What is fitness to dive and how is it assessed?

• A. Fitness to dive refers to equipment readiness only
• B. Fitness to dive is a medical condition requiring training; assessed by trainer
• C. Fitness to dive means divers are medically fit and are assessed by a trained professional; if not, duty is denied
• D. Fitness to dive is not evaluated

Answer: (C)

Fitness to dive means you are medically capable of safely participating in diving activities, considering the physical and environmental stresses involved. A trained professional, such as a diving medical examiner or qualified physician, reviews your medical history, performs a focused exam, and evaluates any conditions that could raise risk during a dive. If you’re deemed medically fit, you can dive; if not, diving duties should be postponed or denied until the condition is cleared or reassessed. This assessment is about overall health, not equipment readiness or training—having good gear or knowing how to dive doesn’t compensate for medical risks. Regular re-evaluations may be needed for conditions that can change over time.