Professional diver routine health surveillance and certification: an internet-based satisfaction survey of New Zealand divers.

introductionProfessional divers, like many other specialised occupational groups, are subject to regulatory constraints that include mandatory initial medical certification and routine recertification. The New Zealand system of diver certification and health surveillance has undergone modifications in recent years, but its acceptance among end-users has never been formally assessed. Because of the wide variety of tasks, circumstances and personalities encountered in the diving industry, unanimous satisfaction is an unrealistic expectation, but establishing the current mood of divers in this regard and canvassing opinions on possible improvements is an important step towards optimising the certification process.

methodA multi-choice satisfaction questionnaire was added, as a quality assurance measure, to the on-line health questionnaire completed annually by all New Zealand professional divers. A complete 12-month dataset was analysed to determine levels of satisfaction, areas of dissatisfaction and suggestions for improvement. Comparison of the opinions of various diver groups was achieved by stratification into employment-type sub-groups and those working locally, overseas or both.

resultsThe responses of 914 divers who completed the survey established an 85% satisfaction rate with the existing diver certification system. Dissatisfaction was independent of diving locality. Compliance cost was the most common area of dissatisfaction, particularly among recreational diving instructors.

conclusionsMost New Zealand professional divers consider the current certification system satisfactory. Effective communication between the regulating authority and divers was identified as an important area for further development.