Medical clearance for diving

A fitness-to-dive examination (also known as Dive Medical Clearance, Pre-Dive Medical Examination or Physical Fitness to Dive) determines whether a diver is medically fit to engage safely in underwater activities.

The examination must be performed by a certified diving medical examiner.

How to Access This Service

We are currently improving our booking system. Until then, requests must be sent by email to: hok@landspitali.is

Please include:

• Kennitala (social security number)

• Reason for request (type of diving)

Due to high demand, appointments are currently offered only for certain types of diving.
We strongly recommend requesting a referral as early as possible, especially if certification is required by a specific date.

Appointments and Questionnaires

Appointment date and time are available in the Landspítali app.
You may also be asked to complete health questionnaires in the app prior to your appointment.

See how to fill out a questionnaire in the app here under the chapter Questionnaires.

Appointments are scheduled according to medical priority, not by referral date. Once your referral is accepted, you will receive an SMS confirmation and be placed on the scheduling list. If additional testing is required, a second appointment may be necessary before certification is issued.

Clinical Tests and Examinations

In some cases, additional tests or specialist evaluations may be required before certification can be issued.
This depends on factors such as type of diving, age, health status, and medical history.

If tests are required, your diving physician will inform you.

Possible examinations include (not all are required for every diver):

• Blood and urine tests – E-1, 1st floor, main entrance, Landspítali Fossvogur

• ECG – C-3, 3rd floor, Landspítali Fossvogur

• Chest X-ray – Radiology E-3, 3rd floor, Landspítali Fossvogur

• Lung function test – appointment scheduled separately

• Hearing test – Læknastöðin Glæsibær

• Exercise ECG – Heilsuvernd

What to Expect at the First Examination

• Review of medical history

• Medication and health assessment

• Full physical examination

• Neurological assessment

• Height and weight measurement

• Vital signs check

Duration: 30–60 minutes
Appointments: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 12:00–13:00

Types of Diving Covered

• Recreational / Sport / Freediving

• Technical diving (including CCR)

• Surface-supplied diving

• Commercial / Industrial diving

• Public safety / Rescue / Recovery

• Military / Tactical / Combat diving

• Saturation diving

Certificate Validity

Certificate validity depends on health status and type of diving:

• Recreational diving (healthy individuals): 5 years

• Professional diving (instructors): 2 years

• Other types of diving: 1 year

If no contraindications are found, the certificate is issued electronically.

Printed certificates with ink stamps can be issued upon request, particularly for international commercial or saturation diving.