New Medical Release Every Year?

[theduckguru]

I had childhood asthma, so before getting my c-card in March, I needed my doctor to sign the release. I've only done 11 dives, so I have a question for you much more experienced divers...

Should I bring a fresh copy to my doctor during my yearly check up and have her sign it every year?

Even though I needed the form to get the c-card, so perhaps the charters should trust that I have a doctor's permission anyway, I've heard from posters on this forum that some charters may make you sign another medical form. If you answer "yes" you can't dive without a doctor's permission.

Does it make sense to already be armed with that form, dated less than a year from the current date? Or does the original form, dated back when you got your c-card suffice?

If dive industry expects documentation on childhood condition you know you no longer have, check no and dive.

 

[farsidefan1]

Tough question. Personally I get my doc to sign a form certifying my sufficient health for diving every yr. with my annual physical. Actually I have been required to fill out medical forms at least 3 times with different operators. Some concerns are as follows:

1-Some operators may insist you see one of the local doctors which = missed dives (if you answer yes to anything). This has been known to happen even to divers with certification from their own doctor.

2-Most operators don't advertise that you have to "medically qualify" to dive with them till you are there (and have paid). This is a question you MUST ask in advance. preferably via email so you have a record of the response. I have hypertension and use a cpap for sleep apnea. A yr and a half ago I experienced an "unexpected" DCS hit. Since then I have had PFO surgery. I always check before I sign up.

Some thoughts I have on the subject. If I had a condition like asthma I would make sure my buddy knew about it just in case someone needed to save my life (apply inhaler or whatever).
For other conditions that would not need special treatment I would be tempted (allegedly ) to not say or admitt to anything. I use the approach of finding out their requirements in advance and if they have "silly rules" I pass and go elswhere.