Scuba Diving Medical Clearance Checklist Before Your Trip

Introduction

Getting your medical clearance sorted before a dive trip isn’t just paperwork. It’s the single most important step you can take to avoid being denied diving at the resort, scrambling for a last-minute appointment in a foreign country, or finding out you have an underlying issue while you’re underwater. This scuba diving medical clearance checklist is for anyone planning a trip, whether you have a known health condition or you’re simply ticking a box. The goal is simple: help you get organized, see the right professional, and arrive at the dive center with everything you need so your trip goes smoothly. No surprises. No cancellations. Just safe, enjoyable diving.

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Why a Medical Clearance Checklist Matters Before Your Trip

A lot of divers think medical clearance is just a formality. You fill out a questionnaire, check a few boxes, and move on. But dive centers take this seriously because your safety depends on it. If you have a condition like asthma, a heart issue, or chronic ear problems, the center will want a physician’s signature before they let you in the water. Without it, you can be denied diving on arrival with no refunds. That’s a hard way to learn this lesson.

The checklist matters because it forces you to deal with everything ahead of time. It’s easy to forget about your childhood asthma or that medication you’ve been taking for years while you’re busy packing fins and a wetsuit. But the dive center won’t forget. They’ll check the form. If you tick ‘yes’ to any medical question and don’t have a doctor’s note, you’re done. A checklist helps you organize the consultations you need—whether it’s a travel medicine clinic, your GP, or a dive medicine specialist. Don’t leave it to chance. Get it done before you fly.

Step 1: Review the RSTC Medical Statement and Guidelines

The Recreational Scuba Training Council (RSTC) Medical Statement is the industry standard. Nearly every dive center in the world uses it or something based on it. The form asks a series of yes/no questions about your medical history—everything from asthma and diabetes to ear surgery and heart conditions. It’s straightforward, but you need to read each question carefully and answer honestly.

You can download a copy from the Divers Alert Network (DAN) website. Print it out, sit down with it, and go through every question. If you answer ‘yes’ to any question, that’s your signal to book an appointment with a doctor. Don’t skip this step. Honesty matters. Over the years, I’ve seen divers tick ‘no’ because they assumed a past condition was irrelevant, only to have a doctor later flag it. The form is designed to catch risks, not to disqualify you unnecessarily. If you answer ‘yes,’ you’re not automatically out. You just need a professional to assess you.

Step 2: Identify Potential Red Flags in Your Health History

Most divers I talk to are surprised by how many conditions actually require clearance. It’s not just the major stuff like heart disease or epilepsy. Common things like asthma, even if well-controlled, need a sign-off. Same goes for diabetes, high blood pressure, ear or sinus problems, and any history of seizures. The reason is simple—diving puts your body under physical stress. Pressure changes affect your lungs, ears, and sinuses. If you have an underlying issue that could become unstable underwater, the doctor needs to assess the risk.

Don’t assume a past condition automatically disqualifies you. I know plenty of divers with well-managed asthma or controlled high blood pressure who dive regularly. The key is stability and having a physician who understands dive medicine. When you see a doctor, be ready to discuss the specifics: when was the last episode, what medications do you take, are you currently symptom-free. This isn’t about passing or failing. It’s about making sure you’re safe. If you’re unsure about something on the list, mark it as a red flag and ask a professional.

Step 3: Schedule a Consultation with a Travel Clinic or Dive Doctor

Once you’ve identified any ‘yes’ answers on the RSTC form, it’s time to book an appointment. Your best bet is a travel medicine clinic or a physician who specializes in dive medicine. General practitioners are great, but they may not know the nuances of pressure changes and how they affect specific conditions. A dive doctor or a travel clinic with dive medicine experience knows exactly what to look for and how to make a judgment call.

When you book, bring everything: the RSTC form, a list of your current medications, any relevant medical records (like a recent spirometry test for asthma or a cardiac assessment), and your dive insurance details if you have them. The more information the doctor has, the faster and more accurate the evaluation. Many clinics, like 1st Contact Travel Clinic, offer online booking and can have you in and out quickly. Some even offer telemedicine if you’re in a hurry, though a physical exam is often better for certain conditions. Don’t wait until two weeks before your trip. Appointment slots fill up, and you don’t want to be stressing about this while you should be packing.

Common Mistakes Divers Make with Medical Clearance

I’ve seen it all. The biggest mistake is waiting until the last minute. Divers show up at the dive center with a form their GP signed two years ago, or they bring a generic checkup note that doesn’t mention diving at all. That’s not clearance. The form needs to be specific to scuba diving, dated within the last 12 months, and signed by a physician who understands the risks.

Another common error is assuming a general checkup is enough. Your doctor might clear you for exercise, but that doesn’t mean they’ve considered the effects of pressure changes on your ears or sinuses. Divers also forget to get the doctor’s signature on the official RSTC form itself. A note on a prescription pad won’t cut it.

Then there’s the issue of chronic ear problems. I’ve met divers who’ve had ear infections, burst eardrums, or sinus surgeries years ago and think it’s no big deal. It is. Your ability to equalize underwater depends on healthy ears and sinuses. If you have a history of problems, get it checked before you go. For divers looking to maintain ear health, a quality ear equalization aid can make a noticeable difference during training and practice. Save yourself the frustration of descending and realizing you can’t equalize. Trust me, it’s not fun.

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What to Expect During the Dive Medical Evaluation

A dive medical exam is a bit more thorough than a standard checkup. The doctor will start with the basics: blood pressure, heart rate, and listening to your lungs. Then they’ll check your ears and sinuses—this is crucial because any blockage or infection can cause serious problems underwater. You may also get a spirometry test if you have asthma or respiratory concerns. It’s a simple breathing test that measures how well your lungs work.

The doctor will also do a basic neurological check, testing your balance, coordination, and reflexes. Diving requires good situational awareness, and any underlying neurological issue could be a problem. After that, they’ll review your medical history and medications. The whole thing usually takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the complexity. Wear comfortable clothing, bring your paperwork, and don’t be nervous. The vast majority of issues are manageable. The doctor wants to clear you if it’s safe. They’re not looking for reasons to say no.

Step 4: Gather Required Documentation for the Dive Center

Once you have your clearance, don’t shove the form in a drawer. You need to bring it with you. Most dive centers want to see the signed RSTC form, dated within the last 12 months. If you have any specialist letters—like a cardiologist’s note or an ENT clearance—bring those too. Some centers may also ask for vaccination records, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas with limited dive medicine resources.

Make at least two copies of everything. Keep one in your carry-on and one in your checked luggage. Better yet, scan everything and store it on your phone or in the cloud. You don’t want to be caught without the right paperwork when you’re standing at the dive shop counter. Also, make sure your dive insurance details are organized. Many centers will ask for proof of insurance before they let you dive. Having everything in one folder makes check-in fast and stress-free. A dive document organizer can help keep your clearance forms, insurance papers, and other travel documents neat and accessible throughout your trip.

Medications and Diving: What You Need to Know

Being on medication doesn’t mean you can’t dive, but it does mean your condition needs to be stable and the drugs must not interfere with your ability to dive safely. Many divers take medication for high blood pressure or asthma and dive without issues. The key is that the condition—not just the medication—must be under control. If you have unstable asthma, even with an inhaler, you’re at risk underwater.

Some medications can also cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired judgment, which are dangerous underwater. Always review your medications with a dive doctor. Don’t self-assess. I’ve seen divers assume their antihistamines are fine, only to realize later that they cause drowsiness at depth. If you’re on any prescription medication, bring the list to your appointment. The doctor will tell you whether it’s safe to dive and if you need to adjust timing or dosage. For divers who carry daily medications, a waterproof pill organizer is a practical way to keep your medications dry and organized while traveling to the dive site.

When to Get Clearance Well in Advance vs. Last Minute

Timing is everything. If you have known conditions—asthma, diabetes, heart issues, ear problems—start the process at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip. That gives you time to get an appointment, see a specialist if needed, and undergo any tests. It also leaves room for a second opinion if the first doctor isn’t sure. For generally healthy divers who just need a signature, 2 to 3 weeks before departure is usually enough.

Last-minute clearance is risky. Appointment slots get taken fast, especially during peak travel seasons. If you need a specialist referral or a specific test, you might not get the results in time. Don’t bet on finding a walk-in clinic that understands dive medicine. Book ahead. That way, if something comes up, you have time to address it without canceling your trip. This simple planning step saves a lot of headaches.

What If Your Doctor Says No to Diving?

Hearing that you can’t dive is disappointing. I get it. But it’s important to understand that the doctor’s job is to keep you safe. Diving is a physically demanding activity, and some conditions genuinely make it too dangerous. If your doctor says no, don’t immediately give up. Ask for a referral to a dive medicine specialist. They have deeper expertise and can sometimes see nuances that a general practitioner might miss.

If the dive doctor agrees with the initial decision, respect it. Diving is not worth risking a stroke, a heart attack, or a serious ear injury. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the water—snorkeling, free diving (depending on the same risks), paddleboarding, or just relaxing on the beach. The ocean isn’t going anywhere. Your health is more important than any single trip. Take the professional opinion seriously and adjust your plans accordingly.

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Pre-Trip Checklist Beyond Medical Clearance

You’ve got your medical clearance sorted. What else do you need? First, dive insurance. Standard travel insurance often doesn’t cover scuba diving accidents or decompression illness. You need a policy that specifically covers diving, like those offered by DAN. Second, make sure you have emergency contacts written down—both your dive center and a family member back home. Third, pack a basic first-aid kit for travel. A small kit with antiseptic wipes, bandages, pain relievers, and antihistamines can handle minor issues without ruining your trip. A compact travel first aid kit designed for diving is a reliable option that covers the essentials without taking up much space in your bag.

Ready to Get Your Dive Medical Clearance Sorted?

If you want a professional, hassle-free experience, book an appointment with 1st Contact Travel Clinic. Their team is experienced in dive medicals and understands exactly what dive centers need. They keep your paperwork organized, your consultation quick, and your peace of mind intact. You can schedule online or give them a call. Don’t wait until you’re stressed and short on time. Get your clearance sorted now, and focus on enjoying your dive trip.