Scuba diving over 50: age, heart health and fitness to dive

No. Agencies set minimum ages, not maximum ones. What matters is whether you can handle the exertion diving can demand — a current, a long surface swim, helping a buddy.

DAN reports that the risk of cardiac-related death while diving is about ten times higher in divers over 50 than in those under 50, and that all tissues — blood vessels, heart, lungs and muscles — age.

DAN recommends regular medical evaluations for older divers and anyone with significant risk factors for coronary artery disease, including appropriate tests such as a treadmill stress test. DAN's 2020 guidance on lifelong fitness to dive suggests a fitness-to-dive evaluation every five years from age 45 or with several risk factors, and every year from age 65 or with relevant chronic illness. Ask a doctor which schedule applies to you.

Keep fit between trips, tell your guide about any health conditions, choose calm sites and gentle profiles, and don't hesitate to skip a dive if you're tired. With a maximum of four divers per guide on our boats, the pace is set by the group.