Learning to dive: Is a medical fitness examination mandatory?

Do you finally want to get your diving certification and discover a new world? Then sooner or later the question will arise whether you need a diving certificate. As a PADI Course Director and owner of the Cyprus Diving Centre in Cyprus, I'm happy to help you with this.

What is the purpose of a medical certificate for diving?

Diving is a very safe sport and is enjoying increasing popularity. You don't need to be an athlete or high-performance sportsman to learn to dive, but you do need to be in good physical condition. This is determined by a medical examination.

When do I need a diving certificate signed by a doctor?

It depends somewhat on where you get your diving certification. In Switzerland, for example, you always need a medical certificate. Here in Cyprus, this isn't regulated by the government – therefore, PADI's regulations apply. For a PADI Open Water Diver course or other courses (excluding PADI Pro and PADI TEK courses), these state the following:

1. Medical questionnaire

   Here are several questions about your current health status. If you can answer "no" to all of them, you don't need a doctor's certificate. You can find this form in your eLearning or online here.

   
   

2. Question answered with "Yes"

   If you answered "yes" to one or more questions, a medical examination is mandatory.

   Without a signed diving fitness certificate, your PADI diving instructor cannot allow you to participate in the diving course.

What you need to pay attention to in the diving certificate

First and foremost, it's important that you're honest. However, there are a few other qualities to consider:

• Corrections are not allowed. For example, if you marked "yes" to a question but then want to change your answer on the spot, this is not permitted.

  
  

• No "restrictions"

  The doctor can only certify you as "fit to dive" or "not fit to dive". Restrictions such as "fit to dive to a maximum depth of 12 meters" are not permitted.

What exactly is examined during a diving medical examination?

It depends very much on the doctor. There are intensive examinations that include everything from the ears to the heart, including an ECG and a PFO check, and there are less intensive examinations. Your family doctor is best suited to tell you which one is right for you.

Always be examined:

• ears

• lung

• Pulse and blood pressure

Common reasons for a medical fitness-to-dive examination

Over all my years as a PADI diving instructor and now PADI Course Director in Cyprus, I have regularly noticed the following reasons, which necessitated an investigation.

• Asthma or previous respiratory illnesses

• Cardiovascular diseases

• High blood pressure

• Previous surgeries

• diabetes

• Taking prescription medications

• Problems with ears or sinuses

IMPORTANT: Answering "yes" to any of these questions does not necessarily mean you cannot dive. However, a medical examination is required.

Where can I find the medical form?

If you book a course with a PADI dive center, such as us at Cyprus Diving Centre in Cyprus, you'll find the form in your eLearning. Otherwise, it's best to ask the dive center directly. Or you can download the form directly here on the UHMS website .

FAQ on the topic of fitness to dive

Here I answer the most frequently asked questions. You can also contact us directly via our website.

Can I take a PADI Open Water course without a diving certificate?

Yes, provided you can answer "no" to all questions on the medical questionnaire.

What happens if I answer a question with "yes"?

Then you must be examined by a doctor before the course begins and submit a signed diving fitness declaration.

Can my family doctor issue a diving certificate?

In many cases, yes. However, especially in cases of pre-existing medical conditions, consulting a doctor trained in diving medicine can be advisable.

Can I dive if I have asthma?

This depends on the type and severity of the asthma. The decision should always be made in consultation with a doctor.

Can I get my diving certification if I'm taking medication?

In many cases this is possible. However, this must be assessed individually by a doctor.

About the author

My name is Daniel Kistler and I am a PADI Course Director in Cyprus .

As a PADI Course Director, I am primarily responsible for the training of PADI Divemasters and PADI Instructors , and therefore deal extensively with diving standards and procedures. I have been diving myself since 2009 and have been a PADI Pro since 2018. The correct handling of diving certificates and forms is a major topic that frequently raises questions.