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Health Requirements

Diving is a fun but demanding activity so you must be in good health. Please read our health requirements.
In some circumstances, you should NOT dive:

  • If you are currently pregnant or are attempting to become pregnant.
  • If you are under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
  • If you have a cold, ear infection or are feeling ill on the day of your dives.

If any of the above applies, DO NOT DIVE.

There are other health concerns for which you need to get a physician’s evaluation before diving. Please answer the questions below, if your answer to any of the questions is YES you need a physician’s evaluation.

  • Are you currently taking prescription medication (except birth control or malaria prophylaxis)?
  • Are you over 60 years old?
  • Are you over 45 years old and your family has a history of heart attack or stroke?
  • Do you struggle to perform moderate physical activity (for example unable to walk 1.6km/one mile in 14 minutes)?

Do you currently have OR do you have a history of any of the following?

  • Asthma, wheezing when breathing, or wheezing when exercising
  • Severe or frequent attacks of allergies or hayfever
  • Frequent colds, bronchitis or sinusitis
  • Lung disease
  • Collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
  • Chest, lung, heart or blood vessel surgery
  • Behavioral or psychological problems (for example panic attacks, fear of open or closed spaces, learning disabilities)
  • Epilepsy, seizures, convulsions, OR take medications to prevent them
  • Recurring migraine headaches, OR take medications to prevent them
  • Loss of consciousness, blackouts or fainting
  • Severe or frequent motion sickness
  • Dysentery or dehydration requiring medical treatment
  • Decompression sickness or other diving accident
  • Head injury with loss of consciousness in the past five years
  • Recurrent back problems
  • Back or spinal surgery
  • Diabetes
  • Surgery within the past 12 months
  • Ongoing problems related to a past surgery
  • High blood pressure, OR take medication to control blood pressure
  • Heart disease or heart attack
  • Sinus or ear surgery
  • Ear disease, recurrent ear infections, hearing loss or balance problems
  • Bleeding or blood disorders
  • Addiction to alcohol or recreational drugs, OR received treatment for addiction within the last 5 years
  • Stomach/intestine problems such as hernia, ulcer, colitis, Crohn’s disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or colostomy.

Answer the questions honestly and, if in doubt, always consult with a medical professional. You can also have a look at the “Diver Medical” linked below for more details. A positive answer does not automatically disqualify you from diving but you do need to get a physician’s evaluation beforehand.
If your answer to all questions is NO you do not need to do anything.

HOW TO
① Download and print the “Diver Medical“, please read it carefully as you fill out and sign it.
② Take the Diver Medical (all three pages) to your physician for an evaluation. The medical must be dated and signed by both you and your physician to be valid.
③ Email us the Diver Medical (all pages) at least a week before your tour (or as soon as possible if your reservation is in less than one week). If you are not comfortable sharing the information over email, you can bring a printed copy with you the day you dive.

English Diver Medical: https://www.uhms.org/images/Recreational-Diving-Medical-Screening-System/forms/Diver_Medical_Participant_Questionnaire_10346_EN_English_2022-02-01.pdf

Other languages: https://www.uhms.org/resources/featured-resources/recreational-diving-medical-screening-system.html

Frequency Asked Questions

I’m over 60 but my answer to all questions is NO, do I still need to send the Diver Medical?
Yes. The risk of serious injury when diving increases with age so we ask all divers over 60 to get a physician’s evaluation.

I’m a certified diver, do I still need to send the Diver Medical?
If your answer to any of the questions is YES or if you are over 60 years old, you need to send or bring the Diver Medical.

I have a Diver Medical from before, can I use that?
As long as your health situation is the same, you can use the form if it’s less than 12 months old. We only accept diver medical forms, either the same as those linked on this page or equivalent.