Health & Safety – Frequently Asked Questions

Learn everything about medical clearance, dive insurance, underwater vision and our emergency response plans in Koh Chang.

🏥 Do I need a medical certificate to dive?

In most cases, you just need to fill out a medical questionnaire. A doctor's certificate is only needed for specific conditions.

📄 ➜ Open official Medical Questionnaire (PDF)

📋 Diver Medical Self-Check – answer Yes or No

Complete this screening honestly (same questions as the official UHMS / RSTC Medical Questionnaire). Click Yes or No. A Yes opens the related follow-up box. Informational only — not medical advice. If the screening is clear, emailing your confirmed results is enough. If a physician’s evaluation is required, print the Medical Questionnaire PDF and bring the signed dive medical clearance to Chang Diving. If pregnant or trying to become pregnant, do not dive.

First and last name

Date of birth

Day

Month

Year

1. I have had problems with my lungs, breathing, heart and/or blood affecting my normal physical or mental performance.

   Yes No
   Box A – I have / have had:

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   1. Chest surgery, heart surgery, heart valve surgery, an implantable medical device (e.g. stent, pacemaker, neurostimulator), pneumothorax, and/or chronic lung disease.

      Yes No

   2. Asthma, wheezing, severe allergies, hay fever or congested airways within the last 12 months that limits my physical activity/exercise.

      Yes No

   3. A problem or illness involving my heart such as: angina, chest pain on exertion, heart failure, immersion pulmonary edema, heart attack or stroke, OR I am taking medication for any heart condition.

      Yes No

   4. Recurrent bronchitis and currently coughing within the past 12 months, OR I have been diagnosed with emphysema.

      Yes No

   5. Symptoms affecting my lungs, breathing, heart and/or blood in the last 30 days that impair my physical or mental performance.

      Yes No

2. I am over 45 years of age.

   Yes No
   Box B – I am over 45 years of age AND:

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   1. I currently smoke or inhale nicotine by other means.

      Yes No

   2. I have a high cholesterol level.

      Yes No

   3. I have high blood pressure.

      Yes No

   4. I have had a close blood relative die suddenly or of cardiac disease or stroke before the age of 50, OR have a family history of heart disease before age 50.

      Yes No

3. I struggle to perform moderate exercise (for example, walk 1.6 km / 1 mile in 14 minutes or swim 200 metres without resting), OR I have been unable to participate in normal physical activity due to fitness or health reasons within the past 12 months.

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   Yes No

4. I have had problems with my eyes, ears, or nasal passages/sinuses.

   Yes No
   Box C – I have / have had:

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   1. Sinus surgery within the last 6 months.

      Yes No

   2. Ear disease or ear surgery, hearing loss, or problems with balance.

      Yes No

   3. Recurrent sinusitis within the past 12 months.

      Yes No

   4. Eye surgery within the past 3 months.

      Yes No

5. I have had surgery within the last 12 months, OR I have ongoing problems related to past surgery.

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   Yes No

6. I have lost consciousness, had migraine headaches, seizures, stroke, significant head injury, or suffer from persistent neurologic injury or disease.

   Yes No
   Box D – I have / have had:

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   1. Head injury with loss of consciousness within the past 5 years.

      Yes No

   2. Persistent neurologic injury or disease.

      Yes No

   3. Recurring migraine headaches within the past 12 months, or take medications to prevent them.

      Yes No

   4. Blackouts or fainting (full/partial loss of consciousness) within the last 5 years.

      Yes No

   5. Epilepsy, seizures, or convulsions, OR take medications to prevent them.

      Yes No

7. I am currently undergoing treatment (or have required treatment within the last five years) for psychological problems, personality disorder, panic attacks, or an addiction to drugs or alcohol; or I have been diagnosed with a learning or developmental disability.

   Yes No
   Box E – I have / have had:

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   1. Behavioral health, mental or psychological problems requiring medical/psychiatric treatment.

      Yes No

   2. Major depression, suicidal ideation, panic attacks, uncontrolled bipolar disorder requiring medication/psychiatric treatment.

      Yes No

   3. Been diagnosed with a mental health condition or a learning/developmental disorder that requires ongoing care or special accommodation.

      Yes No

   4. An addiction to drugs or alcohol requiring treatment within the last 5 years.

      Yes No

8. I have had back problems, hernia, ulcers, or diabetes.

   Yes No
   Box F – I have / have had:

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   1. Recurrent back problems in the last 6 months that limit my everyday activity.

      Yes No

   2. Back or spinal surgery within the last 12 months.

      Yes No

   3. Diabetes, either drug or diet controlled, OR gestational diabetes within the last 12 months.

      Yes No

   4. An uncorrected hernia that limits my physical abilities.

      Yes No

   5. Active or untreated ulcers, problem wounds, or ulcer surgery within the last 6 months.

      Yes No

9. I have had stomach or intestine problems, including recent diarrhea.

   Yes No
   Box G – I have had:

   A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

   1. Ostomy surgery and I do not have medical clearance to swim or engage in physical activity.

      Yes No

   2. Dehydration requiring medical intervention within the last 7 days.

      Yes No

   3. Active or untreated stomach or intestinal ulcers or ulcer surgery within the last 6 months.

      Yes No

   4. Frequent heartburn, regurgitation, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

      Yes No

   5. Active or uncontrolled ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease.

      Yes No

   6. Bariatric surgery within the last 12 months.

      Yes No

10. I am taking prescription medications (with the exception of birth control or anti-malarial drugs other than mefloquine / Lariam).

    A Yes here usually means a physician’s evaluation is required.

    Yes No

I hereby confirm that the information I have provided is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

📩 Email my results Reset answers

Enter your name and date of birth, finish the self-check, tick the confirmation, then email your answers. If the screening is clear, that email is your declaration. If a physician’s evaluation is required, also print the PDF and see a doctor.

👓 Can I dive with glasses or contact lenses?

Yes! Contact lenses are usually fine. We also offer masks with prescription lenses.

💬 ➜ Ask about prescription masks

🛡️ Is diving insurance required?

Diving insurance is highly recommended. You can get day or annual coverage at low cost.

ℹ️ ➜ Learn about diving insurance options

🚨 What is the emergency protocol at Chang Diving?

In the rare event of a diving accident, we follow a clear and structured emergency plan. Our staff is trained, we carry first aid and oxygen onboard, and we have direct access to the decompression chamber in Trat.

🚑 ➜ View our emergency response plan

What Divers Say About Chang Diving

Join hundreds of happy divers who've explored the underwater world of Koh Chang with us. From first-time try dives to deep wreck adventures – discover why Chang Diving is trusted since 2005. ★★★★★

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Chang Diving Center

★★★★★ 4.8 from 400+ guest reviews

AI overview

Chang Diving Center offers a remarkable diving experience with exceptional instructors like Andy and Pern, who ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Guests appreciate the knowledgeable team, excellent training, and a welcoming atmosphere. The center's well-organized trips and attention to detail, along with thoughtfully prepared onboard amenities, make it a standout choice for divers of all levels.

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See reviews or write your own

Google (170+) TripAdvisor (190+) Facebook (50+)

Google ★★★★★

“Just finished my Deep Diver and Wreck Specialty courses here with Instructor Pern – absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. Safety was always the priority, but every dive was also genuinely fun. Can't recommend Chang Diving and Instructor Pern enough.”

Wan W.

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TripAdvisor ★★★★★

“I completed my Open Water course at Chang Diving Center and everything was perfectly organized. Great service, a very friendly and professional team, and an excellent instructor. My instructor Pern was extremely skilled, calm, and in full control at all times. Highly recommended – 10/10.”

Markus J.

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Facebook ★★★★★

“This was my first sea dive after having qualified and the staff at Chang Diving were superb and professional ensuring my experience was the best – in fact I booked a second dive with them.”

Santa Van Staden

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