There are many doubts that arise about the documents required to dive, either independently or through an authorized diving center.
It is the obligation of diving centres to inform new divers of these documents and the diver's responsibilities, to keep them up to date and to carry them on the days of diving.
The documents for diving, common to all autonomous communities within the Spanish territory for diving are:
1. Medical certificate or Responsible declaration
Diving is a safe practice that does not require exceptional physical and physiological conditions, but does require general health suitable for diving.
When we talk about recreational diving, it is necessary to sign a responsible declaration indicating that you are fit to practice diving.
Having a medical certificate or responsible declaration is an essential requirement to begin training in the first diving qualification, the course Open Water Diver.
How do I get a medical certificate for diving?
You just have to follow the instructions of a simple questionnaire that you can download right here.
Download QuestionnaireAfter completing the questionnaire you will know if you have the minimum health conditions to dive or if you need to go to a doctor for a specific check-up.
We recommend the Confirmation from a specialist that our condition is suitable to carry out the activity, especially with regard to the cardiovascular system.
Hyperbaric medicine specialist (optional)
Only medical examinations carried out by specialist doctors with a certificate are valid for the practice of recreational diving. Official qualification in hyperbaric medicine, since they are the ones who know in depth how the physics of diving affects our physiology, and consequently the only ones qualified to certify that our conditions are suitable for the safe practice of this sport.
Printed by the College of Physicians of Spain (optional)
This certificate must be completed in a Official form of the College of Physicians of Spain, which you can buy at any pharmacy for a standard established price. We advise you to call the hyperbaric doctor of your choice before purchasing it, since in many cases, the price of the examination includes the cost of this document.
Valid for 2 years
The hyperbaric medical certificate has a Validity of two years for recreational divers who do not practice professionally, and one year for recreational diving professionals, i.e. Dive Masters, Instructor Assistants and Instructors who are currently active.
Where can I get my medical certificate for diving?
At Buceo Norte Gran Canaria we have several recommended centers.
Request Information Diving Medical Centers
2. Official diving certification
Open Water Diver
The minimum qualification for practicing autonomous diving, either on your own (always with a partner) or through an authorized diving center is Open Water Diver, a qualification that qualifies for diving up to 18 metres.
To be able to dive deeper than 18 metres, you need to have the Advanced Open Water Diver qualification or the Deep Diving Specialty qualification, which qualifies you for recreational diving to a maximum recommended depth of 30 metres and a maximum permitted depth of 40 metres.
There are numerous diving certifications that qualify you for different diving specialties such as night diving, cave diving or diving with enriched air nitrox, among others.
Remember that You should never dive above your level and certification, and that you know better than anyone what your limitations and experience are.
See Diving Courses
3. Specific diving medical assistance insurance
Diving Insurance
Have your Diving insurance is mandatory From the moment you obtain your Open Water Diver certification and become a diver, and as we mentioned, it is your responsibility to update it and keep it current when diving, even if no one asks you to.
How to get my diving insurance
Diving insurance must be specific and not just any general insurance for sports activities will do. Confirm that your insurance covers all contingencies arising from diving and check that its coverage includes travel and treatment in a hyperbaric chamber.
Get My Diving Insurance NowRemember that you will only be covered by your insurance if you dive according to your qualifications and depth limits and also have a valid hyperbaric medical certificate. In all other cases, insurance companies will not cover any expenses that may arise from any type of accident during your dive.
4. Commitment
At Buceo Norte Gran Canaria we require that both divers who hire our guided dives, as well as those who rent equipment from us to dive on their own, have the three diving documents described in this article.
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