All divers and course participants must complete the SSI Medical Statement before entering the water. Read this page carefully before your first dive with diveshack.
Important notice: The SSI medical screening questions referenced on this page are currently under review. The form questions may not yet reflect the current RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council) medical standards. If you have any concerns about your fitness to dive, contact us before booking and consult a diving physician.
Before any course or guided dive, all participants must complete the SSI Medical Statement. This is a self-declaration form asking whether you have or have ever had a range of medical conditions that can affect fitness to dive.
The form takes approximately 5 minutes to complete. If you answer "yes" to any question, you must obtain written medical clearance from a qualified physician before entering the water.
Complete this form before your dive or course. Bring a signed copy on the day, or email it to us in advance.
Download SSI Medical Form (PDF)Note: SSI may update this form. If the link above does not work, visit divessi.com and search for "Medical Statement" under health and safety resources, or contact us and we will provide a current copy.
If you have any of the following, you must obtain a medical clearance letter from a physician experienced in diving medicine before participating:
This list is not exhaustive. If you are uncertain whether your condition affects your fitness to dive, consult a diving physician before booking.
Scuba diving is not recommended during pregnancy. The effects of pressure and nitrogen saturation on foetal development are not fully understood, and no safe threshold has been established. diveshack does not permit diving during pregnancy.
| Course / Activity | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Try Scuba (Discover Diving) | 10 years |
| SSI Open Water Diver | 10 years (junior certification up to 15m depth) |
| SSI Advanced Open Water | 12 years |
| SSI Deep Diver and specialty courses | 15 years |
| Guided dives (recreational) | 10 years with junior certification |
| Technical courses (XR pathway) | 18 years |
Malta has a hyperbaric medicine facility at Mater Dei Hospital (Msida). If you require a diving medical examination, contact the hospital directly or ask your GP to refer you to a physician with diving medicine experience.
Mater Dei Hospital Hyperbaric Unit
Msida, Malta
For emergencies involving decompression illness: call +356 2545 0000 and ask for the hyperbaric unit.
If you are unsure about any aspect of your fitness to dive, contact us before booking. We would rather help you make the right decision than have you enter the water with unresolved concerns.
Email: info@divemalta.com
WhatsApp: +356 9999 3483