Fitness to dive: How long is my medical certificate valid for?
Sport diving has become a popular sport for all age groups. To prevent diving accidents,
divers or those who want to become divers should undergo a diving medical examination and have this renewed at regular intervals.
Is the fitness to dive certificate up to date?
Good question. If you use common sense, I think the month in which the certificate was issued should be considered as proof. 
BUT! If an insurance claim occurs, the current entry will be taken into account. We all know that insurance is not there to pay. It depends on which one you have taken out. As always, it all depends on the small print. Conclusion: If you want to be on the safe side, make sure you update your diving fitness in good time.
Do I also need a diving fitness certificate at my local lake?
Yes! You also need a valid diving fitness certificate for the little diver at the 5 m lake. Nobody will ask you for one at the lake. But if you don't have one in the event of a diving accident, the insurance cover is poor. This is especially aimed at older divers who are not particularly athletic and who may already weigh a few kilos too much :-). "Nothing will happen, I've been doing it this way for years. I feel good despite my excess weight and age...“
Overestimating one's own abilities and lacking self-reflection are among the known causes of diving accidents.
Can my family doctor also issue a certificate of fitness to dive?
Basically yes. If the family doctor or another human doctor feels confident enough to do so or has hyperbaric training. Diving schools usually just need a signature. The dentist is not authorized to determine fitness to dive. He is consulted if dental problems arise while diving.
Can a doctor issue a certificate of fitness to dive himself?
No! The fitness to dive must be assessed by another doctor. A simple question on this is: “Who can look in their own ears?”
How often should you get yourself examined?
The examination interval depends on your age. The GTÜM/SUMHS recommends the examination:
- at the latest after 3 years if you are between 18 and 39 years old
- at the latest after 1 year if you are under 18 years old.
- at the latest after 1 year if you are 40 years old or older.