Medical fitness for diving

Many diving and snorkelling incidents involve the participant suffering a medical condition that may be made worse by the diving activity and/or the environment.

Key medical conditions include:

• cardiac conditions (e.g. heart disease or high blood pressure)
• respiratory illnesses and injuries (e.g. asthma, pneumothorax and congestion)
• conditions that may result in a loss of consciousness (e.g. epilepsy and diabetes).

It is important that, as far as is reasonably practicable, participants have the necessary medical fitness for the different types of diving and snorkelling activities available.

Recreational diving

Non-certified divers and entry level certificate divers must complete a medical self assessment in the approved forms available from the resources page.

For non-certified divers who disclose a medical issue, advice from a medical professional must be sought, based upon that medical advice the dive operator may decide it is reasonable to allow the person to dive.

For entry level certificate divers, if the medical declaration indicates a medical evaluation is required, a medical certificate issued within 90 days of the activity must be provided.

For certified divers

The dive operator should assess the certified divers medical fitness. If the dive operator has concerns regarding the diver’s medical fitness, then they should seek further medical advice or ensure that the diver is accompanied by a dive instructor  or certified assistant.

Occupational diving

Occupational divers must hold a current certificate of medical fitness, issued in accordance with the fitness criteria in AS/NZS 2299.1: 2015 Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice. The diver must follow any conditions stated on the certificate.

The certificate must be issued by a medical practitioner with appropriate training in underwater medicine.

The certificate must not be greater than 12 months old and must be kept for 12 months after the diving work finishes.

Prior to diving, workers should advise if they are suffering any relevant medical conditions such as colds, hay fever, ear infections or hangovers.

Recreational snorkelling

Snorkellers must be advised that snorkelling can be a strenuous activity and if they suffer from medical conditions that can be made worse by exertion, saltwater mist or that can result in a loss of consciousness, that they inform a crew member.

Snorkellers should be assessed for their medical fitness and ability to snorkel. Based upon this assessment some snorkellers may be identified as at risk. At risk snorkellers should be provided with additional control measures to ensure their safety.

The Safety information for divers and snorkellers guide includes information and medical declaration forms for diving and snorkelling. The guide is available in English and non-English languages.