Diving examinations & treatments
Medical examinations for recreational and sports divers I Commercial dive medicals (periodic renewals) I Pre-admission medical examinations for diving schools I Balloon dilation of the Eustachian tubes (for ear pain and equalization issues)
Medical Examinations for Commercial and Recreational Divers
Medical Examinations for Divers
Commercial divers
Commercial diving is a physically demanding profession, and there are strict physical and health requirements for divers. Charlottenlund Privathospital offers examinations by diving doctors approved by the Danish Maritime Authority. All of our physicians who conduct these examinations are experienced divers themselves. They have a deep, practical understanding of what it takes to dive safely and securely, as well as the specific requirements for working as a professional diver.
Divers performing commercial work must hold a valid dive medical certificate for the specific type of diving they undertake. This certificate must be renewed at least once a year by passing a medical examination that confirms they remain fit to dive.
In Denmark, dive medicals may only be performed by specialized diving doctors appointed by the Danish Maritime Authority. Specialist Bjørn Arenkiel heads the diving medicine department at Charlottenlund Privathospital. He has many years of experience examining divers, as well as treating them in the decompression chamber at Rigshospitalet, where he also serves as a senior physician.
Recreational divers
Although recreational diving is not a profession, it still places significant physical and medical demands on the body. Being underwater involves exposure to pressure changes, cold temperatures, and physical exertion. Therefore, it is crucial that recreational divers are in good physical shape and medically fit to dive safely.
In Denmark, dive medicals may only be performed by specially approved diving doctors appointed by the Danish Maritime Authority. While the requirement for an annual examination applies primarily to commercial divers, we highly recommend regular health assessments for recreational divers—especially if you dive frequently, dive deep, or have a chronic medical condition.
At Charlottenlund Privathospital, examinations are conducted by approved diving doctors with in-depth knowledge of the sport. Because our doctors are experienced divers themselves, they have a practical understanding of the requirements and risks associated with safe diving, whether as a hobby or a profession.
Specialist Bjørn Arenkiel is responsible for diving medicine at the hospital. Alongside his work here, he serves as a senior physician specializing in decompression chamber treatment at Rigshospitalet, where he treats divers with decompression sickness and other diving-related conditions. This high level of expertise is incredibly relevant for recreational divers, as accurate assessments and expert advice can be crucial for preventing injuries and ensuring a safe underwater experience.
For recreational divers, safety isn't just about equipment and technique—it is also about ensuring your body is prepared for the physical challenges of diving. Regular health checks and advice from an experienced diving doctor are a vital investment in your safety and your overall diving experience.
Balloon dilation of eustachian tubes
Do you also get pain in your ears when you dive?
Many people experience ear pain during descent. As you go deeper, the air in the middle ear compresses and pressure builds against the eardrum, causing pain. Most divers know they should ascend slightly and try to clear their ears again. However, in some cases, it is simply impossible to equalize, forcing the diver to abort the dive entirely.
For commercial divers, this can mean being unable to work or even having to put their careers on hold. For others, this issue can prevent them from ever obtaining their diving certification, forcing them to give up their dream of exploring underwater.
At Charlottenlund Privathospital, Clinic Manager and ENT Specialist Jacob Fisker - who is an active diver himself - offers a specialized solution for patients who struggle to equalize: balloon dilation of the Eustachian tubes.
We have extensive experience with this procedure, which is always performed safely under general anesthesia.
You can access this treatment either as a self-paying patient or through your private health insurance.
Read more about the procedure here - or read Felicia and Marie's story here!
Patient testimonial from Felicia:
"Earlier this year, I had surgery with you after narrow eustachian tubes had prevented me from boarding a plane for 7 years due to severe discomfort and problems with pressure equalization. Today I had my ears tested on a flight. The surgery made a much bigger difference than I dared to hope for and now I don't have to feel discomfort in my body when I think about traveling around the world. So a heartfelt thank you to you🌺 it will have a great positive impact on my life."
The periodic medical examination
Divers performing diving work must have proof of having passed a medical examination.
The doctor must assess the diver's physical and mental condition.
A similar examination must be performed by the diver every 5 years (major diver examination). After the diver reaches the age of 50, the major examination must be repeated every 2 years instead of every 5 years.
In the other years, the commercial diver must undergo a minor examination every year (the "small" diving examination).
If any indication is found, all relevant circumstances must be investigated.
Special guidance has been prepared for use by doctors appointed as diving doctors by the Danish Maritime Authority.
The guidelines contain an overview of specific diseases that may result in the examinee being found unfit or having limitations in performing the work.
During the examination, the person examined is declared fit, or if the person examined suffers from one of the diseases mentioned in the guidelines, fit with limitations in the work area, or unfit.
The result of the examination is entered by the doctor in the diving certificate.
Price:
Periodic 1-year examination: DKK 2,000.
Periodic 5-year examination: DKK 3,000.
NOTE: after the diver turns 50, the major 5-year examination must be carried out every 2 years.
Pre-Admission Medicals for Diving Schools
Aspiring divers must undergo a comprehensive medical examination prior to being admitted to a professional diving school.
This examination is typically a one-time requirement and includes cardiovascular and respiratory assessments, as well as comprehensive vision and hearing tests.
Health requirements
Divers must be healthy, physically fit, and possess good endurance.
Any congenital or acquired abnormality, active or latent condition, acute or chronic illness, or lingering effects from injury, trauma, or surgery that could compromise safe diving will result in the candidate being deemed medically unfit to dive.
The examining physician pays close attention to specific criteria and conditions that may lead to disqualification. If necessary, any underlying conditions will be thoroughly investigated.
As a general rule, all chronic systemic conditions disqualify a candidate from diving. Chronic inflammatory conditions are typically grounds for exclusion, as active inflammatory responses are believed to predispose divers to decompression sickness. However, experienced commercial divers may be permitted to dive during periods of remission, provided they strictly adhere to their monitoring and treatment plans.
Price:
- Pre-admission dive medical: DKK 4,000
Recreational divers
For recreational diving, a valid medical certificate is required in certain situations before you are allowed to dive.
While there is no legal requirement for this in Denmark, whether you need a medical certificate depends largely on your specific diving organization and where you are completing your training.
CMAS: If you are getting your certification through CMAS, a valid medical certificate is always required. You can download the CMAS form here.
PADI: PADI only requires a medical clearance if you answer "yes" to any of the health conditions listed on their standard medical questionnaire. You can download the PADI medical statement here.
Additionally, many dive centers around the world require a valid medical certificate before they will allow you to dive. Our standard medical certificate is widely accepted at these international destinations. You can often use this general certificate.
Price:
Recreational dive medical: DKK 1,500