title: Otolaryngological requirements for recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving.
abstract: Recreational self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) diving continues to grow in popularity. Medical requirements to be 'fit to dive' vary throughout the world, from self-certification to a full medical examination prior to training. This review discusses the relative merits of the most commonly used guidelines for recreational SCUBA diving, with reference to common diving-related otorhinolaryngological conditions. Areas of controversy, such as fitness to dive after rhinological and otological surgery, are discussed. The authors suggest that a unified approach from the various recreational SCUBA diving organizations involved would aid in clarification for divers and physicians alike. The difficulties in achieving such a unified approach, however, should not be underestimated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Gloucester Royal Hospital, Gloucester, UK.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Sim
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Youngs
mesh_terms: D001469:Barotrauma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004242:Diving / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000592:standards*; D010808:Physical Examination; D010809:Physical Fitness; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires