Scuba Diving Medicals
🩺 Scuba Diving Medicals: Essential Guide for Safe Diving
If you’re planning a dive trip or signing up for a PADI scuba diving course, one of the first things you’ll encounter is the scuba diving medical form. This isn’t just paperwork — it’s a critical step to ensure your safety underwater and to protect your travel insurance coverage.
🌊 Who Needs a Scuba Diving Medical?
- Beginner divers: Anyone starting a PADI Open Water Diver course must complete the official medical questionnaire.
- Certified divers: If your health has changed since your last dive, you may need a new clearance.
- Divers with medical conditions: If you answer “yes” to any questions on the PADI medical statement, you’ll need a doctor’s approval before diving.
✅ Why Is a Medical Important?
Dive centre rules: Reputable operators won’t let you dive without proper medical clearance.
Safety underwater: Diving involves pressure changes and breathing compressed air. Certain conditions can increase risks.
Insurance protection: If you lie on your medical form, your travel insurance for scuba diving may be invalid.
⚠️ Common Health Issues That Require Clearance
The most frequent conditions that trigger a medical sign-off include:
- Asthma or chronic respiratory issues
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Ear problems (e.g., infections, surgery)
- Neurological conditions (seizures, migraines)
- Recent surgery or major injuries
🖊️ GP vs Dive Medic: Who Signs the Form?
Not all GP’s will sign the PADI medical statement. Some doctors feel they don’t have the specialist knowledge to assess diving fitness.
- If your GP refuses, you’ll need to see a private dive doctor (sometimes called a dive medic).
- Dive medics are trained in diving medicine and understand the risks of diving with health conditions.
- Expect a consultation fee, but it ensures you’re properly assessed and safe to dive.
You can find a list of all Approved Medical Examiners of Divers
For Divers based in or near London we recommend:
http://www.ukoffshoremedicals.co.uk/
🌍 Final Thoughts
Scuba diving is one of the most thrilling adventures you can experience, but it’s not worth risking your health or your insurance by skipping the medical process. Be honest on your forms, seek proper clearance if needed, and remember: the ocean will always be there, so take the time to prepare safely.