The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) has issued a position statement recognizing the Hyperbaric Certification Commission's HC-S and HC-S*D credentials. This is a milestone for HCC and for everyone who has earned, or is working toward, a hyperbaric safety credential.
What the statement saysThe statement is titled Recognition of the Hyperbaric Certification Commission's HC-S or HC-S*D certification for physicians, nurses, and technicians. It was written by the UHMS Accreditation Council and approved by the UHMS Board of Directors on November 7, 2026.
In it, the Council recognizes HC-S and HC-S*D as voluntary professional certifications in hyperbaric safety. It describes them as a way for individuals to demonstrate knowledge of hyperbaric safety, including:
- risk assessment
- regulatory compliance
- emergency preparedness
- quality management
- operational practices
The Council also frames voluntary certification as a complement to education, competency assessment and professional development. Its starting point is one we share: "The Accreditation Council recognizes that a strong culture of safety is fundamental to delivering quality hyperbaric medicine."
What it means for youIf you hold HC-S or HC-S*D: your credential is now recognized in a formal UHMS position statement. Add the news to your professional profile, and share it with your team and your administrators.
If you're considering HC-S: the credential is built for experienced hyperbaric professionals in the safety role. Candidates bring a qualifying credential, such as CHT, CHRN, ACHRN, CHWS or CHS; or physicians MD, or DO plus at least one year of hyperbaric experience after primary training. The pathway has four steps:
- Self-paced online modules (about 45 hours)
- An approved Introduction to the Role of Hyperbaric Safety Director course
- A hands-on skills lab and practicum
- The certification exam
Details and eligibility: https://gethcc.com/certifications/hyperbaric-certified-safety-hc-s.html
If you lead a hyperbaric program: HC-S gives your team members a recognized way to show their safety knowledge. It works alongside your facility's training and competency programs.
What it does not changeThe statement is clear on a few points, and so are we:
- HC-S and HC-S*D are voluntary.
- HC-S is not required for UHMS Hyperbaric Facility Accreditation.
- Certification does not replace facility-specific training, competency validation, professional licensure, or compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
A word from HCC Medical Director, Michael White, MD, UHM, MMM, CWS
The HC-S and HC-S*D certifications represent an individual's commitment to the highest standards of hyperbaric safety. We welcome like minded individuals to join us in striving towards excellence in hyperbaric safety.
We thank the UHMS Accreditation Council and Board of Directors for their work on this statement. We also thank every HC-S and HC-S*D holder whose dedication to safety made it possible.
Read the full position statement: https://uhms.org/images/Position-Statements/2026/UHMS%20POSITION%20STATEMENT%20On%20HC-S%20Certification%20Final.pdf
Connect with peers: join the Hyperbaric Safety Alliance, HCC's free network for the people who keep hyperbaric facilities safe. Sign up at https://gethcc.com