[Who may dive?].
There are no statutory regulations concerning sport diving or diving ability tests. Ability tests should only be performed by practitioners who are familiar with the physiology of diving. The requirements for diving are familiarity with the diving technique, basic knowledge of human body behaviour under water as well as a sound organism and a good psychic balance. There is no fixed age limit. Diving is even possible under certain circumstances in the case of some chronic illnesses (asthma, diabetes). The medical examination should focus on possible drug intake, on ear, nose and throat as well as on the cardiopulmonary and psychic state. The pathophysiological significance of selected illnesses for diving are described briefly. Relative and absolute contraindications are discussed.