You’ve booked your dive, you’re dreaming about turtles and lava tubes, and you can almost feel the ocean spray. Before you jump in, there’s one important step to handle: reviewing your Diver Medical Form. This form is more than just paperwork. It helps you, your buddies, and your dive guides stay safe, and ensures your vacation doesn’t hit an unexpected snag.

Why Reviewing Your Diver Medical Form Matters

This form helps identify potential health risks before you dive. It only takes a few minutes to review, but waiting until the last minute can mean the difference between diving the Cathedrals of Lāna‘i or waving goodbye from the dock.

“I’m Healthy!” We Believe You, But Read Your Diver Medical Form Anyway

Most people jump in with “I’m perfectly healthy,” and that’s great. But there are three items in the questionnaire that require a physician’s evaluation, no matter how good you feel:

• I struggle to perform moderate exercise (for example, walk 1.6 km/1 mile in 14 minutes or swim 200 meters/yards without resting) OR I’ve been unable to participate in normal physical activity due to health reasons in the past 12 months.
• I’ve had surgery within the last 12 months, OR I have ongoing problems from a past surgery.
• I’m taking prescription medications (except for birth control or anti-malarial drugs other than mefloquine/Lariam).

If you answer “Yes” to any of these, you will need a physician’s evaluation before diving. By the way, these aren't the only questions that can trigger the need for a medical release, so read the form carefully and there will be no surprises.

The “Over 45” Question on Your Diver Medical Form

If you are over 45, the form directs you to another section. You only need medical clearance if you also answer “Yes” in that next part. Age alone does not require a physician’s evaluation, so don’t panic.

What Happens After You Answer Yes on Your Diver Medical Form

Once you answer ‘Yes’ to a question that requires medical clearance, it locks in your need for a physician’s evaluation. You will need a physician’s evaluation before you can dive with us again. This evaluation lets your physician confirm it’s safe for you to dive, suggest adaptations, or recommend further testing.

Waiting until the last minute can mean missing your dive. Nobody wants to watch their friends high-five turtles from the surface. Completing your form early avoids this stress and keeps your Maui dives on track.

Why Your Diver Medical Form Matters for Everyone

No form can guarantee safety, but your Diver Medical Form helps identify potential risks for you, your dive team, and your fellow divers:

For you: Your physician can confirm you’re medically fit to dive (that always feels good!), recommend adaptations if needed, or suggest further evaluation for any conditions that may pose a risk.

For your dive team: Providing accurate information ensures guides can respond effectively if an emergency occurs and prevents unnecessary stress or distractions.

For your fellow divers: When guides aren’t managing surprises caused by hidden medical issues, they can focus on keeping everyone safe and enjoying the dive.

The form also provides critical information to emergency responders if a diver cannot speak for themselves.

For more guidance on dive fitness, check out Divers Alert Network’s Fitness to Dive guide.

Pro Tip for Managing Your Diver Medical Form Year-Round

Bring your Diver Medical Form to your annual checkup and ask your physician to review it. Once they confirm you’re medically fit, that clearance is valid for one year, as long as your answers do not change. Keep a copy in your dive bag or on your phone for convenience.

Bottom Line: Be Prepared, Dive Confidently

✅ Review your Diver Medical Form as soon as you book.
✅ Share it with everyone in your group.
✅ If a physician’s evaluation is needed, schedule it before your trip.

Doing this helps you avoid stress, save money, and ensure your vacation actually includes diving.

Ready to Get Prepared?

👉 Click here to download your Diver Medical Form

A few minutes now means smooth sailing and diving later. 🌊💙