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Dive Medical Requirements

The rules for different classes of recreational divers

Introductory or Resort Dive Courses.

Before diving, you will be required to fill in a Medical Questionnaire. This questionnaire is given to you by the company you are diving with. If you answer YES to any question, you will need a qualified physician to provide you with a Dive Medical assessment that conforms to PADI standards.

You will not be allowed to dive until the Dive Medical has been provided and you are certified as being fit to dive. Dive operations must require all uncertified student divers to produce a current Dive Medical Certificate.

Learn to Dive Courses & Referral Programs

All divers are required to have had and passed a Dive Medical conducted according to PADI standards. If the medical certificate does not state that the medical examination was performed to PADI standards, it will not be accepted.

Vacation divers – All Certified Divers

Before diving, you will be asked to fill out a Medical Questionnaire or to sign a waiver releasing the dive operator from liability. If you do answer YES to any question in the questionnaire, you will be required to provide a medical clearance by a qualified physician.

You will not be allowed to dive until the medical assessment is complete and you are certified as fit to dive. Please note that a qualified and experienced diver will be disqualified from diving immediately. If a previously undisclosed medical condition becomes known to the dive operation, dive supervisor, or divemaster while on your dive trip.

Dive Medical information for those considering scuba diving certification or scuba diving-related activities such as snorkeling.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling does not require a medical questionnaire or a dive medical in most places, but it can be a strenuous physical activity that may increase the health and safety risks for persons suffering from any medical condition that may be made worse by physical exertion (such as heart disease, asthma, and lung disease), any medical condition that can result in loss of consciousness (such as epilepsy or diabetes), or having a low level of personal fitness due to age or physical condition.

Some medical conditions

Medical conditions such as asthma and respiratory diseases may also be aggravated by exposure to cold water or saltwater mist. Some people may also panic and get into difficulty while snorkeling. Especially if they are not experienced, and this panic-related strenuous activity can aggravate some medical conditions, such as heart disease. This can result in cardiac arrest and death, and epilepsy, leading to unconsciousness and drowning.

You may be required to sign a disclaimer by the dive operator. If you elect to snorkel with a known and/or contraindicated medical condition, or are taking medication. Persons with a low level of personal fitness should seek the advice of the dive operator about the environmental conditions at the snorkeling location, particularly concerning water temperature, currents, visibility, and safety procedures that are in place.