Training & Certification - Medical

Medical Standards

Standard Laboratory Values for NOAA Diving Physicals
NOAA Diving Program Body Composition Standards
Maximum Allowable Body Fat Percentages by Sex and Age
NOAA Medical Evaluation of Fitness for Diving Report

Standard Laboratory Values For NOAA Diving Physicals
(Table I)

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NOAA Diving Program Body Composition Standards
(Table II)

Body Composition Assessment Policy

(1) Body Fat - Percent body fat is determined based on sex and various body measurements as described below. Measurements are recorded on the body composition screening form. Body fat calculations are performed by the NDC.

(2) Alternative Body Composition Assessment Methods - Alternative methods of measuring body composition must be approved by a physician.

Body Fat Measurement Procedures

The reviewing physician or designee shall oversee body fat measurements. A standard, nonstretching (metal, cloth/fiberglass) tape measure shall be used. The tape should be applied to body landmarks with sufficient tension without indenting skin surface. Record measurements to the nearest one-half inch. With the exception of the hip measurement for women, all measurements shall be taken on bare skin.

(1) Measuring Males

(a) Height shall be measured to the nearest one-half inch. Individuals shall be barefoot, stand with feet flat and together, inhale, and stretch tall.

(b) Neck circumference shall be measured just below the larynx (Adam's apple) and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck. The individual should look straight ahead with shoulders down (not hunched). Neck measurement shall be rounded up to the nearest one-half inch (example: round 16 1/4 to 16.5 inches).

(c) Abdominal circumference shall be measured at the navel with tape parallel to the floor. Arms shall be at the sides. Measurement shall be taken at the end of a normal, relaxed exhalation. Measurements shall be rounded down to the nearest one-half inch (example: round 34 3/4 to 34.5 inches).

Example:
Abdomen measurement		36"
Neck measurement	-	16"
Circumference Value	=	20

(2) Measuring Females

(a) Height shall be measured to the nearest one-half inch. Individuals shall be barefoot, stand with feet flat and together, inhale, and stretch tall.

(b) Neck circumference shall be measured just below the larynx (Adam's apple) and perpendicular to the long axis of the neck. Individuals should look straight ahead with shoulders down (not hunched). Neck measurements shall be rounded up to the nearest one-half inch (example: round 13 1/8 inches to 13.5 inches).

(c) Waist circumference shall be measured at minimal abdominal circumference, about halfway between the navel and the lower end of the sternum (breast bone). When this site is not easily observed, several measurements may be taken to obtain the smallest value. The arms shall be at the sides and the tape shall be parallel to the floor. Measurements shall be recorded at the end of a normal relaxed exhalation. Waist measurements shall be rounded down and recorded to the nearest one-half inch (example: round 28 5/8 inches to 28.5 inches).

(d) Hip circumference shall be measured from the individual’s right side over the greatest protrusion of buttocks. The tape shall be parallel to the floor. Sufficient tape tension must be applied to minimize the effect of clothing. Hip measurements shall be rounded down and recorded to the nearest one-half inch (example: round 44 3/8 inches down to 44.0 inches).

Example:
Waist measurement		27"
Hip measurement	+	38"
Sub total	=	65"
Neck measurement	-	15"
Circumference Value	=	50

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Maximum Allowable Body Fat Percentages by Sex and Age

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NOAA Medical Evaluation of Fitness for Diving Report

Evaluation materials are being reviewed at this time. New documentation will be forthcoming.

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