COVID-19 Safe Diving guidance

During the pandemic BSAC continually reviewed our guidance to reflect changes to the ongoing COVID-19 situation

A number of factors, including vaccination, seem to have lowered the rate and severity of COVID-19 infection. However Covid-19, along with other viruses have not disappeared, and consequently BSAC continues to monitor the situation and work with relevant agencies to ensure UK diving takes place in a responsible and safe manner. Much of the previous guidance remains relevant and will be maintained here to aid the safety of divers and all associated with them.

Three steps to returning to diving safely…

1. Follow Government advice

Government guidance remains available and relevant “Living safely with respiratory infections, including COVID-19”.

The main points are:

Continuous cough and/or high temperature are the most common symptoms of the onset of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Anyone displaying any symptoms of any illness including Covid-19 should NOT engage in any activity outside the home

2. Follow the BSAC guidance (see below)

Using recommendations from government and specialists, BSAC has reviewed our guidance to provide a pragmatic easing of restrictions, whilst maintaining safety.

Some people remain particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 so more stringent precautions will still be available for those who need them.

3. Be conservative and follow your training

Minimise risk by taking an extra conservative approach to your diving.

Return to diving following COVID-19 infection

Divers who have suffered a COVID-19 infection need to follow the current guidance from the UK DMC before returning to diving. this is currently:

if symptoms were mild to moderate and did not require hospitalisation do not need to declare infection or see a Referee and can return to diving once they return to previous level of fitness.
Divers who require hospitalisation and returned to previous level of fitness, are likely to require at least a three month lay-off, still need to declare this on the form and contact a Medical Referee and are likely to require further detailed tests.

Along with other organisations who rely on them, BSAC will continue to encourage the UK DMC to review their advice as our understanding of the effects of the virus changes.