Course Overview
What: An international faculty of physicians and scientists specializing in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine has been assembled to present the 6th CSA Z275 Level 1 Introductory Course in Diving Medicine: Fitness to Dive.
Where: The course will be held in Summerside PEI.
When: This 5-day course will take place from 12 - 16 May, 2025. Further information to come in the following months.
Prerequisites: A Physics Pre-Instruction Package (PIP) will be sent out to course participants at the time of registration. As there is not enough time to teach the entirety of diving physics and gas laws during the course, all participants must complete this diving physics package prior to arriving on the course. There will be a brief 1-hr review lesson the first morning of the course for any questions.
Cost: The cost for the Level 1 is course will be $1,725.00 CDN, which includes 15% GST ($1500 for the course + $225.00 GST). All course materials, tours/site visits and transportation are included in the fees, as well as accreditation and CME credits (see below). A morning coffee break and snack, as well as catered daily lunches are also included.
Pre-Course Seminar: Although no previous knowledge in diving medicine is required for the Level 1 course, there are significant differences in the level of knowledge and/or experience that course participants arrive with. Some have no absolutely no background in diving medicine, diving physics or gas laws, while others are avid recreational divers or have taken previous Level 1 courses and are re-certifying (if required for their job or their province’s rules and regulations). Although the material taught is aimed at participants with little to no knowledge of the subject, there are usually a number of very knowledgeable and experienced physicians taking the course which often drives the depth of questions and conversations. This has led to some ‘deer in the headlights’ moments for participants who do not have the same degree of knowledge and experience. Finding a way to bridge this gap has been mentioned in past course evaluations.
As a result, we have decided to hold an optional ½ day pre-course ‘Overview of Diving’ this year for an additional $100 fee; lunch is included. Topics will include: diving terms/terminology, types and range of diving, an in-depth introduction to diving physics and gas laws, an overview of diving physiology and pathophysiology, and recommendations for additional reading. The setting will be more relaxed and there will be ample time for questions. Dates and further details to come.
Accreditation: Upon successful completion of this course, physicians will qualify as a CSA Z275.2-15 Level 1 Diving Medical Examiner and can have their name listed with the Diver Certification Board of Canada (DCBC) to conduct commercial divers medicals in Canada. In addition, this 1 credit-per-hour Group Learning program has been accredited by the Canadian College of Family Physicians (and the Québec College of Family Physicians) for 35 MAINPRO+ CME credits. The CCFP course ID number is: 198335-002. Cross-over CME credits are also available from the Royal College.
If you have any future questions, please contact Dr. Debbie Pestell at drdeb1@ns.sympatico.ca, or by phone at: (902) 225-8214. Finally, as all lectures will be provided to course participants on a USB data stick, it is strongly recommended that you bring a laptop computer with you for review and study purposes before the course exam.