medical certificate needed?

[ASA400]

Hi guys!

I'm planning a trip to Coz next July with a small group of friends. Some of us are over 60, and I am on blood pressure medication and another takes medication to control his type-2 diabetes. I tend to be honest when filling out the medical information forms so I would like know if we will need to show a doctor's permission form in order to book dives in Coz.

Jerry

 

[fisheater]

You typically don't have to fill out medical forms unless you are taking a class.


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[cruiser]

I only filled our med forms when taking my certification class. Never had to with a dive op just to dive.

 

[redacted]

You both may well need a current letter from a doctor stating you are able to scuba. If you don't have the letter, you better have the name of the shop(s) fisheater uses. I don't ever recall not completing a medical questionnaire with any of the 6 or some dive ops I have used.

 

[betsyinczm]

The comprehensive medical questionnaire is required for courses, yes......but any reputable dive shop will require a liability form which I believe AWAP is referring to and this is where you really SHOULD be honest even though the questions may be vague. I would surely get a doctor's note for issues like diabetes and heart meds and hopefully from a doc who knows something about diving. Can't hurt to bring it with you, right?

 

[DandyDon]

More important than the paperwork is talking with DAN about the meds you take while diving. Some blood pressure meds are diuretics which can increase decompression risks.

Have a good trip. ilot:

 

[ASA400]

Fortunately, my doctor is a very experienced scuba diver so he knows all about my meds and my diving. The bp meds I am taking are not diuretics. I'm actually more concerned about my friend's diabetes drugs than mine. Thanks for the replies.

Jerry

 

[DandyDon]

Fortunately, my doctor is a very experienced scuba diver so he knows all about my meds and my diving. The bp meds I am taking are not diuretics. I'm actually more concerned about my friend's diabetes drugs than mine. Thanks for the replies.

Jerry

DAN has several articles online about diabetes and diving I think, and you can get diving doctors' opinions on our Medical forum of course. I have heard of some carrying packaged tubes of cake frosting on dives in case they feel a sugar crash.

 

[scubawife]

The few dive ops I've used over the years in Cozumel all had us complete the standard release forms, which included a medical form. High blood pressure, diabetes, cardiac conditions and a handful of other health issues, if you had a "yes" answer to the questions about the condition and/or medication, did require a doctors certification that you are fit to dive. Of course we all know that right or wrong, the majority of divers are, on paper, the healthiest people around. Amazing really how divers don't suffer from allergies, hay fever, sinus or ear issues, etc., etc., lol. Everyone has to decide for themselves if they want to be honest or not. I think if you have a chronic condition that is being properly managed, it's in your best interest to get medically cleared for diving and to disclose your medical history to your dive op. If something happens to you on a dive, the sooner the medical people who end up treating you can get accurate info about any conditions and medications, the quicker they can make decision on the most appropriate course of treatment, especially if meds are needed to treat you.

 

[BettyfromToronto]

I agree with Betsyinczm who said "Can't hurt to bring it with you, right?"

We are both over 55 and on meds of some kind. We go to our family doctor every August and get our PADI medical forms signed-off and then use it for the following 12 months on our 1-3 dive trips. It's now a standard ritual for us. I'd rather not have to worry about being denied diving or worse having to pay a local doctor to get the sign-off. In Jamaica it is $50. Why do that when your own doctor knows you best and it's free to have him sign both forms.