Location
Address
Submarine Escape Training Tank.
Fort Blockhouse.
Gosport.
Hants.
PO12 2AB
Tel - 02392 765308
OICSETT
LT CDR Bob Mannion
02392 765108
Mil - 9380 65108
Email - bob.mannion@fbigs.mod.uk
Mail link:
Send Mail
Medical Standards for UK Submarine Escape Training
1. Attached is the full reference regarding medical standards (RN Book Of Reference 1750A, version dated September 2004). Only Chapters 8 and 9 and Appendix III are relevant to Submarine escape ("Standards for Diving and Hyperbaric Exposure", "Fitness for Service in Submarines" and "Minimum values for FVC") of which Chapt 8 and Appendix III contain the bulk of the relevant information.
2. In terms of spirometry, Chapter 8 Annexe A and Appendix III contain the information needed. We use a wedge bellows spirometer (Vitolograph) as this is the only type validated for use with our safety data. Many newer machines use mass flow integration which does show some variation.
If you do not have a wedge bellows available we can repeat spirometry on arrival here but someone who has managed a marginal pass with mass flow integration may subsequently fail; those who obtain a clear pass will almost certainly pass again.
3. SETT UK is happy to accept a standard medical form providing it has the following recorded:
a. Blood pressure, pulse and auscultation of the heart
b. Auscultation of the chest
c. Abdominal examination including hernia check
d. Confirmation that ears appear normal and they can equalise (or that they have successfully dived to 9 metres (30 feet) in a recompression chamber)
e. A neurological examination
f. Spirometry tests as detailed in the attachment (please attach printout or graph from the machine)
g. A record that there is no significant medical history
h. Signature of a medical officer.
4. Chapter 8 of the attachment states which doctors are qualified to conduct medical examinations. SETT is happy to accept the USN equivalent of basic diving medical course, sufficient to perform routine examination of professional service or civilian divers.
5. Common problems rendering personnel unfit to conduct training include:
a. Any history of asthma, bronchitis childhood asthma or use of an inhaler needs further investigation, even if they appear to have "grown out of it".
b. Head injuries resulting in skull fracture, amnesia or loss of consciousness for more than 30 min after the injury (or any amnesia prior to the injury).
c. Migraines with focal neurological symptoms including loss of vision.
d. Unexplained fainting collapse etc.
e. Heart murmurs.
Note, all the above are listed in Chapter 8 of the attachment with more extensive detail. They are not necessarily a complete bar to training but they do require further assessment.
6. Contact details for SETT UK medical department:
Senior Medical Officer (SMO) SETT and medical administration (+44) 02392 765109
UK Mil 9380 65109; Fax 02392765393.
E mail – (OIC SETT) bob.mannion@fbigs.mod.uk
FAQ
Q1. How far in advance of training date do you require medical information packages?
A1. Absolute minimum is one week before your people are due to arrive so that I can contact you if there are any potential problems
spotted. Full plate inspiration Chest X-rays (CXR) should also be included for RN radiologists to report on (Note - if you prefer to send electronic copies of
CXRs I shall have to check which immage systems our hospitals use). It may be useful to forward information significantly (4-5 weeks) earlier,
to allow deployment of alternative personnel if original selected individuals to not meet criteria.
