Survey: Medications & Drugs in Scuba Diving - Business of Diving Institute

Scuba Divers vs. Medications & Drugs

(2026) This survey is ONGOING & OPEN TO ALL SCUBA DIVERS.

Did you ever go scuba diving while under the influence of medications (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications) or illicit drugs? Yes or no, please let us know.

This survey is part of a series of dive industry studies by InDEPTH Magazine and the Business of Diving Institute, with generous support from DAN Europe and GUE.

Answers are anonymous, and your participation is greatly appreciated!

Tap 'Start' to participate in this short survey. You must get to 'Finish' for your answers to be recorded.

Note: This is our new survey platform. If you notice issues, please be so kind as to let us know. Thank you!

Medications & Drugs vs. Scuba Diving

Have you ever gone scuba diving while under the influence of medications (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications) or illicit drugs?^*

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

(Medications/Drugs: Yes)

What categories of medications or drugs have you ever been under the influence of while scuba diving? (Select all that apply)

1. Cardiovascular medication & blood thinners

2. Diabetes medication

3. Weight-loss medication

4. Erectile-dysfunction medication

5. Psychiatric medication

6. Sleeping medication & sleep aids

7. ADHD medication

8. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory, pain & fever medication (e.g., Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin)

9. Prescribed painkillers (e.g., opioids)

10. Migraine and anti-seizure medication

11. Antihistamines & decongestants

12. Respiratory medication (e.g., for asthma)

13. Motion-sickness & anti-nausea medication

14. Antibiotics & medication for active infections

15. Hormonal, gastrointestinal, corticosteroid & immune-system medication

16. Prescription cannabis

17. Recreational cannabis

18. Illicit drugs (e.g, cocaine)

Other:

Clear Selection

Did you discuss the contraindications of these medications or drugs for scuba diving with a doctor?

1. Yes, for all

2. Yes, for some

3. No

Clear Selection

Did you discuss the contraindications of these medications or drugs for scuba diving with a pharmacist?

1. Yes, for all

2. Yes, for some

3. No

Clear Selection

Did you discuss the contraindications of these medications or drugs for scuba diving with a representative from DAN (Divers Alert Network)?

1. Yes, for all

2. Yes, for some

3. No

Clear Selection

Looking back, do you consider it was safe for you to dive under these medications or drugs?

1. Yes, for all

2. Yes, for some

3. No

Clear Selection

Have you ever gone scuba diving while on medications or drugs without letting your dive buddy know?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

When you went scuba diving while on medications or drugs, did they have a negative impact on the dive or your health during or after the dive?^*

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

(Med: Yes; Impact: Yes)

What was the impact of these medications or drugs on your dive or health during or after a dive? Please explain.

Clear Selection

(Med: Yes - cont'd)

Specifically, did you ever go scuba diving while taking decongestants (any type)?^*

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

(Decongestants: Yes)

Were the decongestants specifically taken to make diving possible or more comfortable?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Did you discuss the contraindications of these decongestants for scuba diving with a doctor?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Did you discuss the contraindications of these decongestants for scuba diving with a pharmacist?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Did you discuss the contraindications of these decongestants for scuba diving with DAN (Divers Alert Network)?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Are you a scuba diving instructor?^*

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

(Decongestants: Yes; Instructor: Yes)

Please comment. You've indicated that you have done scuba dives while using decongestants. Does your dive training agency provide guidance on using decongestants (official training materials from many dive training agencies teach scuba divers never to use decongestants while diving)? What do you teach your students? Do you stick to the official materials from the training agencies? Do you let your student divers know that you use decongestants? How often do students ask for advice about decongestants?

Clear Selection

(All)

Have you ever voluntarily canceled a dive because you were on medications or drugs?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Have you ever been advised not to dive (e.g., by a dive professional) because you were on medications or drugs?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Have you ever omitted to indicate that you took medications or drugs on a diver medical questionnaire by fear of not being allowed to dive?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Wrapping Up

Please remember...

Please remember to get to the "Finish" button (below) for your answers to be recorded.Thank you for your contribution to a better understanding of the dive industry!

Clear Selection

Are you a tech diver?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Are you a dive professional (divemaster or instructor)?

1. Yes

2. No

Clear Selection

Please, select the group that includes your year of birth.

1. 1901-1927 (The Greatest Generation)

2. 1928-1945 (The Silent Generation)

3. 1946-1954 (Boomers I)

4. 1955-1964 (Boomers II/Generation Jones)

5. 1965-1980 (Generation X)

6. 1981-1996 (Millennials)

7. 1997-2012 (Generation Z)

Clear Selection

In which region is your country of residence?

1. United States (including AK & HI)

2. Canada

3. Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Tropical Atlantic

4. South America

5. Western Europe (never part of the Soviet bloc)

6. Eastern Europe (former Soviet bloc, including Russia)

7. Australia, New Zealand

8. China, Hong Kong, Macau

9. Japan, Other Non-Tropical Asia-Pacific Region

10. South Pacific, Indo-Pacific, Other Tropical Asia-Pacific Region (incl. Maldives)

11. Egypt

12. Middle East (excluding Egypt)

13. Africa, Madagascar

Clear Selection

To which gender do you most identify?

1. Female

2. Male

3. Non-binary / Other / Unsure / Prefer Not To Say

Clear Selection

Exit

Please note: You must get to the ‘FINISH‘ button for your answers to be recorded.

Thank you for your contribution to a better understanding of the dive industry for everyone’s benefit. You’re awesome! Dive safe!