The SSI Medical Statement is a mandatory form, required by the RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council), that must be completed before any dive training with Dive BVI.

The Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire is a set of unified standards established to provide consistency in the minimum health standards required for training scuba divers. Prior to the implementation of the medical form, fitness standards varied widely. The dive medical form was recently updated to address COVID-19 with input from DAN, SSI, PADI, WRSTC, RSTC, UHMS and dive-medicine professionals to improve safety and prevent accidents.

Today, some divers view this questionnaire in a negative light, believing it serves only to bar them from diving if they answer “yes” to any of the questions. This is not the case at all.

The questionnaire serves to help divers and dive operators avoid emergency situations. It enables divers with relative contraindications to diving to realize this and seek the help of their physician to make adaptations so they can scuba dive safely. This questionnaire also provides doctors and emergency responders with pertinent medical information that will be useful if a diver gets injured and cannot speak for themselves.

Receiving clearance to dive promotes safe and comfortable diving, and it does not have to be difficult. Remember that instructors, divemasters or dive shop personnel are not physicians and should not be asked for medical advice; only medical professionals can give medical clearance to dive.

Divers can be cleared to dive in conjunction with an annual check-up or on a visit to receive travel immunizations. This clearance is typically valid for about a year, but divers should seek re-evaluation if any significant changes occur, such as receiving a new diagnosis or starting a new medication. Additionally, divers aged 45 or older who are currently receiving medical care, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart attack or stroke, or use tobacco products must receive a doctor’s approval to scuba dive.

Please download the document by clicking the Download Medical Statement button. Once completed, scan it back to us through email at [email protected].

If you have any questions about this form please contact us at 284-541-9818.