Student Medical Examinations

Student medical examinations, which includes a pulmonary function test, may be scheduled by contacting Student Health Services (252-328-6317).

Examination results must be on file with DWS prior to the beginning of your open water training (it is your responsibility to get a copy of your completed physical into our office). Be prepared to pay for any and all laboratory work requested by the physician (estimated cost $90). If you prefer, you may have a private physician complete the required forms if they are familiar with diving. You must bring the results of your Pulmonary Function test with you to your medical examination.

Once again it is your responsibility to bring a copy of your physical to the Diving and Water Safety Office. Do not assume this will be sent automatically for you.

All Diving Medical Examinations Require the Following:

Forms to be brought to examination:

• Medical History (PDF)
• Diving physical examination (PDF) and applicant agreement for release of medical information to the Diving & Water Safety Officer and the DSCB.
• Conditions for which Restriction from Diving is Recommended (PDF)

Laboratory Requirements for Diving Medical Examination:

• Initial examination under age 40:
  • Medical History
  • Complete Physical Exam, emphasis on neurological and otological components
  • Chest X-ray
  • Spirometry
  • Hematocrit or Hemoglobin
  • Urinalysis
  • Any further tests deemed necessary by the physician to qualify the patient for scuba diving
• Periodic re-examination under age 40 (every 5 years):
  • Medical History
  • Complete Physical Exam, emphasis on neurological and otological components
  • Hematocrit or Hemoglobin
  • Urinalysis
  • Any further tests deemed necessary by the physician to qualify the patient for scuba diving
• Initial exam over age 40:
  • Medical History
  • Complete Physical Exam, emphasis on neurological and otological components
  • Assessment of coronary artery disease using Multiple-Risk-Factor Assessment (age, lipid profile, blood pressure, diabetic screening, smoker)
  • Resting EKG
  • Chest X-ray
  • Spirometry
  • Urinalysis
  • Hematocrit or Hemoglobin
  • Any further tests deemed necessary by the physician to qualify the patient for scuba diving
  • Exercise stress testing may be indicated based on risk factor assessment
• Periodic re-examination over age 40 (every 3 years); over age 60, (every 2 years):
  • Medical History
  • Complete Physical Exam, emphasis on neurological and otological components
  • Assessment of coronary artery disease using Multiple-Risk-Factor Assessment (age, lipid profile, blood pressure, diabetic screening, smoker)
  • Resting EKG
  • Urinalysis
  • Hematocrit or Hemoglobin
  • Any further tests deemed necessary by the physician to qualify the patient for scuba diving
  • Exercise stress testing may be indicated based on risk factor assessment.

Faculty and Staff Diving Physicals

ECU faculty and staff require a diving physical to become or remain active divers with the University. The details of the physical examination are listed in the ECU Diving and Water Safety Manual (PDF).  Contact the Diving and Water Safety Office for information regarding scheduling a diving physical examination.

Once a diving phyisical examination has been scheduled:

• Print out copies of the Medical Evaluation Of Fitness For Scuba Diving Report (PDF) and the Diving Medical History Form (PDF).
• Sign the Applicant’s Release Of Medical Information Form located on the last page of the Medical Evaluation Of Fitness For Scuba Diving Report.
• Fill out the Diving Medical History Form.
• Carry the forms with you to the examination.

Note: If you have questions about when your medical expires, contact the Diving & Water Safety Office.