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Are You Fit to Dive?
Scuba diving is generally a safe recreational activity; however, it places unique physical demands on the body, meaning all participants must be medically fit to dive.
For this reason, you will be required to complete the PADI Medical Statement, an internationally recognised form used by dive centres and instructors worldwide.
PADI Medical Form
The PADI Medical Form is a short health questionnaire designed to identify any medical conditions that could affect your safety while diving. You will be sent this to fill in digitally with your PADI eLearning for every course. You can download it below to fill out in advance and check if you need medical clearance from a doctor.
The doctor can be your local GP or click the link below to contact our local diving doctor (Dr Alexander Van Heerden)
for sign off and advice. Doctors will charge for this service.
Do I Need a Doctor’s Approval?
Many people can answer “No” to all the medical questions and can start diving straight away without seeing a doctor.
However, if you answer “Yes” to any of the questions, PADI requires that you obtain medical clearance from a doctor before you can take part in in-water training.
This is not unusual and does not automatically mean you can’t dive — it simply means a doctor must confirm that you are fit to dive safely.
Why Is This Important?
Diving places different stresses on the body compared to everyday activities.
The medical screening process is there to protect your health, reduce the risk of accidents and ensure you enjoy diving safely and confidently.
Instructors, Divemasters and dive shop staff are not physicians and cannot give medical advice; only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive.