Safety
Can You Dive With a Medical Condition?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no — it depends on the condition. Here's how the medical clearance process works.
It depends on the condition. Some — like asthma, epilepsy, active sinus infections or serious heart problems — may prevent diving or require sign-off first. Every student completes a medical questionnaire, and if anything is flagged you must get clearance from a doctor before diving.
- Everyone completes
- A medical questionnaire
- If flagged
- Doctor's clearance needed
- Best doctor
- A dive medicine physician
- Golden rule
- Declare, don't hide
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always consult a doctor — ideally a dive medicine specialist — about your specific situation before diving.
The medical questionnaire
Before any course, you complete a standard diver medical questionnaire (the RSTC / Diver Medical form). It asks about your health history. If you answer 'yes' to any item, it doesn't necessarily mean you can't dive — it means a physician must review and clear you first. Be honest: the form exists to keep you safe, not to exclude you.
Conditions that commonly need review
- Asthma or other lung conditions — air can be trapped in the lungs and cause injury during ascent.
- Heart and cardiovascular disease — diving is physically demanding.
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders — a seizure underwater is extremely dangerous.
- Active sinus or ear infections / congestion — these prevent equalization (often a temporary 'no').
- Recent surgery, diabetes, or pregnancy — pregnancy is a clear 'do not dive'; others need individual assessment.
How to get cleared
- Complete the questionnaire honestly: Declare every relevant condition and medication. Hiding something only endangers you underwater.
- See a doctor if anything is flagged: Take the form to a physician — a dive medicine specialist is ideal — for assessment and, if appropriate, a signed clearance.
- Bring your clearance to the dive centre: With medical sign-off, most centres will happily train and dive with you.
Many people with well-managed conditions dive safely with the right clearance. The goal isn't to say no — it's to make sure diving is safe for you, specifically.
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Get the Diving Standard appFrequently asked questions
Can I scuba dive with asthma?
Possibly, if it's well controlled and a dive medicine physician clears you. Asthma needs individual assessment because trapped air in the lungs can cause injury during ascent. Never dive with active symptoms.
What is the diver medical questionnaire?
A standard health-history form (the RSTC / Diver Medical) every student completes before a course. Any 'yes' answer means a doctor must review and clear you before diving.
Can you scuba dive while pregnant?
No. Diving is not recommended during pregnancy because the effects of pressure and nitrogen on a fetus are not well understood and potentially harmful.