Do I Need a Dive Medical in Australia? | SSMC
Do I Need a Dive Medical Before Scuba Diving in Australia?
If you’re planning to learn to scuba dive, return to diving after some time away, or have been asked to obtain medical clearance by a dive school, you may be wondering: do I need a dive medical before scuba diving in Australia?
The answer depends on your individual health, the type of diving you plan to do, and the requirements of your diving course or operator.
Many recreational divers will initially complete a medical screening questionnaire or declaration. Depending on your answers, you may then be asked to have a medical assessment before diving.
The South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society (SPUMS) recommends that people considering recreational compressed-gas diving undergo a medical risk assessment before commencing diving, and that assessment is repeated following a significant illness or change in health.
If you have been told that you require a dive medical in Sydney, doctors consulting at South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly provide recreational dive medical assessments.
Learn more about dive medicals in Manly.
What Is a Dive Medical?
A dive medical is a medical assessment that considers whether there are health factors that could increase the risks associated with scuba diving.
Scuba diving exposes the body to conditions that are very different from those experienced on land. Changes in pressure, breathing compressed gas, immersion and the physical demands of diving can all have implications for particular medical conditions.
SPUMS describes the purpose of a recreational diving medical as assessing both the general medical risks associated with compression and breathing compressed gases and risks relating to an individual diver’s health.
A dive medical is therefore different from a routine health check. The assessment specifically considers health in the context of being underwater.
Does Everyone Need a Dive Medical Before Scuba Diving?
Not every recreational diving situation requires every person to arrive with a doctor’s medical certificate.
The requirements can depend on factors including:
- whether you are learning to dive or are already a certified diver;
- the requirements of your dive school or certification organisation;
- your answers to a diving medical questionnaire;
- your age and medical history;
- whether your health has changed since you last dived; and
- where and under what circumstances you are diving.
For example, recreational diving regulation in Queensland requires entry-level and non-certified divers to complete a medical declaration, with entry-level divers providing a medical certificate where required.
Individual diving organisations and operators may also have their own medical screening requirements.
If your dive school has provided you with medical paperwork, it is a good idea to bring this with you to your appointment.
When Might I Need a Dive Medical?
There are a number of situations where you may be asked to obtain a diving medical assessment.
You’re learning to scuba dive
People beginning an Open Water or other entry-level scuba course will generally be asked about their medical history before starting training.
Depending on your answers and the requirements of the course provider, you may need assessment by a doctor before participating.
You answered “yes” on your diving medical questionnaire
Medical screening questionnaires are designed to identify health issues that may need to be considered before diving.
Being referred for a medical assessment does not necessarily mean that you cannot scuba dive. It means a doctor needs to consider the relevant condition and the particular risks associated with diving.
Depending on the circumstances, further investigation or specialist advice may sometimes be appropriate. SPUMS advises referral to a specialist diving physician where a medical issue is outside the examining doctor’s expertise or requires further consideration.
Your health has changed
Even experienced divers should consider their fitness to dive when there has been a significant change in their health.
This could include a new medical condition, significant illness, surgery, injury or another change that may affect your ability to dive safely.
SPUMS recommends that a diving medical risk assessment be repeated following a significant illness or change in health status.
You’re returning to diving after a long break
If you haven’t dived for some time, particularly if your health has changed since your last dive, it may be appropriate to discuss your medical fitness for diving before getting back in the water.
You’re aged 45 or over
Age alone does not mean that somebody cannot scuba dive.
However, SPUMS recommends that diving candidates and established divers aged 45 years and over undergo medical assessment with a focus on cardiovascular health. It recommends reassessment at intervals of no more than five years after age 45, even when there are no other health issues.
Your individual circumstances may mean assessment is appropriate more frequently.
What Medical Conditions Can Be Relevant to Scuba Diving?
A wide range of health factors can potentially be relevant because the underwater environment places different demands on the body.
A dive medical may consider areas such as:
- cardiovascular health;
- respiratory and lung health;
- ears, sinuses and the ability to equalise pressure;
- neurological history;
- previous episodes of loss of consciousness or seizures;
- diabetes and other metabolic conditions;
- medications;
- mental health;
- previous diving-related problems;
- physical fitness and mobility; and
- other relevant medical or surgical history.
This does not mean that having one of these conditions automatically prevents someone from diving.
Fitness to dive is an individual medical assessment. Some conditions may require further assessment, additional information or specialist advice before a decision can be made.
SPUMS notes that some medical conditions create substantial risks when diving, while others may represent a more modest risk and may not necessarily preclude recreational diving.
What Happens During a Dive Medical?
Your doctor will review your medical history and assess factors relevant to recreational diving.
The exact assessment will depend on your individual circumstances and the medical form or requirements associated with your proposed diving activity.
SPUMS’s current recreational diving guidance includes assessment of medical history and physical examination across health areas relevant to diving. Its current guidelines are the sixth edition, published in September 2025.
If an issue is identified during the assessment, your doctor can discuss what it means and whether further investigation or specialist assessment is appropriate.
Can I Get a Dive Medical From My Regular GP?
A recreational diving medical involves considerations that are not encountered in everyday life.
SPUMS recommends that medical practitioners performing diving medical risk assessments have specific training in diving medicine and maintains a list of doctors with recognised training.
If you are booking a medical specifically for scuba diving, it is therefore worth telling the clinic that you require a dive medical when arranging your appointment rather than booking a standard consultation.
Is a Recreational Dive Medical the Same as a Commercial Diving Medical?
No.
A recreational diving medical and an occupational or commercial diving medical are different assessments with different requirements.
SPUMS’s recreational diving medical guidelines specifically state that they do not apply to occupational divers.
Occupational diving in Australia has separate medical requirements associated with AS/NZS 2299.1. The Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme states that occupational diver medicals are required every 12 months and must be undertaken by an appropriately qualified doctor.
If you require a medical for work or professional diving, make sure you tell the clinic before booking so you can confirm that the appropriate type of assessment is available.
Dive Medicals in Sydney and Manly
If you have been asked to organise a dive medical in Sydney, recreational diving medical assessments are available with participating doctors consulting at South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly.
Located close to Manly Beach, the practice is convenient for divers living across Manly, the Northern Beaches and wider Sydney.
When booking, let reception know that you require a dive medical so that you can be booked with an appropriate doctor and advised about anything you should bring to your appointment.
[Book a Dive Medical]
Frequently Asked Questions About Dive Medicals
Do I need a dive medical to learn to scuba dive?
You will generally need to complete medical screening before beginning scuba training. Whether you then require assessment and clearance from a doctor depends on your health, your answers to the questionnaire and the requirements applying to your course or dive operator.
Does being referred for a dive medical mean I can’t dive?
No. A request for medical assessment does not by itself mean you are unable to scuba dive. The purpose of the appointment is to assess the particular medical issue and the risks associated with diving.
Should experienced divers have dive medicals?
Medical fitness for diving can change over time. SPUMS recommends reassessment following a significant illness or change in health and recommends periodic assessment for divers from age 45.
What should I bring to my dive medical?
If your dive school, certification organisation or dive operator has given you a medical questionnaire, certificate or other paperwork, bring it to your appointment.
You should also be prepared to discuss your medical history, current medications and any relevant previous investigations or specialist care.
Where can I get a dive medical in Sydney?
Participating doctors consulting at South Steyne Medical Centre in Manly provide recreational dive medical assessments. When booking, specify that the appointment is for a dive medical.
Book a Dive Medical in Sydney
Whether you’re preparing for your first scuba course, returning to diving or have been asked to obtain medical assessment, you can arrange a recreational dive medical in Manly with a participating doctor at South Steyne Medical Centre.
South Steyne Medical Centre
Manly, Northern Beaches, Sydney
Learn more about dive medicals in Manly.
This article provides general information only and does not replace individual medical advice. Requirements for diving courses and operators can vary. If you are unsure whether you require a medical assessment, check with your dive operator or training organisation and discuss your individual circumstances with your doctor.
