By late 1974 it had become clear that neither of the two universities in New South Wales would be interested in sponsoring a diploma as they had just divested themselves of such things and were only going to issue degrees. So SPUMS took the brave step of issuing it's own diploma of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. This was the first non-naval certification of diving medical competence and for many years the only post-graduate qualification. The foundation diplomats included; Jimmy How of the Republic of Singapore Navy, as well as Geoff Bayliss, Carl Edmonds, Rex Gray, Chris Lowry, Bob Thomas and Ian Unsworth, for the Society has been international since its inception.
Other overseas Foundation Diplomats were Drs' Kee Peng Leong, Tai Lung Ho, Made Subrata, Harijonto Mahdi, Hartono and Gene Chan. Originally the requirements for the diploma by examination were the two RANSUM courses and the PHH course and a treatise suitable for publication. All the foundation diplomats had at least two years experience in diving.
By late 1974 it had become clear that neither of the two universities in New South Wales would be interested in sponsoring a diploma as they had just divested themselves of such things and were only going to issue degrees. So SPUMS took the brave step of issuing it's own diploma of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. This was the first non-naval certification of diving medical competence and for many years the only post-graduate qualification. The foundation diplomats included; Jimmy How of the Republic of Singapore Navy, as well as Geoff Bayliss, Carl Edmonds, Rex Gray, Chris Lowry, Bob Thomas and Ian Unsworth, for the Society has been international since its inception.
Other overseas Foundation Diplomats were Drs' Kee Peng Leong, Tai Lung Ho, Made Subrata, Harijonto Mahdi, Hartono and Gene Chan. Originally the requirements for the diploma by examination were the two RANSUM courses and the PHH course and a treatise suitable for publication. All the foundation diplomats had at least two years experience in diving.
The South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) was founded on 03 May 1971 in the wardroom of HMAS PENGUIN. The founding members of SPUMS were Carl Edmonds, Bob Thomas, Douglas Walker, Ian Unsworth, and Cedric Deal and they were joined by approximately 20 others as "charter members".
Please find a potted history of SPUMS below.
To see what we were up to, each year is a link to the more detail and information on academic meetings held, publications and details of the SPUMS Membership. We hope to bring you images from past ASMs. Alternatively download a full copy here.
Editor: Professor Simon Mitchell
Email:
Editorial Manager: Nicky Telles
Email:
Visit the Journal website: https://www.dhmjournal.com
Current journal issues (less than one year old) are available to members ONLY.
IMPORTANT: Submissions will only be accepted electronically. Authors, we ask that you visit Manuscript Manager (our online submission platform).
For further information please visit the Journal website, alternatively we have provided a series of documents and instructions in our
Submitting to DHM from the dropdown menu above, for authors to follow and consider before submitting to Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine.
Specific Interest Group for GPs interested and involved in Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine
As a GP who is interested and/or involved in Hyperbaric and Diving Medicine, I encourage you to join a wide ranging group with a similar interest and become a member of the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS).
SPUMS was formed just over 50 years ago and remains the pre-eminent society in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine in Australasia.
Benefits of SPUMS membership include:
- Priority for attendance and discounted Registration fee for our Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). Since 1971, SPUMS members have met yearly in some exotic places for an academic meeting combined with the possibility of diving. Locations have included Palau, The Maldives, Fiji, Bali, PNG, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The discount for Registration is more than SPUMS membership so great value! Post Covid-19 travel restrictions we are looking at the Great Barrier Reef again and then possibly Raja Ampat. As well as the diving, there is the interaction with likeminded colleagues and a highly relevant and interesting Academic Program.
- Immediate access to our journal Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. Only members have access to the embargoed issues from the previous 12 months. Back issues are now available via the SPUMS website for all issues of our journal dating back to the first in 1971.
- Ability to be listed as a Diving Doctor on the SPUMS website if you perform Dive Medicals.
- Access to further education opportunities in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine including the “SPUMS Diploma” (DipDHM).
- Information regarding fitness to dive, including recent revisions of the SPUMS Diving Medical (Cardiovascular Fitness) 2020 and diving post Covid-19.
Our membership year is from 01 January to 31 December. Membership is only AUD$320.00- much less than almost any other subscription, and tax deductable.
I hope to be able to welcome you as a SPUMS member now!
Neil Banham
PRESIDENT OF SPUMS
The SPUMS Diving Medical was last reviewed by an expert panel in 2020. It is intended to provide guidance in assessing recreational diving candidates. Please navigate the drop down menu under Diving Medicals (above) for any information required. Note: Some of these items are accessible to members only.
Please find below a series of quick links that will take you to all content listed under that Education tab in our menu. Access is also via the dropdown menu under Education.
SPUMS Diploma in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine
SPUMS Diploma in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Requirements for candidates (May 2014) In order for the Diploma of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine to be awarded by the Society, the candidate must comply with the following conditions read more.....
ANZCA Diploma of Advanced Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine (ANZCA Dip Adv DHM)
ANZCA Diploma of Advanced Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine (ANZCA Dip Adv DHM).. read more.....
SPUMS approved courses for Doctors
The Australian and New Zealand Hyperbaric Medicine Group Introductory Course in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Date. read more.....