Medical Policy

As a PADI Dive Centre based at Littlehampton Marina, West Sussex, your safety is our highest priority at Abyss Scuba School.

Before participating in any diving activity or course, you must complete the official PADI Medical Statement (RSTC Medical Form), which you will receive with your eLearning registration. This form helps identify any medical conditions that may affect your safety while diving.

Completing the Medical Form

  • If you answer “No” to every question, no further action is required.

  • If you answer “Yes” to any question, you must obtain a written medical clearance signed by a physician before taking part in any in-water activity.

  • If you fail to provide the required clearance before your course start date, you will not be able to dive, and rescheduling fees will apply in line with our Terms & Conditions.

Medical Clearance Requirements

A written clearance from a diving physician is required if you have a history of any of the following:

  • Heart surgery, heart disease, heart attack, or stroke (CVA)

  • High blood pressure and use of prescription “beta-blockers”

  • Lung surgery, pneumothorax, or collapsed lung

  • Asthma requiring the regular use of an inhaler

  • Epilepsy, convulsions, or fainting

  • Diabetes

  • Previous diving accident or decompression illness (DCS)

For all other medical conditions that result in a “Yes” answer, a clearance from a licensed general practitioner is acceptable.

If you prefer, you may also seek an opinion from a specialist dive medical clinic, such as the Worthing Hyperbaric & Diving Medical Clinic.

Validity of Medicals

  • A signed physician’s clearance is valid for 12 months, unless your health changes.

  • You must declare any new or changed medical conditions before continuing with training or diving.

Important Notes

  • Diving involves physical exertion and carries inherent risks, especially with underlying health conditions. These policies are in place to reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

  • Abyss Scuba School reserves the right to refuse participation if a student is deemed medically unfit to dive.

  • It is the participant’s responsibility to provide accurate and honest information on the medical form. Failure to do so may result in course termination without refund, in line with our Terms & Conditions.

📩 For more information or to discuss medical requirements, please contact us at info@abyss-scuba.co.uk.