Becoming a DAME, roles and responsibilities

How to become a designated medical officer

Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAMEs) and Designated Aviation Ophthalmologists (DAOs) conduct medical examinations as required by the Civil Aviation Act 1988, the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 and the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998. Approved practitioners are accountable to the CASA Principal Medical Officer (PMO), who oversees the administration of the aviation medicine system.

Medical practitioners wishing to qualify as either a DAME or DAO must have a post-graduate qualification in aviation medicine.

Some optometrists are also approved to perform all those examinations usually carried out by DAOs. These practitioners are known as Credentialed Optometrists (COs).

DAME’s duties

personally examining applicants requiring medical certification
discussing the applicant’s medical history and medical record during the course of the medical examination
referring applicants for follow-up testing when required
sending relevant information to CASA within a reasonable period of time (usually not more than 14 days after the examination)
responding to questions from applicants about their illness/medical conditions
issuing certificates for fitness to return to flying

They are also expected to:

undertake appropriate aviation medicine Continual Medical Education (CME), including by reading the DAME Newsletter and all correspondence from the Office of Aviation Medicine
abide by the AMA code of conduct
keep CASA informed regarding changes to contact details: dame.liaison@casa.gov.au comply with all conditions of designation (Form 755, page 2)

Qualification

To qualify as a DAME, a medical practitioner must have a post graduate degree in Aviation Medicine. Medical officers who qualified overseas must also complete a one day regulatory training course which is held at Monash University - see the links below for approved training courses in Australia and New Zealand.

Monash University, Victoria, Australia
Otago University New Zealand

Documents to provide

CASA requires those wishing to become either a DAME or a DAO to provide the following in support of their application:

Designated Aviation Medical Examiner

DAME appointment application - Form 755.
Application for ARN - Form 1162.
Certified copy of Medical Practitioner’s Registration.
Copy of Resume.
Certified copy of approved Aviation Medicine Qualification.
Certified copy of ASAM Membership certificate (not required if practicing outside Australia).
Passport Sized Photograph

Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist

DAO appointment application - Form 755.
Application for ARN - Form 1162.
Certified copy of Medical Practitioner's Registration.
Copy of Resume.
Certified copy Fellowship papers.
Certified copy of ASAM Membership certificate (not required if practicing outside Australia).
Passport Sized Photograph

Locum or Alternative DAME/DAO

DAME/DAO appointment application - Form 755.
Certified copy of Medical Practitioner’s Registration.
Certified copy of approved Aviation Medicine Qualification (DAME) (broken link/not functioning).
Certified copy of Fellowship papers (DAO).

Maintaining Your Designation

Both DAMEs and DAOs are required to apply for re-designation at least one month prior to the expiry of the current designation. The date of expiry is detailed on the Certificate of Designation.

Failure to reapply may see your file marked inactive and your details removed from the website. Any medicals performed after your designation has expired will not be processed.

To reapply, complete Form 755 and return it to the DAME liaison Officer. Ensure that all areas of the form are completed and that you include your aviation medicine continuing education.

DAMEs are required to undertake ongoing education relevant to aviation medicine (13 hours every three years). For acceptable educational study please see DAME/DAO appointment/re-appointment guidelines.

Further information

For further information about any of the above, please contact the Aviation Medicine Branch.