Great Barrier Reef Diving Requirements and Check-In Guide
This guide covers what divers need before diving the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland. Open Water or an equivalent certification is needed to dive as a certified diver, while introductory dives are available without certification. Queensland rules require a medical declaration for introductory and non-certified dives. Check-in can also include certification, liability forms and a briefing. Marine park fees apply on day trips, and insurance requirements can vary.
My Dive Locker provides Fast Pass, a pass a shop can scan.
What you need to dive here
- Open Water or an equivalent certification is needed to dive as a certified diver.
- Introductory dives are available without a certification.
- Queensland rules require a medical declaration for introductory and non-certified dives.
- A “yes” answer, or being over 45, often means a doctor’s medical certificate is needed. Check with your operator.
Paperwork to bring
- Bring proof of certification if you are diving as a certified diver.
- A medical declaration is required for introductory and non-certified dives.
- A doctor’s medical certificate may be needed based on the medical declaration or age. Check with your operator.
- Liability forms are part of the usual check-in process.
What to expect at check-in
Check-in usually involves a medical declaration, proof of certification if applicable, a briefing and liability forms.
Local rules and fees
- Marine park fees apply on day trips.
- Operators either include them or charge them separately. Check with your operator.
Medical and insurance
- Travel insurance that covers diving, plus separate dive cover, is strongly recommended. It is not universally required.
- Hyperbaric facilities for diving incidents: Townsville University Hospital in Townsville, and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in Brisbane.
Documents to bring
- Proof of certification if applicable
- Medical declaration
- Doctor’s medical certificate if needed
- Liability forms
- Travel insurance information
- Dive cover information
FAQ
Do I need an Open Water certification to dive the Great Barrier Reef?
Open Water or an equivalent certification is needed to dive as a certified diver. Introductory dives are also available without a certification. Medical declaration requirements apply to introductory and non-certified dives.
Will I need a medical certificate?
Queensland rules require a medical declaration for introductory and non-certified dives. A “yes” answer, or being over 45, often means a doctor’s medical certificate is needed. Check with your operator.
Is dive insurance required?
Travel insurance that covers diving, plus separate dive cover, is strongly recommended. It is not universally required, so the requirement may differ depending on your trip and operator.
Are there marine park fees?
Marine park fees apply on day trips. Operators may include them as part of the trip or charge them separately. Check with your operator for how the fee applies.
Related guides
- Bonaire Scuba Diving Requirements and Check-In Guide
- Red Sea Scuba Diving Requirements and Check-In Guide
- Dive Shop Check-In Documents: What to Prepare
With My Dive Locker, you enter your certifications, insurance and medical information; Fast Pass shows what you entered; you can send it to a dive shop by email or WhatsApp.
