Medical
New Scuba Medical Policies for 2010
The BSA Scuba Policy has been revised within the Guide to Safe Scouting. The updated version has not been printed or updated on the BSA website yet. I will add a link when it is available. For now, please be aware that these policies will be in effect before the spring season begins at the Florida Sea Base.
Asthma – Persons with a history of asthma or Reactive Airway Disease are disqualified from scuba diving as part of a BSA activity unless resolution is confirmed by a Methacholine Challenge Test (MCT). MCTs are usually performed by a pulmonologist in a hospital or clinical setting. A full copy of the MCT report must be submitted with the persons Florida Sea Base Health and Medical Record to receive medical approval to participate in FSB scuba adventures.
Seizures – Persons with a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorders must be seizure free and have not used seizure medication for a minimum of five (5) years before they can be approved for scuba diving as part of a BSA activity. A note from the participant’s doctor stating they have been medication and seizure free for 5 years must be submitted with the persons Florida Sea Base Health and Medical Record to receive medical approval to participate in FSB scuba activities.
Diabetes - 1. Persons with diabetes who are 18 years of age or older who wish to scuba dive should be assessed by a physician familiar with hyperbaric issues related to diabetes and medications used for the control and treatment of diabetes. Persons 18 years old or older who are determined to be candidates for scuba diving must submit four (4) hemoglobin tests taken within the previous 12 months each with A1c values less than 7. Any test within the past 12 months with an A1c value greater than 7 are not approved to scuba dive.
2. There is no nationally established protocol for persons with diabetes who are less than 18 years of age to scuba dive. Therefore, persons less than 18 years of age with Type 1 diabetes should not be allowed to scuba dive.
3. Persons under the age of 18 who control their diabetes with exercise and diet (no medications) and can provide three (3) sequential hemoglobin tests with A1c values less than 6 may be approved to scuba dive.
Copies of the required lab reports showing the A1c values must be submitted with the persons Florida Sea Base Health and Medical Record to receive medical approval to participate in FSB scuba activities.
Psychotropic Drugs
Most drugs used to control depression, OCD, ADD and ADHD are categorized as psychotropic. This category of drugs is not particularly compatible with scuba diving. (Actually these drugs do not seem to be compatible with environments involving pressure changes in general. The FAA has suspended or revoked pilots licenses for most people using many of these medications.) Psychotropic drugs can cause symptoms that mimic nitrogen narcosis at shallow depths. They can also cause symptoms that mimic decompression illness (headache, joint pain, etc.) and they have a greater effect on the brain when under increased pressure. Some medications are of particular concern. I am working with the Florida Sea Base health advisor to formulate a policy on scuba diving at FSB while using psychotropic drugs.
It is imperative that FSB staff members and participants who are using psychotropic drugs discuss this in depth with their doctor until an official policy is issued by the BSA or FSB. Medications are required to be listed on the Florida Sea Base Health and Medical Record form. All incidents of psychotropic drug use will be reviewed by the Florida Sea Base health advisor for final determination on clearance to scuba dive at the Florida Sea Base.
Medical Form Submission Deadlines
- Spring crews – 01 January
- Summer crews – 01 March
- Winter crews – 01 October