The South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) has updated its guidance for divers who have contracted COVID-19 and their return to diving.
As of January 1st, 2024, SPUMS has recommended that divers may return to diving once asymptomatic without doctors' sign-off (within 12 months of a current occupational dive medical). If divers suffer a more complicated or long course of COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses, they need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis by a hyperbaric physician.
SPUMS maintains the position that all divers should remain current with seasonal virus vaccinations such as COVID-19 and influenza.
Please visit the SPUMS website for further information.
If you have questions about the above, contact the University Dive Officer Jane Ruckert or dive.safety@utas.edu.au. If you are an IMAS diver, speak with Tim Harvey or Alex Heathcote for any operational questions regarding diving medicals.