Medical Release required once certified

[maged_mmh]

Well, in Europe I was asked to show my release everytime I rented a tank (at different places) as well as in Egypt when I checked in at the dive base.
These releases are must not be older than 2 years (in some countries only 1 year (Spain? Egypt? - dont remeber)).
Actually, I dont mind to get a new release every two years. It is about 50 bucks and you get some reassurance that you are fine to dive...

So, it depends on your location and traveling habits...

never had that in Egypt!

 

[aascubagirl]

The way I understand it works is that if a diver is certified, they don't have to fill out a medical release or disclose any medical issues to the dive shop/instructor. BUT, I am of the belief that it is better to be safe than sorry so I've found that good - but friendly - questioning will help ascertain whether or not their health has changed since certification and/or if there are any new medications in the mix. If there has been a change in their health I recommend a full check-up before diving - what can it hurt? Most divers will appreciate your concern for them.

 

[vtxkev]

Hello all, this is my first posting here. I have just started taking the PADI course and have done the first module and first 3 skills in the pool. My question is on the medical. I had back surgery this past April and wanted to ask if this would limit me or keep me from diving? I do have back pain but that is something that I will have from now on though. Thanks and look forward to hearing more and learning even more.

Tatakai

Well almost 9 moths ago you should be ok. I am no doctor but I have also had back surgery. I had 2 slipped disks and a fractured vertabrea. They took bone from my hip and fused it into my back and also put a plate with some screws in my back. To this day I have pain. Every morning, afternoon and night. Nothing you can do about that. you get used to it and actually for me carrying gear on my back helps (kind of like pulling and putting pressure on it to strech it out). I did however go to my doc and he cleared me to dive. Again I am no doc so sont try to dive and then blame me,

 

[Cacia]

I like to hire locals and skip all the questions.

Like "is there any chance you could be pregnant?"

lol..."define chance."

When I get in a single engine commercial plane, I'd sure like to see the pilots last physical, in certain cases. If you show me yours, maybe I'll show you mine, but probably not.

 

[vladimir]

How often do people get tetanus vaccinations? As I diver, I try to get them updated every 3 years.

I just had a tetanus shot as part of an "executive physical." The administering nurse practitioner advised me that tetanus shots should be administered not less than 5 years apart.

The "executive physical" checked everything. As it turns out, I am in excellent condition. However, I still consider my medical information to be nobody's business but mine, and I resent the intrusion of dive operators (and countries, Australia!) who feel the need to inspect it.

 

[NudeDiver]

As with all the forms you encounter throughout your life - answer the questions in the fashion required to get whatever it is you want by filling out the form.

You also don't need to pay some doctor $X amount of money to fill out a silly little paper. Five minutes with a computer, a printer, and an ink pen is all you need to create your own "medical release". I sign mine as "Dr. Quincy". Never gets a second look.

 

[Snoopyto]

I recently had a dive shop in the keys through up all sort of flags for going to a wreck. Luckily, I was taking an advance class and my instructor had the required medical waiver in his care. I certainly understand an instructor needing it, because you are paying for a course, whereby you conditions might not allow you to meet the standards. However, as a paying diver for a boat, and my dive is my own business (ie. the shop is not planning my dive nor would they ever), my medical condition should fall upon me.

As someone analogied to a pilot, perhaps we should ask to see the physical for the boat Captain prior to signing the hold harmless waiver. What if the Captain has deep seated psyche issues or medical problems. I agree "Show you mine, show me yours".

I don't think I will get very far with that logic, so I am going to ask my Doc to fill out the waiver form for me again and keep a laminated copy in my log and vehicle. This way I am always covered. If the dive shop wants a copy, they can make their own. Pffftt