Recreational Dive Inquiry Form

Please remove this inquiry form insights section before publishing.

The Diving Inquiry Form is a comprehensive tool designed to gather essential information about a potential diving student. Its purpose is to ensure the safety, suitability, and enjoyment of the diving experience for the participant while allowing the diving instructor or organization to assess risks, provide appropriate guidance, and tailor the activity to the individual's needs. Below is an insight into the key sections of the form and their importance:

1. Personal Information

• Purpose: Collects basic details about the participant and emergency contact information.
• Insight: This section ensures that the diving organization can communicate effectively with the participant and respond appropriately in case of an emergency.

2. Diving Experience

• Purpose: Assesses the participant's prior diving experience and certifications.
• Insight: Understanding the participant's skill level helps instructors determine the appropriate type of diving activity (e.g., beginner vs. advanced) and whether additional training or supervision is required. It also ensures that the participant is placed in a program that matches their experience level.

3. Health and Medical Information

• Purpose: Identifies any medical conditions or medications that could affect the participant's ability to dive safely.
• Insight: Diving can be physically demanding and may pose risks to individuals with certain health conditions (e.g., asthma, heart conditions, or ear problems). This section helps identify potential risks and determine if a medical clearance from a doctor is required before diving.

4. Fitness Level

• Purpose: Evaluates the participant's physical fitness and swimming ability.
• Insight: Diving requires a reasonable level of fitness and comfort in the water. This section ensures that the participant can handle the physical demands of diving, such as swimming to the surface or managing equipment underwater.

5. Diving Preferences

• Purpose: Understands the participant's interests and goals for diving.
• Insight: This section helps the instructor or organization tailor the diving experience to the participant's preferences, whether they are interested in recreational diving, underwater photography, or obtaining a certification. It also helps match the participant with the right type of diving environment (e.g., tropical vs. cold water).

6. Equipment

• Purpose: Determines whether the participant has their own equipment or requires rentals.
• Insight: Knowing the participant's equipment needs allows the organization to prepare in advance and ensure that all necessary gear is available and properly fitted.

7. Additional Information

• Purpose: Gathers any other relevant details, such as fears, dietary restrictions, or special requests.
• Insight: This section provides a space for the participant to share any concerns or requirements that may not be covered in other sections. For example, a participant with a fear of deep water may need additional reassurance or a gradual introduction to diving.

8. Declaration

• Purpose: Confirms the accuracy of the information provided and acknowledges the risks associated with diving.
• Insight: This legal and ethical component ensures that the participant understands the inherent risks of diving and takes responsibility for disclosing any relevant medical or personal information.

Key Benefits of the Form

1. Safety: Identifies potential health risks and ensures that participants are physically and mentally prepared for diving.
2. Personalization: Tailors the diving experience to the participant's skill level, interests, and goals.
3. Risk Management: Helps the diving organization mitigate risks by gathering all necessary information upfront.
4. Efficiency: Streamlines the onboarding process by collecting all relevant details in one place.
5. Legal Protection: Provides a record of the participant's disclosures and acknowledgment of risks, which can be important in case of an incident.

Please remove this mandatory questions recommendation section before publishing.

The mandatory questions on a diving client intake form are those that are critical for safety, legal liability, and risk assessment. These questions help ensure the participant is medically and physically fit for diving, has the necessary experience, and understands the risks involved. Below are the essential mandatory questions that should never be omitted:

1. Personal Information (Mandatory for All)

• Full Name
• Date of Birth (to verify age restrictions)
• Emergency Contact Name & Number
• Signature & Date (legal acknowledgment)

Why?

• Ensures proper identification and emergency response.
• Legal requirement for liability and consent.

2. Medical Screening (Critical for Safety)

• "Do you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to dive safely?" (If "Yes," require details.)
• "Are you currently taking any medications?" (If "Yes," require a list.)
• "Have you ever experienced any of the following?" (Asthma, heart conditions, lung disease, epilepsy, recent surgery, etc.)
• "Are you pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant?"

Why?

• Diving can be dangerous for people with certain medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, asthma, or ear issues).
• Some medications (e.g., decongestants, blood pressure meds) can interact with diving.
• Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication for diving.

3. Diving Experience (Assesses Risk Level)

• "Have you ever gone diving before?" (If "Yes," specify type and certification level.)
• "Are you currently certified by a diving organization (e.g., PADI, SSI)?"

Why?

• Determines if the participant needs beginner training or can join advanced dives.
• Ensures uncertified divers are not placed in unsafe situations.

4. Fitness & Swimming Ability (Safety Requirement)

• "Can you swim at least 200 meters without stopping?"
• "Can you tread water for at least 10 minutes?"

Why?

• Diving requires basic swimming competency for safety in emergencies.
• Industry standards (e.g., PADI/SSI) require these skills for certification.

5. Liability Waiver & Legal Consent (Mandatory)

• "I confirm that the information provided is accurate and understand the risks of diving."
• Signature & Date

Why?

• Protects the dive operator from liability claims.
• Ensures the participant acknowledges inherent risks.

Optional but Recommended Questions

• Equipment preferences (own vs. rental)
• Diving goals (recreational, photography, certification)
• Dietary restrictions (if providing post-dive meals)

Key Takeaways

1. Medical questions are non-negotiable – A "Yes" to certain conditions may require a doctor’s clearance.
2. Swimming ability must be verified – Weak swimmers may need extra supervision.
3. Certification level dictates dive eligibility – Uncertified divers cannot do advanced dives.
4. Legal waiver is mandatory – Without it, the dive operator assumes unnecessary risk.