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Do I need medical clearance to learn how to scuba dive?
At Long Island Scuba we get this question often. The answer is relatively simple. It all depends! In the United States, you have to fill out a medical questionnaire when you sign up for scuba lessons. The medical questions are pretty much the same regardless of the certifying agency. They all are similar and consistent in what they ask. The form asks questions regarding your medical history. If you answer yes to any medical question you need a note from your doctor simply stating that it's ok for you to participate in scuba diving. Depending on your background your doctor may wish to examine you specifically or he may just review your file. Everything depends on your medical history and your doctor. That's why it's a good thing to sign up early for lessons, just incase you need to get your physician's approval. And if you're in doubt it's a pretty good idea to play it safe and see your doctor.
Just because you answer yes to any of these questions doesn't mean you can't scuba dive. The purpose of the medical questionnaire is to find out if your doctor should examine you before participating in recreational dive training. A positive response to a question does not necessarily disqualify you from diving. A positive response means that there is a preexisting condition that may affect your safety while diving and you must seek the advice of your physician. If you are not sure, answer YES. If any of those items apply to you, you must consult with a physician prior to participating in scuba diving.
Following is a sample list of questions commonly asked on a scuba training medical questionnaire:
___ Are you pregnant?
Have you ever had or do you currently have:
___ Do you have active asthma or history of emphysema or tuberculosis?
___ Frequent or severe attacks of hay fever or allergy?
___ Do you currently have a cold, sinusitis or bronchitis?
___ Any form of lung disease?
___ Have you had a Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)?
___ History of chest surgery?
___ Claustrophobia or agoraphobia (fear of closed or open spaces)?
___ Epilepsy, seizures, convulsions or take medications to prevent them?
___ Recurring migraine headaches or take medications to prevent them?
___ Do you have a history of diabetes?
___ History of blackouts or fainting (full/partial loss of consciousness)?
___ History of diving accidents or decompression sickness?
___ History of recurrent back problems?
___ History of back surgery?
___ Inability to perform moderate exercise (example: walk one mile within 12 minutes)?
___ History of high blood pressure or take medicine to control blood pressure?
___ History of any heart disease?
___ History of heart attacks?
___ Angina or heart surgery or blood vessel surgery?
___ History of ear disease, hearing loss or problems with balance?
___ History of drug or alcohol abuse?
___ Do you currently have an ear infection?
___ Are you currently taking medication that carries a warning about any impairment of your physical or mental abilities?
___ Do you have a history of bleeding or other blood disorders?
___ Any other current medical condition that you feel could contradict participation in an active demanding sport such as scuba diving?
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