Medical Certificate for Scuba Diving
Most dive operators, training agencies, and resorts require a signed medical certificate confirming fitness to dive. Our registered UK GPs review your health details online and issue an internationally accepted certificate. No appointment needed.
Each certificate follows an individual clinical assessment by a licensed UK doctor, giving dive operators the documentation needed to clear you for underwater activity.
✔ Issued by a registered UK GP following clinical assessment
✔ Suitable for dive operators, training agencies, and resorts
✔ Most requests reviewed same day, from £89
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Standard Service
£55 - Receive your medical certificate within 2-4 business days
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Express Service
£59 - Your request prioritized and certificate issued within 24hrs or sooner
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How It Works
Complete a short online questionnaire
No appointment required — complete a short medical questionnaire and upload any supporting evidence.
Doctor reviews your evidence
A GMC-registered doctor reviews your submission. If a certificate cannot be issued, you’ll receive a full refund.
Receive your certificate
Your certificate arrives same day or by 9am next day — delivered as a signed PDF direct to your inbox.
What our patients say
Verified reviews from real MedicalCert patients
Jon
March 2025
Quick turnaround, hassle free
Good experience overall. Lots of details to provide but the interface was simple and easy to use. Turnaround time was very quick and hassle free.
K.H.
August 2025
Skydiving medical form sorted quickly
I was struggling to find where to get a 115B medical form signed for skydiving and Medical Cert were able to help quickly, at an affordable price and with great service.
Robert S.
June 2025
Same-day certificate, amended later for free
Fast, efficient service. I received my certificate the same day. When the event organisers later required specific wording I contacted MedicalCert and they updated it promptly at no extra charge.
Medical Criteria & Assessment for Scuba Diving
When a Scuba Diving Medical Certificate May Be Appropriate
A scuba diving medical certificate confirms that, based on the medical information provided, there is no identifiable clinical condition that would reasonably contraindicate diving at the time of assessment.
A certificate may be appropriate where:
- Cardiorespiratory status is stable and well-controlled with no symptoms suggestive of risk during pressure changes (see NHS guidance on shortness of breath).
- Ear, sinus, and pressure-related functions are within normal limits, with no active infection or Eustachian tube issues (see NHS advice on ear pain).
- There are no uncontrolled neurological conditions or recent injuries that present increased risk underwater.
When a Certificate May Not Be Issued
To protect diver safety and maintain clinical standards, a certificate will not be issued where:
- There are ongoing cardiorespiratory symptoms.
- There is recent or unresolved ear/sinus infection.
- There is insufficient clinical information to assess dive safety.
How the Medical Review Works
- Health details assessment – your submitted information is evaluated for dive-related risk factors.
- Risk evaluation – a GMC-registered doctor considers whether scuba diving is medically reasonable.
- Certification (if appropriate) – documentation is provided where medically justified.
Clinical Accountability
All scuba dive medical certificate requests are reviewed by a GMC-registered doctor. Certificates are issued only where there is no identifiable clinical contraindication at the time of review.
Please note: Dive operators, training agencies, or insurers may have additional requirements. A scuba diving medical certificate provides clinical confirmation based on your self-reported health data and assessment, but does not replace operator-specific medical protocols.
FREQUENTLY
Asked Questions
How do I get a recreational scuba diving sports medical certificate?
Simply complete the online questionnaire and complete the payment. After purchasing your medical certificate online, a doctor will review the information provided, and where appropriate will provide you with a certificate for your event. There is no need to have a telemedicine or online consultation to receive a medical letter. Our Doctors may call or email you directly if they have any additional questions.
Can I get a scuba diving medical letter without seeing a doctor?
You do not always need to see a doctor to get one. Our revolutionary service allows you to be assessed by one of our doctors without needing an appointment, simply by uploading your concerns and evidence through our forms. One of our doctors will then consider your medical history, current fitness, and any potential risks associated with your condition for the event before issuing your medical certificate. You will then receive the letter directly to your inbox.
Can you sign the PADI / SSI specific medical certificate?
Absolutely. At the end of our consultation form you'll be given the opportunity to upload any specific forms you need signed. Our doctors regularly sign the PADI recreational diving medical certificate for participants.
What will the sports medical certificate say?
Our doctors will evaluate the information you submit and make a judgement on whether an online sports certificate is appropriate for you. If yes, the certificate will say that there are "no contraindications to your participation in the in recreational diving".
What information will you require from me?
We will require you to upload:
✓ A photo / copy of your Passport or driver’s licence to confirm your identity
✓ Complete a medical questionnaire
Helpful information to have to hand when completing the form includes your blood pressure, your cholesterol level (screenshots of blood tests from your NHS app is sufficient), and medical history (this can be your summary health record available freely via your GP). These are not required for the certificate, but are very helpful for our doctors to have.
Do you provide refunds?
We always provide full refunds if we are unable to provide a sports Medical certificate in your situation, so you can submit your requests with peace of mind. Once a medical certificate has been issued we are unable to offer refunds.
How soon will I receive my medical letter or certificate?
Our team of GPs will review your medical evidence and questionnaire on the same day and provide you with your medical letter or certificate within 1 working day. We also offer a subject to clinical assessment by 9 a.m. service for medical letters for evidence that has been uploaded by 11 p.m. (UTC/GMT) Sunday - Thursday. With our express overnight service you will receive your medical letter or certificate in your inbox overnight by 9 a.m. the next day. For example, an application submitted at 11 p.m. on a Thursday night will be assessed and delivered by 9 a.m. on Friday morning.
Who will sign my sports medical certificates?
All of the doctors at Medical Cert are fully licensed GMC-registered GPs. We are a UK based healthcare service but the certificates can be used internationally. All of our Doctors are registered GPs with the UK General Medical Council.
Can you complete a specific form required by my event ?
Yes, in most cases we can help with special forms required by some events. Simply upload the required form with your medical evidence.
Can your doctor’s letters be verified?
Absolutely. Each letter or certificate issued will have a unique reference number and can be verified free of charge by emailing us at verify@medicalcert.co.uk.
Can you provide "full diagnostic testing?"
Since we are an online service we are do not perform such tests as ECG, urine analysis and spirometry tests. If you have received these tests elsewhere, you can upload them with your form for our doctors to review.
What would prevent me from getting a signed sports medical certificate?
Our doctors will review each case individually based on the information provided in your e-consultation form. For a healthy person with no medical issues, there is usually nothing that prevents our doctors from producing a certificate for you. If our doctors have any questions regarding your health they will contact you.
Can you sign Sports Certificates for Italian Events?
If your sporting event is in Italy, Italian law for medical sports certification requires you to undertake the following tests within 12 months of your event: a. Resting ECG and a Stress ECG b. Spirometry (a lung function/breath test) You will need to upload the results for the following tests if you would like your Italian sports medical certificate signed. These tests are easily available via various private health providers.
Do you provide certificates for all kinds of sports?
Currently we do not perform the following sports assessments: aviation sports, skydiving events, driving medicals, olympic sports, scuba diving events, or other extreme competitive sports. These will require in-depth testing via a face-to-face sports specialist doctor. For all other kinds of sports medical certificates please visit our sports medical page here: https://medicalcert.co.uk/sports-medical-certificate
Medical Certificate for Recreational Scuba Diving
Many dive centres and training organisations may request a scuba diving medical certificate (also described as a
medical certificate for scuba diving or a medical certificate for diving) before you begin training or participate in recreational dives.
This is used to confirm whether you are fit to dive, subject to clinical review.
- Clear process for a medical certificate for scuba diving, aligned to common dive-medical requirements
- Supports completion of a padi medical certificate review where eligibility criteria are met
- Helps identify conditions that may increase risk underwater (for example, ear, lung, and cardiovascular concerns)
- Provides documentation that dive operators may request before training or guided dives
- Transparent scope and limitations (recreational diving; not emergency care)
The importance of a medical certificate for scuba diving
A medical certificate can help confirm whether a diver is medically suitable to participate in recreational scuba diving.
Diving exposes the body to pressure changes and physical demands that can worsen some conditions. A structured assessment helps
identify risks and supports safe participation for you and your dive group.
Fitness confirmation
Assesses whether you are fit to dive based on history and a focused clinical check.
Risk identification
Flags potential issues (ears/sinuses, lungs, heart) that may increase underwater risk.
Operator requirements
Many providers request documentation before training or dives, especially if you answered “yes” on a questionnaire.
What is a scuba diving medical certificate?
A scuba diving medical certificate is a clinician-issued document confirming whether recreational scuba diving is medically appropriate at the time of assessment.
It is commonly linked to training requirements and questionnaires used by dive organisations.
You may see this described as a fit to dive certificate, medical certificate for diving, or medical certificate for scuba diving.
Some divers also search for a diving doctor near me when arranging an in-person assessment.
Keyword note (kept intentionally): This page covers requests such as fit to dive medical certificate uk,
fit to dive medical certificate padi, padi medical certificate, and padi medical form 2025.
The exact form/version you need can vary by provider; your assessment should follow the requirements applicable to your course/operator.
Cost of a scuba diving medical certificate
The original content states a fee of £89 for a recreational scuba diving medical at Medical Cert. If you are using another provider,
pricing may differ, and any discounts are provider-specific.
How it works (3 steps)
Prepare
Bring photo ID and the required diving medical form/questionnaire (for example, a padi medical certificate form if your provider requests it).
If you use glasses/contact lenses, bring them. Have details of any medical conditions and medications.
Medical examination
A clinician reviews your history and performs a focused exam commonly including height/weight, blood pressure, and ear canal assessment.
Additional tests may be required for certain conditions (e.g., asthma or cardiac history), depending on clinical judgement.
Decision & documentation
If clinically appropriate, you receive documentation confirming whether you are fit to dive. Certification is not automatic and may be declined if requirements are not met.
Clinical review & eligibility
Clinical review transparency: Applications are reviewed by GMC-registered UK doctors where applicable.
Certificates are not automatically generated. An application may be declined if it is not clinically appropriate.
Clinical judgement is applied in every case.
The aim is to identify potential issues that could increase risk underwater (for example, difficulty equalising, barotrauma risk, or problems that may affect fitness under pressure).
This supports safe participation and helps reduce avoidable incidents.
Limitations & when in-person or urgent care is required
A diving medical assessment is not a substitute for emergency care or comprehensive management of ongoing conditions.
This service may not be suitable if you have severe or unstable symptoms, or if your provider requires specialist dive-medicine clearance beyond a standard assessment.
Seek urgent medical attention if you have severe breathlessness, chest pain, neurological symptoms, severe ear pain, sudden hearing loss,
fainting, or rapidly worsening illness.
UK scope: This content is written for UK users and UK clinical standards. Acceptance requirements can vary by dive centre, insurer, or training organisation.
No document can guarantee acceptance by a third party.
Frequently asked questions
Do I always need a medical certificate for scuba diving?
Requirements vary by training agency and dive centre. Many divers complete a questionnaire first; a certificate may be requested if you answer “yes” to certain questions
or if the provider requires a medical certificate for diving routinely.
What does the exam usually include?
The original content describes a focused assessment including medical history review, blood pressure measurement, and ear canal examination.
Additional assessment may be needed depending on your history (for example, asthma or cardiac conditions).
Can I book evenings or weekends?
The original content states appointments can be available in evenings and weekends at clinics across the country (provider-dependent).
Is this the same as a PADI form requirement?
Dive centres may request completion of a form/questionnaire and then a clinician sign-off where indicated. People often refer to this as a
padi medical certificate or fit to dive medical certificate padi. Always check the exact requirements for your course/provider.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring photo ID, your diving medical form (for example, the padi medical form 2025 if your provider requires that version),
details of medical conditions and medications, and glasses/contact lenses if you use them.
Need a scuba diving medical certificate?
Arrange a clinician assessment to confirm whether recreational diving is medically appropriate, subject to clinical review.
If you’re searching for diving medicals or a diving doctor near me, choose a provider aligned to your course requirements.
Clinically Reviewed By
Dr Maria Knobel
Medical Director, Knobel Health Limited
GMC Registration
► 7495073 – View on GMC register