Not every physician aims to become a Medical Examiner of Divers; however, many still have a strong interest in understanding diving medicine. Our basic courses are designed to accommodate the diverse motivations physicians may have for participating, while maintaining a structured pathway toward achieving the Medical Examiner of Divers qualification.
SHF Physiology & Pathology of Diving & Hyperbaric Exposure Course
Develop advanced expertise in the physiology and pathology of diving, including pressure-related effects, decompression science, gas toxicity, and the clinical management of diving-related disorders.
SHF Diving technology & Safety Course
Understand diving technology, safety systems, and operational risks from a medical perspective, enabling accurate risk assessment, incident interpretation, and improved diver care.
Recognise, assess, and manage diving accidents and decompression illness with confidence — from initial symptoms to recompression strategies and emergency care.
SHF Fitness to Dive Course
Assess fitness to dive with confidence — applying medical standards, risk-based evaluation, and clinical judgement to ensure diver safety and operational readiness. To participate in this course successful completion of all other basic courses is mandatory
This is your pathway to becoming a Diving Medicine Physician. Certification requires successful completion of one mandatory in-depth course, two elective in-depth courses, and two internships.
All in-depth or advanced-level courses provide Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits and contribute to the recertification of diving physicians, including D/Associated Specialists (Dutch system), MED, and DMPs.
Participation in Advanced Level courses is open to those who have successfully completed the SHF Physiology & Pathology of Diving & Hyperbaric Exposure course, or an equivalent qualification.
Elective In depth courses – Free of Choice
These in-depth courses cover all mandatory components for DMP certification, while each module offers a distinct thematic focus, providing fresh and relevant content for both new candidates and experienced professionals seeking recertification or CME
Obligatory In depth course: Clinical Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) – HBOt + Deco
This module provides a practical, evidence-based introduction to hyperbaric oxygen therapy, covering chamber operation, patient management, clinical indications, and safety principles for effective and safe practice.
Internship: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
This mandatory internship builds on prior theoretical training, allowing participants to apply their knowledge in a clinical hyperbaric setting through hands-on observation of patient care, chamber operations, and safety procedures.
Internship: Professional Diving
This internship offers hands-on exposure to diving medicine in commercial or military settings, combining real-world observation, operational insight, and case-based learning to bridge theory with clinical practice
