This is a brief overview of the current guidance from BSAC and the UKDMC on what do do if you test positive for COVID-19. Because the situation is fluid this advice may change so always check the latest information from BSAC.

Note that in Australia a 'medical referee' is an accredited diving doctor OR you may wish to email a doctor who is part of the United Kingdom Diving Medical Comittee (UKDMC) network. See their website for a list of medical referees.

What should I do?

1. First, get well!  Make sure you're fully recovered from COVID-19. That means you're symptom-free and back to your normal exercise capacity. 
2. Second, score yourself using the UKDMC scorecard attached to this article. Do not dive for the period recommended based on your score and consult your medical referee if necessary after you have recovered. 

Even mild cases of COVID-19 can adversely affect your respiratory system. Rushing back to diving and avoiding proper diagnosis and testing may put you and your buddies at risk.

When can I attend club events again?

Please only come to club events when you have completed your isolation / quarantine / testing as per the latest government guidelines.  If there’s any doubt at all please don't put your fellow divers at risk by attending events.

Will I need medical clearance to dive?

You will not necessarily need a dive medical after having COVID-19. BSAC follows the advice of the UKDMC, which uses a scoring system that helps you to determine how long to wait before diving and whether to seek medical clearance.

As with returning to diving after any illness, it's always prudent to start in familiar and safe environments that are well within your capabilities and build up to more challenging dives.

At the date of this article none of the Queensland commercial dive operators that we've spoken to require you to provide a written medical clearance after COVID-19.  Queensland government regulations only require you to be symptom-free, up to date with vaccines, not required to be isolating; and compliant with all/other government heath directives. Again, the situation is fluid and subject to change as regulations catch up with events.