Current diving regulations
The current diving regulations establish specific safety standards for all types of diving (sports, professional, scientific...) with the exception of military diving. As it could not be otherwise, recreational diving is also governed by these rules, so every diver must sign a declaration of responsibility regarding their state of health.
This questionnaire establishes whether or not you meet the health requirements to be able to divealthough if you are going to take a specific course such as the Open Water Diver >, a second confirmation is recommended by a hyperbonic doctor, specialists in the physics of diving by which human physiology is affected in each dive. Therefore, the opinion of an expert in this matter is always an extra security for diving.
Especially if you are going to get certified in a much more advanced diving course such as Advanced Open Water or the specialty with Nitrox, the medical check-up is basic to control your lung pressure, ears, blood pressure... Even the state of your dental health! Only if you are "suitable" will you be able to take the diving course in which you want to specialize with complete safety guarantee.
What does the diving medical certificate consist of?
This document guarantees that you are in perfect condition to be able to dive into the underwater depths with total freedom. You have to make an appointment with your family doctor or with a doctor who specializes in hyperbaric medicine, as he or she will be the best one to examine you. The certificate consists of two parts:
- History doctor. Here you have to fill out a questionnaire with your personal details, height, weight, eye color and hair... You will also find a series of medical cases that could occur, such as: frequent headaches, use of glasses or contact lenses, asthma, frequent or strong colds, motion sickness, allergies, high blood pressure, smoker, heart problems, pregnancy... If you meet one or more of the cases raised you have to mark them and explain why what.
- Medical examination. This second part must be completed by the doctor, who will verify that everything is in order, since the most important thing to be able to practice underwater activities is to be healthy, both physically and psychologically. Diving involves being exposed to certain conditions to which we are not accustomed, such as changes in the pressure of the air we breathe, changes in environmental pressure, tension, fatigue... So it is very important to ensure that we are prepared to withstand such effects.
How long do diving medical certificates last?
According to the Royal Decree published in the BOE on June 2, 2020, the total duration of diving certificates it will be 2 years, although an annual medical check-up is recommended.
The most important thing is to let yourself be guided by the advice of the expert divers with whom you are going to dive. The diving school or company that you have chosen for this experience will guide you with the steps you must take or the requirements you must meet for a fun, exciting but above all, very safe underwater adventure.
Spain is lucky to have large diving centers to be able to practice your star sport both in the pool and in the open sea. If you want to know where the best divers are to dive with them, so You just have to click here.
