EUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving Activities
As the COVID-19 pandemic impacts not only the general healthcare system but also ambulance and first aid providers, there is a general agreement that risk-taking activities and sports should take this situation into account.
EUBS (European Undersea and Baromedical Society) and ECHM (European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine) issued an official Position Statement on the advisability of (recreational and professional) diving activities and the performance of Diving Medical Examinations in this current time period.
Position Statement on diving activities
PLEASE NOTE: EUBS | ECHM recommendations imply that "all recreational diving activities, either solo or in buddy pairs, should be suspended for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic" (point #1). Does it mean that diving activities cannot be carried out until the WHO officially declares the end of the pandemic?
Not necessarily. It seems reasonable to deduce that reference here is not made to an official statement by WHO (which could be issued long after strict social limitations imposed by national governments will be lifted). EUBS | ECHM are rather urging the community to abide to rules and recommendations issued by local authorities concerning recreational activities.
The DAN Europe & DAN Southern Africa Medical teams suggests to all divers to not expose themselves to unnecessary risk in this particular time. This includes limiting diving activities as long as appropriate treatment facilities are not fully available, should DCI or other life-threatening conditions occur.
We will keep on monitoring the situation closely, and will continue to timely inform our diving community on further developments.
EUBS (European Undersea and Baromedical Society) and ECHM (European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine) issued an official Position Statement on the advisability of (recreational and professional) diving activities and the performance of Diving Medical Examinations in this current time period.
Position Statement on diving activities
PLEASE NOTE: EUBS | ECHM recommendations imply that "all recreational diving activities, either solo or in buddy pairs, should be suspended for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic" (point #1). Does it mean that diving activities cannot be carried out until the WHO officially declares the end of the pandemic?
Not necessarily. It seems reasonable to deduce that reference here is not made to an official statement by WHO (which could be issued long after strict social limitations imposed by national governments will be lifted). EUBS | ECHM are rather urging the community to abide to rules and recommendations issued by local authorities concerning recreational activities.
The DAN Europe & DAN Southern Africa Medical teams suggests to all divers to not expose themselves to unnecessary risk in this particular time. This includes limiting diving activities as long as appropriate treatment facilities are not fully available, should DCI or other life-threatening conditions occur.
We will keep on monitoring the situation closely, and will continue to timely inform our diving community on further developments.
Categories
2024
February
March
April
2023
January
March
Demo DiversCape Marine Research and Diver DevelopmentKaboom!....The Big Oxygen Safety IssueTerrific Freedive Mode“LIGHTS, Film, Action!”Scuba Nudi ClothingDive into Freedive InstructionThe Benefits of Being BaldThe Inhaca Ocean Alliance.Special Forces DiverToughing It Out Is DangerousWhat Dive Computers Don\'t Know | PART 2
April
July
August
September
Avoid Diving With EarplugsKwaZulu Natal shipwrecks: The ProduceDive in the Fast Lane with DPVsLearning from Success. Learning from MistakeLiability in ContextUnderwater Crime Scene InvestigatorsTravel Smarter: Personal Safety While TravelingDive Boat Etiquette – From Yachts to rubber ducksThe Parting ShotMismatched Scuba Valves to Cylinder OutletsPredive Warm-UpWeight loss for diversTara Panton's Cape NudibranchsRESEARCHER PROFILE: Petar Denoble: Solving practical issues for diversMonitoring Cardiac Health in Scuba Divers
October
2022
January
February
UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #1.UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #2UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #3UNCERTAINTY AFTER DIVING: Case Report and Recommendations #4DIVERS LOSING ACCESS TO EMERGENCY CAREPreventing Breathing gas Contamination
March
When Should the Rescue Begin?Celebrating Young and Old in Turks and CaicosScuba Cylinder RundownChasing WeedsUnderwater Smartphone PhotographyAir and a SpareUnderwater Photographer: Fred BuyleBuilding Better BalanceLow-Visibility DivingMore Than a Sore ShoulderNot Only for DivingLaryngospasm and AnxietyPulmonary Hypertension and DivingTitan Meets Titanic