Health and diving: who can dive and who should refrain

Good health is a non-negotiable condition in diving. Knowing your health status protects you and those with you.

Conditions that prevent diving

Heart disease
Any heart problem needs a specialized medical assessment before diving, and some conditions ban diving permanently.

Lung disease
Uncontrolled asthma and emphysema are a real danger underwater, as they may cause lung rupture on ascent.

A perforated eardrum
Never dive with a perforated eardrum until it is treated and the doctor confirms full recovery.

Conditions that need a medical consultation

• Controlled diabetes may allow diving with follow-up
• Controlled epilepsy needs a careful assessment
• Pregnancy requires abstaining from diving
• Some medications affect alertness and coordination

Medical check before diving

Consulting a doctor specialized in dive medicine gives you a health document that reassures you and sets any necessary restrictions.

The general principle

Doubt means abstaining. If you are not sure of your health status, consult a doctor before any decision.

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Your health is more precious than any dive. A medical check before starting is not exaggeration. It is a duty.