Dive Medic Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s age of exploration, the role of a Dive Medic has never been more significant.

With every expedition beneath the sea or to remote locations, the demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the safety and health of divers intensifies.

But what exactly is expected from a Dive Medic?

Whether you are:

• An adventurous job seeker trying to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager curating the specifications for the perfect candidate,
• Or simply captivated by the fascinating world of dive medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Dive Medic job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Dive Medic Duties and Responsibilities

Dive Medics are critical in ensuring the safety of divers and are responsible for providing medical care specific to diving injuries.

They are skilled professionals who can assess and treat diving injuries, both in emergency and non-emergency situations, as well as provide advice on medical fitness to dive.

Their primary duties and responsibilities include:

• Administering first aid and emergency medical care to divers with diving-related injuries or illnesses
• Performing pre-dive medical checks and evaluations to ensure divers are physically fit and able to dive safely
• Monitoring and assessing divers’ vital signs during and after dives
• Recognizing symptoms and signs of diving illnesses like decompression sickness, nitrogen narcosis, barotrauma and oxygen toxicity
• Operating and maintaining medical and diving equipment, including oxygen units, defibrillators, and decompression chambers
• Coordinating and implementing emergency medical evacuations when needed
• Educating divers on diving medicine, safety protocols, and health risks associated with diving
• Assisting with research and data collection related to diving medicine and health
• Keeping accurate, detailed records of diving incidents and treatment provided
• Staying updated on recent developments in diving medicine and hyperbaric treatments

 

Dive Medic Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Dive Medic to join our team.

The Dive Medic will be responsible for providing medical care to divers in emergency situations and performing regular medical check-ups to ensure the health and safety of all team members.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in emergency medicine, with specific training and certification in hyperbaric medicine.

 

Responsibilities

• Provide medical care to divers in emergency situations
• Perform regular medical check-ups for all team members
• Monitor divers’ health before, during, and after dives
• Provide medical training to team members
• Ensure all medical equipment is in good working condition
• Collaborate with dive team to plan and execute safe diving operations
• Assist in the development of safety protocols and emergency response plans
• Document medical treatment and follow up care
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in hyperbaric medicine

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Dive Medic or similar role
• Must hold a current Diving Medical Technician (DMT) certification
• Experience in emergency medicine
• Strong understanding of diving physiology
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Must have excellent physical condition and endurance
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Willingness to work in various weather conditions and remote locations

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Dive Medic
• Work Environment: Variable, often outdoors and underwater. Position may require travel to remote locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Dive Supervisor or Dive Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $85,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Dive Medic Do?

Dive Medics are specialized healthcare professionals that primarily deal with the health and safety of divers.

Their primary responsibility is to provide medical care to divers, both underwater and on the surface.

This includes initial medical examinations of divers, regular health check-ups, and emergency medical care in case of accidents or health issues during a dive.

In addition, Dive Medics are also responsible for advising divers about potential risks associated with diving, such as decompression sickness, barotrauma, or hypothermia.

They also provide information about the proper use of diving equipment, how to maintain physical fitness for diving, and recommendations on diet and hydration.

Dive Medics often work closely with diving teams, providing necessary training for first aid, CPR, and oxygen administration to ensure the safety of all team members during a dive.

Furthermore, they are involved in the research and development of diving medicine, contributing to the continuous improvement of safety measures and protocols.

Dive Medics require in-depth knowledge of diving physiology and medicine, as well as practical diving experience.

They are usually certified by recognized organizations such as the Divers Alert Network (DAN) or the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS).

 

Dive Medic Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Dive Medic should possess the skills and qualifications that align with the job requirements, such as:

• Medical knowledge and skills to provide immediate medical assistance to divers under various conditions.
• Proficiency in diving and underwater procedures, as they may need to provide care in underwater scenarios.
• Excellent understanding of diving physics and physiology to accurately assess and handle diver-related health conditions.
• Ability to quickly assess and respond to emergency situations, demonstrating strong decision-making skills under pressure.
• Advanced communication skills for effectively conveying health and safety instructions to divers and coordinating with other medical or dive team members.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with divers, ensuring their comfort and safety during diving operations.
• Physical fitness and stamina to withstand challenging underwater conditions and perform rescues or medical procedures as required.
• Knowledge of hyperbaric treatments and ability to operate hyperbaric chambers for treating decompression sickness.
• Attention to detail in maintaining medical and dive equipment, ensuring it is in working order and ready for immediate use.

 

Dive Medic Experience Requirements

Dive Medic candidates typically need to have a solid background in medical practices, often starting with a degree in nursing, paramedicine or a related healthcare field.

Entry-level Dive Medics may have 1 to 2 years of experience in the medical field, often obtained through internships, hospital placements or part-time roles in emergency departments.

They also must have a diving certification and first aid training, with some employers preferring additional training in hyperbaric medicine.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are expected to have broadened their medical skills and knowledge through hands-on experiences in a variety of diving environments, often starting in roles such as Rescue Diver or Dive Instructor.

For those with over 5 years of experience, they may have moved into supervisory or management roles within dive medicine, often overseeing the operations of dive teams, training new Dive Medics, and coordinating emergency response efforts.

Moreover, regardless of their experience level, Dive Medics must have a current diving fitness certificate and should be comfortable with prolonged periods at sea or in remote locations.

 

Dive Medic Education and Training Requirements

Dive Medics, also known as Diving Medical Technicians (DMTs), typically require specific education and training in diving medicine and emergency medical care.

The first step to becoming a Dive Medic is obtaining a high school diploma or its equivalent.

After this, candidates must complete an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training program.

These programs usually take about 1 to 2 years to complete and offer practical skills and knowledge in emergency medical care.

Once the EMT certification is obtained, aspiring Dive Medics should pursue a Diving Medical Technician course.

This specialized program provides detailed training on how to respond to underwater medical emergencies.

It includes both theoretical and practical aspects of diving medicine, such as decompression illness, marine injuries, and advanced life support.

Additionally, Dive Medics are required to be certified divers.

This involves completing a series of diving courses, which cover open water diving, rescue diving, and dive leadership.

There are also optional advanced courses and certifications available for Dive Medics who wish to further enhance their skills and knowledge.

These may include Advanced Life Support, Hyperbaric Medicine, or specific courses in underwater and marine life emergencies.

Finally, Dive Medics should have a strong ability to stay calm under pressure, good physical fitness, and a thorough understanding of the medical challenges and risks associated with scuba diving.

 

Dive Medic Salary Expectations

A Dive Medic can expect to earn an average salary of $67,348 (USD) per year.

However, this can differ depending on factors such as experience, certifications, location, and the hiring organization.

 

Dive Medic Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Dive Medic need?

Dive Medics need to have a strong understanding of both medical and diving knowledge.

This includes emergency medical treatment skills, knowledge of hyperbaric medicine, understanding of diving physiology, and practical scuba diving skills.

They also need strong communication skills to provide clear instructions during an emergency, and problem-solving skills to quickly assess and treat diving-related injuries.

 

Do Dive Medics need a degree?

A degree is not necessarily required, but a professional certification is often needed.

This includes certification as a Paramedic or Nurse, and additional certification in Diving Medicine.

Some Dive Medics may choose to further their education with a degree in a related field, such as medicine or marine biology.

 

What should you look for in a Dive Medic resume?

A Dive Medic’s resume should include their medical and diving qualifications, including their certification as a Paramedic or Nurse, and any additional training in Diving Medicine.

It should also list any practical experience they have treating diving-related injuries, including those in hyperbaric environments.

If you’re hiring for a role that includes diving, ensure they have the required scuba certifications and experience.

 

What qualities make a good Dive Medic?

A good Dive Medic is calm and collected even in high-stress emergency situations.

They have a strong knowledge of diving safety and medical treatment, and they’re able to quickly assess and treat diving-related injuries.

They’re comfortable working in remote locations, often with limited resources, and they’re committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all divers.

 

Is it difficult to hire Dive Medics?

Hiring Dive Medics can be challenging due to the unique combination of medical and diving skills required for the role.

It’s a niche field, and candidates with the necessary qualifications and experience can be hard to find.

Offering competitive compensation and opportunities for ongoing training and development can help attract qualified Dive Medics.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the thrilling depths and details of being a dive medic.

And here’s the thing:

It’s not just about diving underwater.

It’s about navigating the challenges of underwater medicine, one dive at a time.

With our comprehensive dive medic job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop there?

Dive even deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating detailed job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every dive is a part of a bigger mission.

Let’s explore that underwater world. Together.

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