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Face Masks
The term "face mask" includes cloth masks, plus single-use face masks (commonly called surgical or medical masks), and N95/P2 respirator face masks. All of them, manufactured properly, are suitable for use to prevent the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). We strongly recommend you buy Australia Made face masks so as to ensure an effective, quality product.
Fabric or Cloth Face Masks
Fabric or Cloth face masks are any nose and mouth covering made of washable fabric. It's recommended a cloth mask made of three layers of a mix of breathable fabrics to ensure adequate protection. It does not need to be surgical quality to be effective.
You can even Make Your Own Cloth Mask.
Fabric/Cloth Face Mask are reuseable and should be washed after each use. See How to Wash Cloth Face Coverings.
We have available the Australian Made range of Sharkskin Envirus advanced technology fabric, antimicrobial face masks. (See below.)
Surgical or Medical Level 2 and Level 3 Facemasks
Surgical or Medical masks are made with a non-woven melt-blown polypropylene layer and available in various levels of protection. These are single-use, disposable masks only so can't be washed and used again.
Medical or Surgical Face Masks should be manufactured to Level 1, 2 or 3 according to the Australian Standards. Revised in December 2015 the standard AS 4381:2015 for Face Masks are now performance-based on 3 tests:
- Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) with Differential Pressure (Delta P) & Synthetic Blood Penetration Resistance. Fluid resistance is measured mm Hg, masks are rated according to performance.
- L1-80 mm Hg. L2-120 mm Hg. L3-160 mm Hg.
- Fluid Resistance: The ability of the mask to limit the passage of blood or body fluids from the outer facing through the mask layers to the inner facing.
Level 1. Applications: For general purpose medical procedures, where the wearer is not at risk of blood or body fluid splash or to protect staff and/or the patient from droplet exposure to microorganisms (e.g. patient with upper respiratory tract infection visits General Practitioner).
Level 2. Applications: For use in emergency departments, dentistry, changing dressings on small wounds or healing wounds where minimal blood droplet exposure may possibly occur (e.g. endoscopy procedures).
Level 3. Applications: For all surgical procedures, major trauma first aid or in any area where the health care worker is at risk of blood or body fluid splash (e.g. orthopaedic, cardiovascular procedures).
In general surgical/medical face masks are way more comfortable than the N95 respirator style face masks. However, because these surgical masks are in short supply for medical professionals and emergency service providers, the government is suggesting you use a non-medical fabric face mask.
P2 or N95 Respirator Face Masks
A P2 mask, also known as a P2/N95 mask or P2/N95 respirator, is a disposable face mask that is specially designed to filter the air and block particles above a certain size, including smoke and fine dust. The only difference between P2 and N95 is the region of classification and its testing requirements — P2 is European and N95 is the USA equivalent.
P2 or N95 respirator face masks are not recommended for use in the community and not advised to be used outside of healthcare or specific industries under health advice. We should prioritise the use of N95 respirators for those personnel at the highest risk of contracting or experiencing complications of infection.
Diving Medical
While we all like to enjoy ourselves underwater there are risks involved, especially for those with some medical conditions. The Australian Standards organisation, various state and federal regulators, together with the diving industry and representatives of recreational divers, have combined to put in place requirements and medical standards for SCUBA diving in Australia.
Because of the strict requirements of these standards, and the consequences of not adhering to them, prior to diving or training with them, most dive centres and operators will require you to fill in a comprehensive medical statement.
If you answer YES to any question you will be referred to a qualified physician for a Dive Medical assessment that conforms to Australian Standard AS4005-1. Overseas dive medicals are generally not accepted unless they are equal or better than the AS4005.1 standard.
At The Scuba Doctor if you are under 16 years old, or are aged 45 or more, we will also require that you undertake a full Dive Medical assessment, unless you can show us you've had one in the last five years.
This strict adherence to dive safety standards, including the Dive Medical, by all diving instructors recommended by The Scuba Doctor, shows the safety benefit of this approach to personal safety and risk management.
The requirement for a Dive Medical is ultimately for your own safety.
Where To Get A Dive Medical
Some of the diving doctors we know and recommend locally on the Mornington Peninsula and around Melbourne are:
| Dive Medical Doctors | |
|---|---|
| Doctor | Telephone |
| Dr Guy Williams Rosebud Medical Clinic 1239-1241 Pt Nepean Road, Rosebud VIC 3939 Melway: 170 C1 | Get directions | 03 5981 1555 |
| Dr Adrian Murrie Sorrento Medical Centre 166 Ocean Beach Road, Sorrento VIC 3943 Melway: 157 A8 | Get directions | 03 5984 4322 |
| Dr John Roth Mornington Medical Group 258 Main Street, Mornington VIC 3931 Melway: 104 E12 | Get directions | 03 5975 2633 |
| Dr Vanessa Haller Carrum Downs Medical Centre 113a Hall Road, Carrum Downs VIC 3201 Melway: 100 H2 | Get directions | 03 9782 6666 |
The South Pacific Underwater Medical Society (SPUMS) has a full list of AS4005.1 certified physicians.
Cancelling The Right To Dive Anyway
Regardless of whether you have a current Dive Medical Certificate, a dive operator has the power to exclude you from participating in diving activities. The instructors recommended by The Scuba Doctor all reserve the right to also do this.
More Information
For more information about Australian dive medicals and dive medical requirements, please visit the informative web site Dive Medicals Online.
Regular Dive Medicals
If you are a diver who answers YES to any question in the Medical Questionnaire, then we'd suggest you consider getting a regular dive medical. Maybe do it every year, every two years, or as your dive doctor recommends. If you're an active diver then the more thorough dive medical is a worthwhile thing to do.
![Halcyon Infinity 30lb System [SS Small Backplate]](/diveshop/images/halcyon/Halcyon-Evolve-Wing.jpg "Halcyon Infinity 30lb System [SS Small Backplate]")
