What are the Medical requirements?

[Ian Smith]

Hi

I'm new to the forum and have just been reading this section with interest. I was wondering what are the rules regarding medicals for recreational divers. I have a Padi advanced cert and have been diving for about 4 years. Other than the medical questionaire that I filled in at the shop when I started, I've never been asked to produce a medical certificate anywhere. I've dived in The Med, The UK and in Indonesia.

Am I missing something?

It's pertinant at the moment as my wife has been unwell lately and I thought we may need to check with someone before we dive this summer.

Cheers

Ian

[Treerat]

No need for a medicial anymore - the self cert is all that is required. The odd country still wants one, but haven't been asked in a while.

[The Duck]

As Treerat says, it's self cert for those for those few occasions where something is needed (e.g. courses).

However if you have any doubts it's worth getting checked out by a diving doc.

[Janos]

There are no laws in the UK about diving. You can go diving if you're at death's door.

Other countries such as Spain and France do require a medical signed off by a proper Doctor, so the advice would be to check before you go.

For specific conditions, I'd check with a proper diving doc: LINK: UKSDMC is the authorative source.

Janos

[Ian Smith]

Thanks All

We are going to Normandy in June and were planning to dive some of the wrecks. Is this a definate requirement in France? I tried to contact a dive operator in the area but I think they are afraid of email.

Cheers

Ian

[Treerat]

Last time I dived in France they asked for a med cert. I showed them my copy of the BSAC self cert and they were happy to accept it.

Best to check with the centre direct there.