Diving is often perceived as not being physically demanding, but diving does require a certain level of fitness in order to be performed safely. It is important to understand the level of effort expected of a diver when participating in scuba diving. 

The dive equipment can be quite heavy – a basic scuba diving unit may weigh around 20–25 kg/45–50 lb, so some basic strength and fitness are necessary in order for you to be comfortable carrying and wearing it.

The evaluation of fitness to dive should include two parts. First, divers should evaluate if they are fit enough to tolerate the general effort required by this activity: carrying equipment, swimming against currents/waves, and responding to unexpected situations. Second, the fitness to dive includes evaluating specific medical conditions that could influence or contraindicate diving activity. 

There are a few diseases or conditions that are partially or completely incompatible with scuba diving. The World Recreational Scuba Training Council (WRSTC) has developed a medical self-evaluation form where divers can report their medical conditions, which is a good starting point. According to the diving community and hyperbaric medical standards, divers who answer “yes” to any of the questions on the list need a medical evaluation by a diving/hyperbaric doctor. But even if divers answer “no” to the questions, it is always prudent to undergo an assessment by a diving/hyperbaric doctor, as there could be conditions unknown to the divers that could put them at risk during diving.

In some areas, a “Fit to Dive” certificate is required by local legal regulations. Consult your instructor and ask if you will be required to present such a document before you start the training. 

Find out more about conditions that require a mandatory medical evaluation before diving.

You do not have to be an athlete, but during every GUE course you will be asked to do a swim test – the minimum distance to swim is 275 m/300 yds in 14 minutes without stopping. There is a horizontal breath hold test (underwater swim) of 15 m/50 ft. If you are not certain that you are able to pass these tests, please contact your instructor – he or she may be able to help you to prepare for it.

It can be, but underwater you will often experience the opposite of closed spaces – vast, spacious environments with endless visibility. This can create discomfort similar to fear of heights or open spaces instead of closed ones. During your training you will learn how to confidently control your position underwater, so you will be in full control of where you are underwater and enjoy the freedom of moving in three dimensions.  

For the vast majority of participants, recreational scuba diving is a very safe activity, and for most divers it is accident-free. However, as with any sport, it carries inherent risks; whether it is bicycling, mountain climbing, snow skiing, or kayaking, accidents can happen to a small number of participants. The proper training that you will receive from GUE will teach you to recognize, anticipate, and mitigate the risks. You will know your limits, your competence level, and you will always dive with an equally highly-trained team of divers.

Diving may seem easy – just put the equipment on, go down, and enjoy. And it is easy, provided that you know what you are doing. Underwater there are laws of physics in play, our physiology processes changes, and there are safety limits and emergency procedures you have to know in order to dive safely. The required knowledge is not complicated, but not having it could cause a serious accident. All GUE courses provide you with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to be safe, to be confident, and to enjoy your diving.

Yes, you can. There are two options for you: you can use your contact lenses during diving, or you can purchase a diving mask with corrective lenses. Your instructor will be able to advise you depending on your vision defect and comfort.

No, you do not. During the entry-level course you will use the equipment provided by the dive center/instructor. After the course you will have enough knowledge and experience to decide what, if any, equipment to buy. For the course, you may choose to buy a scuba diving mask and suit, but refer to your instructor for advice before making that decision.