Scuba Diving has come a long way. For centuries, there have been records of people diving. Of course, in the ancient times, diving wasn’t probably as safe as it is now and people didn’t do it recreationally. Diving was either done for survival or as a means of livelihood (hunting for deep-sea fish or diving for pearls). I can only imagine what it was like for a diver during those times. No safety equipment, no dive certifications, it was just you and your body. I’m imagining the divers in the past must have been really fit! They only had their bodies to depend on, after all, especially when emergencies arose.

However, nowadays, it’s become a different story. Physical fitness is definitely a pre-requisite for scuba diving. I was discussing this very topic with a good friend of mine over a cold beer two weekends ago. And yes, we both agreed that if you aren’t physically fit, scuba diving isn’t for you. Furthermore, my friend and I agreed as well that you’re mental and emotional health must be stable, too. I mean, if you’re afraid of the water or if you’re claustrophobic, might as well steer clear of diving, huh? Unless, you’re trying to overcome your fear, then I guess that’s fine. But basically, the point is that one should be aware of one’s overall health and fitness before attempting to scuba dive.

Hence, I’ve decided to write all about it. It would be great for anyone out there to have, at a glance, a sort of checklist to help decide whether you are fit enough to try scuba diving or, if you’re already tried it, continue to scuba dive. 

Let’s have a look, shall we?

1. Did you pass the Pre-Dive Physical Examination?

Some individuals might be required to by their dive masters to take a physical examination and get a doctor’s written consent to scuba dive. In fact, one look at you and most dive master can already tell if you’re fit enough to dive. Besides, you always need to fill out a medical form with various questions about your health and if you’ve answered yes to some of those questions, you may not be allowed to dive. One time, we were scuba diving in Cebu, in Malapascua specifically, and one of my friends was under pain management medication. She had crushed her hip a few years ago due to a car accident and although, technically she is fine, the dive master still required her to get approval from her physician that she was absolutely fit enough to dive.

2. Do you have a history of heart or lung disease?

If you’re an older diver or if you appear out of shape, the dive master might require you to perform a cardiovascular test to determine if you’re able to scuba dive or not. You see, although being underwater seems like one is weightless, scuba diving can demand quite a bit from a person’s stamina and strength. Also, it’s important to note that not all scuba diving spots are the same. Just to share with you another bit of experience I had while diving in Cebu, this time it was in Camotes Island where the current can sometimes be stronger than other dive spots, it took every bit of effort for me to reach the spot we were headed for as I swam through the waves. Believe me, it was very strenuous. If you have a heart or lung problem, these situations can be life-threatening.

3. Do you have Diabetes?

If you are an insulin-dependent diabetes patient, you might as well get clearance from your doctor first before you try scuba diving. Some are usually permitted by their doctors but some more serious cases are strictly prohibited to scuba dive.

4. Do you have Asthma?

Most individuals suffering from asthma need careful evaluation from their respective physicians. I mean, really, what if you have an asthma attack underwater? I doubt if your inhaler can help you down there. I’m no expert, though, but even the mildest case of asthma should be considered.

5. Are you pregnant or trying to get pregnant?

Pregnant women or those attempting to become pregnant are advised to postpone their scuba diving adventures until after the baby is born. Since pregnant women go through significant hormonal changes and require more oxygen since the fetus inside requires oxygen, as well, the environment underwater isn’t really the best place for a woman who is pregnant or MIGHT be pregnant.

6. What are the other health-related issues to consider?

The following are a few things that might prohibit you from scuba diving (that is, until you get a physician’s approval or if you pass the physical exam):

• Shortness of breath

• History of nausea or vomiting

• Using prescription or non-prescription meds

• Experiencing unexplained loss of consciousness or “blacking out”

• Trouble clearing spaces

• The overall appearance of not being physical fit

Now, remember, even if you are on vacation and just want to try scuba diving for fun and for the experience of it, a dive master can outright prohibit you from diving if he feels that you aren’t physically fit. Don’t feel so bad, though. This is actually for your own good.

Scuba diving, though is a safe sport in general. Like I mentioned earlier in this post, it’s come a looooong way from how it was before and every safety measure has been considered for almost anyone to be able to enjoy it. It can also actually be a great way to keep yourself in good health and fitness. After all, once you’ve committed yourself to scuba diving, you can’t help but adapt to the healthy lifestyle that it requires.