No-fly time after diving
Most agencies recommend a minimum 12 hours between your last dive and a flight if you've done a single no-decompression dive, and 18 hours if you've done multiple dives in a day or several consecutive days. DAN recommends being conservative and allowing 24 hours when possible. This guideline lowers the risk of decompression sickness when cabin pressure drops at altitude.
Pregnancy and diving
Diving is not recommended at any stage of pregnancy, and most agencies will decline to train pregnant divers. The effects of pressure changes and inert gas absorption on a developing fetus aren't well studied, so the precautionary principle applies. Surface snorkeling is generally fine.
Common conditions divers ask about
- Asthma: case-by-case, requires medical sign-off. Many well-controlled asthmatics dive safely; the diving doctor decides.
- Diabetes: case-by-case. Stable, well-managed diabetes (with no recent severe hypos) is often cleared. Brittle or unstable diabetes generally isn't.
- Ear conditions: chronic sinus or ear issues that prevent equalization make diving impossible until resolved.
- Common cold / congestion: temporary contraindication; wait until fully recovered.
- Recent surgery: wait until your surgeon clears you for vigorous activity. Typically 4 to 8 weeks minimum depending on procedure.
- Medications: many are compatible with diving; a dive doctor should review your list.
Age limits by certification agency
| Min age | Course (by agency) |
|---|---|
| 8 | PADI Bubble Maker (pool only) SSI Scuba Rangers (pool program) |
| 10 | PADI Junior Open Water Diver (depth-limited) SSI Junior Open Water Diver SDI / TDI Junior Open Water |
| 15 | PADI Open Water Diver (full certification) SSI Open Water Diver |
Confirm current rules at the agency websites; these are general guidelines.