Medical certificate

[vjongene]

I moved to the US from Europe a couple of years ago. When I was living in Switzerland, I had regular medical check-ups, and my family doctor would sign a medical certificate (template provided by the Swiss Federation for Hyperbaric Medicine) stating that I didn't suffer from any conditions that would constitute counter-indications to scuba diving. This certificate was actually required by a number of diving centers, and in particular by the organizers of diving safaris.

I will be going on a safari this summer on the Liburan Paradise, a vessel operated in the Moluccas by a German-owned outfit. They require a medical certificate from all participants. So my question is, is there a generally accepted procedure / template in the US for certifying that a person does not have health issues that may prevent him/her from scuba diving? Or should I just try to find a physician willing to sign a free-form certificate? I can see that there may liability issues, and maybe a reluctance to put anything in writing.

Thanks already for any info. Btw I live in Urbana-Champaign, IL, so if you should happen to know a local physician with an interest in hyperbaric medicine that would be useful too.

 

[Duke Dive Medicine]

Hi vjongene,

There isn't a diving medical examiner in Champaign that I know of. The U.S. does not have the same requirements, but if you're healthy you should be able to get your primary care physician to write a note for you stating that you're fit to dive. You may also want to check with the tour operator to see if they require a specific form or if just a note will do.

Best regards,
DDM

p.s. have a slice of Papa Del's for me... still the best pizza ever!

 

[vjongene]

Thanks much DDM. I will try to get a certificate from my GP, if I can get an appointment (not always easy). I found the attached guidelines, which may be useful for someone with no specific training in diving medicine.

I don't eat Papa Del's pizza too often (would definitely clog my arteries), but when I want pizza they are the ones!

Victor

 

[DocVikingo]

Hi vjongene,

The guidelines you found may prove a bit onerous, Old Pippin. First your PCP will have to slog through them, and after s/he has done so still won't have a ready-to-go format.

I've been asked this question many times and SAI AS 4005.1 SUPP 2-2000 Training and Certification of Recreational Divers has, in the words of Larry the Cable Guy, never yet failed to "get 'er done".

SAI AS 4005.1 SUPP 2-2000 PDF(electronic copy) [101613] - $8.00 : e-standards!, The Cheapest standards in the world

Regards,

DocVikingo