADI medicals, isn't qualified. The SPUMS website maintains the current list of approved doctors, searchable by state.
What's checked.
The full work-up is more thorough than most people expect. Here's the headline list: your doctor may dig deeper depending on your age, history and any current medications.
Lungs & breathing
Spirometry (FEV1, FVC), chest X-ray usually required at first medical. The doctor is looking for anything that could cause a lung overexpansion injury underwater.
Heart & circulation
Resting ECG, blood pressure, sometimes an exercise ECG depending on age and history. Diving puts real cardiovascular load on you; this is where most age-related issues surface.
Ears, nose & throat
Eardrums, sinus function, ability to equalise. If you can't clear your ears, you can't descend safely.
Eyes
Visual acuity (corrected is fine), no significant glaucoma or retinal issues. Glasses inside a mask aren't practical, but prescription mask inserts are standard kit.
Neurological
Reflexes, balance, history of seizures, head injuries. A history of epilepsy or recent significant head injury is usually a hard stop for commercial diving.
General health
Diabetes (insulin-dependent is usually disqualifying), recent surgeries, current medications, mental health history. Be honest: the SPUMS doctor is on your side, not catching you out.
Cost & how long it lasts.
Realistic figures, in Australian dollars, before any specialist follow-ups.
Prices vary by clinic, worth ringing a couple before you book. Some clinics include the X-ray in the initial fee, others bill it separately. Annual renewals are usually quicker and cheaper because they don't repeat the full work-up unless something has changed.
FAQs.
It's the Australian/New Zealand standard medical examination for occupational diving. It's significantly more thorough than a regular GP medical or recreational dive medical: covers lung function, heart, ears, neurological status, and overall fitness. Only SPUMS-listed doctors are qualified to issue it.
Medical sorted? Take the next step.
If you've passed your AS/NZS 2299.1 medical, you've cleared the biggest prerequisite. The 8-week Combined SCUBA and SSBA to 30m (Part 1 & 2) course is the path to working diver from there.