Newbie has a question about medical waiver...

[purbeast]

After a long process and 4 different doctor visits and hospital visits for tests, as an asthmatic (with VERY mild symptoms at this point in my life, to the point that my PFT's show I have better functioning lungs than the average person who is not asthmatic) I finally got medically cleared and have my waiver signed. Now that I have it signed, this thing is very precious to me and I don't want anything to happen to it.

So my question is, is a copy of this form sufficient to show when I have to fill out a medical form? Or will the original be required? Obviously a copy would be better and easier for me so I can just stash the original away.

I plan on doing at least 1 resort dive in a couple weeks while in Grand Cayman and I know I'll need to fill out the waiver, and it will be nice to not lie on the form and answer YES and show my waiver signed. Then when I get back I plan on doing OW certification.

So will a copy be okay or should I pack the original with me?

 

[KeithG]

After a long process and 4 different doctor visits and hospital visits for tests, as an asthmatic (with VERY mild symptoms at this point in my life, to the point that my PFT's show I have better functioning lungs than the average person who is not asthmatic) I finally got medically cleared and have my waiver signed. Now that I have it signed, this thing is very precious to me and I don't want anything to happen to it.

So my question is, is a copy of this form sufficient to show when I have to fill out a medical form? Or will the original be required? Obviously a copy would be better and easier for me so I can just stash the original away.

I plan on doing at least 1 resort dive in a couple weeks while in Grand Cayman and I know I'll need to fill out the waiver, and it will be nice to not lie on the form and answer YES and show my waiver signed. Then when I get back I plan on doing OW certification.

So will a copy be okay or should I pack the original with me?

Make some copies and take both original and the copies. First try a copy.

 

[tbone1004]

a scan should be more than good enough.

 

[Dogbowl]

This is what I would do. Scan a copy and file it away so you will always have access to it electronically. Then forward a copy to the shop that you intend to dive with in the Caymans and ask them is this sufficient or do they need to see an original. Proceed as required.

I would also go to the shop you intend to do OW with and get them to start your file with a copy of the letter.

I treat my signed letter like gold and don’t give away the original, but unlike you it’s a lot easier for me to get signed off on, so I suspect you’re gonna wanna keep it safe.

 

[purbeast]

This is what I would do. Scan a copy and file it away so you will always have access to it electronically. Then forward a copy to the shop that you intend to dive with in the Caymans and ask them is this sufficient or do they need to see an original. Proceed as required.

I would also go to the shop you intend to do OW with and get them to start your file with a copy of the letter.

I treat my signed letter like gold and don’t give away the original, but unlike you it’s a lot easier for me to get signed off on, so I suspect you’re gonna wanna keep it safe.

I have already contacted the company I plan to do OW with and asked them if a copy is sufficient. But very good point about making a digital copy of it, I didn't even think of that. I'm going to do that for sure and email it to myself so I basically always at least have access to it.

I don't have it lined up who I'm going to dive with in GC yet. I kind of planned on going and just booking something probably through our hotel or something, since it will just be one of those resort dives for the most part, as I'm not certified yet.

 

[Dogbowl]

I have already contacted the company I plan to do OW with and asked them if a copy is sufficient. But very good point about making a digital copy of it, I didn't even think of that. I'm going to do that for sure and email it to myself so I basically always at least have access to it.

I don't have it lined up who I'm going to dive with in GC yet. I kind of planned on going and just booking something probably through our hotel or something, since it will just be one of those resort dives for the most part, as I'm not certified yet.

Yes, email it to yourself! Always be prepared!

 

[boulderjohn]

You certainly can and should make copies. When you use one, the people you give it to will keep it. If you go to someone else for a class after that, you will need to have another copy of it.

It is not only permitted, it is common.

 

[purbeast]

You certainly can and should make copies. When you use one, the people you give it to will keep it. If you go to someone else for a class after that, you will need to have another copy of it.

It is not only permitted, it is common.

Okay that is good to know. I figured that most shops, even if you brought an original, would make a copy of it and hang onto it, because no way I'd assume they take one of a kind documents that you may need more than once. I plan on making like 5 copies of it to keep with the original, then bringing some copies with me when I may use them.

 

[yle]

Some shops might insist on having an original physician signature. It's a "one of a kind" document to you, but it doesn't have to be. My mom has an unsigned copy of her medical form; she prints out several of them and has her doc sign them before we go on a dive trip. That way she can leave a form with an original signature and stamp with any dive shop that asks for it.

Dive shops get to make their own rules for deciding who they are willing to take diving. It's best to be prepared: bringing copies is good, bringing extra originals is better, and contacting the dive shop in advance so you can ask exactly what they'll want is best.

 

[tridacna]

Scan is perfectly fine.

If PADI ever implements their new OLPC, this entire discussion is moot anyway.