Most diving medicine training programmes (even internationally) are subject to a legal requirement of refresher training to keep the registration as a Designated Medical Practitioner (or equivalent) current.  The South African legislation requires refresher training every four years (Regulation 4 of the Diving Regulations, 2001).  This applies to module 1 and module 2 of the degree programme.

Below you will find a description of the refresher courses being offered by the University of Stellenbosch

Brief description

Module 1 refresher:

Totally presented via the internet with no contact time.  Guidance through the textbook and additional downloads is provided via WebCT

Module 2 refresher:

WebCT-guided training is provided via the internet.  Students are guided through the textbook and additional downloads.  Practical training coincides with the contact time of module 2.

Training outcomes

Ensuring that the candidate:

1. still complies with the training outcomes set for the module that is being refreshed.

2. is able to keep his or her designation as required by legislation.

ISBN: 0-340-80630-3 (hard back); 0-340-80629-X (soft cover)

This book is available for purchase from many online dealers, e.g. Best Publishing or Amazon.  South African students may order this book from DAN Southern Africa and delivery takes about two working days (if in stock).

Practical training

Module 1 refresher:

There is no practical training associated with module 1.

Module 2 refresher:

Practical training for module 2 is basically the same as what is presented during module 2 and is listed below.  Students need to redo all of the practical training, except those that are marked in blue, which will be optional during the refresher.

Entry requirements

For entry into the refresher course for module 1, the candidate must:^{(note 1 & 2)}

• comply with the entry requirements set for module 1

• have completed module 1 (or another course that will allow RPL) in the past five years

• provide proof of having done at least 10 diving medical examinations per year

For entry into the refresher course for module 2, the candidate must:^{(note 2)}

• comply with the entry requirements for module 2

• have completed module 2 (or another course that will allow RPL) in the past five years

• provide proof of having done at least 10 diving medical examinations per year

• provide proof of having participated in the panel discussion^{(note 3)} of at least two complicated cases.

Examination

Module 1:  A refresher examination is presented via WebCT.  This requires uninterrupted internet access of 35 minutes.

Note 1: There are alternative examinations for persons who do not meet all of the entry requirements.  Candidates who receive RPL for most of the entry requirements will have a contact time of two days.  They will then (in addition to the WebCT test) also be required to complete a written examination consisting of five patient-cases and some theoretical concepts linked to these cases
Note 2:  Candidates who are required to redo the full module 1 for refresher training will write all of the module 1 evaluations like any other candidate who is doing this module for the first time.

Certification

Students who successfully complete the the refresher course, will receive:

• Certificate of competency from the University of Stellenbosch

• Duplicate certificate of competency for submission to the Department of Labour (for South African candidates)

• CPD/ CME certificate from the University of Stellenbosch

Note: if a candidate chose not to take part in essential hyperbaric exposures during module 2, this would would be indicated as a restriction on the certification. 

Costs
(prices quoted are for 2010 and are subject to change without notice)

The following costs should also be taken into account:

• Costs associated with internet access.

• Costs for transport to the contact session and during contact time (if applicable)

• Accommodation and meals during the contact session (if applicable)

• Costs associated with your practice (e.g. getting a locum during the contact time - if applicable)

Note:  For exchange rates, please visit THIS SITE (or any commercial bank)

Tel: +27 21 938-9272
Fax: +27 21 938-9166
email: wajm@sun.ac.za