Swim with humpback whales in Moʻorea, September 2027 · from CHF 4,500See the trip →
Ocean Calling
Before you book

Is this retreat right for me?

A friendly check-in, not a test. Tell us how you feel in the water and how you are doing. We will point you to the right kind of retreat, and let you know if a quick word with your doctor would help. Your answers stay on this screen and are not saved.

1. How you feel in the water

How do you feel in water where you cannot touch the bottom?
What is your swimming level?
Have you dived or freedived before?

2. A few questions about you

These follow the standard form dive schools use. A “yes” or “not sure” is not a no. It only means a quick word with your doctor first.

Do you have, or have you had, a lung, heart or blood problem, including asthma?

For example asthma, chest surgery, heart disease, high blood pressure or a lung collapse.

Are you over 45 years old?

The standard dive form asks about age over 45.

Do you get out of breath doing light exercise, like walking up two flights of stairs?

The standard dive form asks about moderate exercise.

Do you have ear, sinus or eye problems, or trouble clearing your ears?

For example frequent sinus infections, a perforated eardrum or recent eye surgery.

Have you had surgery in the last 12 months, or an ongoing problem from a past surgery?
Have you ever had a fainting or blackout episode, seizure, stroke, head injury or frequent migraines?
Have you had psychological treatment, panic attacks or a substance-use problem?

Panic in the water matters for safety. This is not a judgement.

Do you have a back problem, hernia, ulcer or diabetes?
Do you have a stomach or bowel problem, including frequent diarrhoea?
Do you take prescription medication (not counting birth control and some anti-malarial drugs)?
Are you pregnant, or trying to be?

Ocean Calling’s FAQ says no scuba or freediving while pregnant.

3. Travel insurance

Do you have travel insurance that covers water sports and diving, and emergency medical evacuation?

What happens at the doctor?

Your doctor reads the diver health form, talks through any “yes” answers and signs if you are fit to dive. Some conditions are fine with a signature. Some are not. The doctor decides, not Ocean Calling. We do not ask to see it: your local dive partner may check it directly.

Source: Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire (UHMS / RSTC), 2022

Already checked travel insurance and the health basics on a retreat page? No need to repeat it here — this check-in is just about how the water itself feels to you.

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