PADI certification/Age question

[wyatt2323]

I'm hoping that someone may be able to help me with a PADI rules issue.
I completed my confined dives this month at the age of 44, so I was not required to get a doctor's form completed.
I turn 45 in March and will be doing my O/W dives in May.
Do I have to have the PADI medical completed by my Doctor before my O/W dives, or does the fact that I started the process at 44 yrs, cover this?
I don't want to plan on doing my O/W dives on vacation, only to find that I can't, due to no medical cert.
Thanks to all in advance,
David

 

[The Chad]

Guess I need some clarification.....did you answer "yes" to any of the medical questions on your folder?

 

[wyatt2323]

Yup, answered yes to all, completely healthy.

 

[wyatt2323]

Sorry, my mistake, answered NO !!!! to all.

 

[DaleHall]

According to the Statement, it says:

Are you over 45 years of age and can answer YES to one or more of the
following?
• currently smoke a pipe, cigars or cigarettes
• have a high cholesterol level
• have a family history of heart attack or stroke
• are currently receiving medical care
• high blood pressure
• diabetes mellitus, even if controlled by diet alone

If you don't answer yes to any of them, then you don't have to see the Doc, the way I read it. If you answer yes, and want to be sure you can dive, I'd get the Dr's note to be safe.
Does anyone read it differently?

 

[SteveAD]

The relevant question on the medical form is #3
Are you over 45 and
smoke
have high cholesterol
have a family history of heart attack or stroke
are currently recieving medical care
have high blood pressure
have diabetes

if you are 45 but none of the conditions apply then you're good to go. if any do apply then then you should have a doctors note.

 

[Hawkwood]

I was also told that the medical questionairre is valid for a year provided there are no changes.

 

[The Chad]

According to PADI Standards " if a student answers "yes" to any question in the Divers MedicalQuestionaire section the student must secure written medical approval prior to any in-water activity"

So if you checked "no" to all your fine. Sounds like you'll be doing a refurral dive for your open water stuff. The instructor that did your confined water should supply you with a refurral card and paperwork for you to give to the upcoming instructor for your OW dives. As long as you complete the OW dives within 12 mos of the confined water stuff your good, and of course if nothing chages with your health in the meantime

hope that helps

 

[Ann Marie]

If you are doing a referral to complete your OW dives, then I would contact the dive shop that you are working with. They are the one's that have the final say in wether or not they will require you to have a medical form filled out.

The Chad is correct in the information that he gave you, but the dive shop could have their own procedures when it comes to the medical.

 

[fisherdvm]

I think new instructor, new liability, new evaluation. Check it with your instructor who does the OW dives... He will determine if you are OK with what you filled out at 44.

It is kinda like, one doctor who referred a patient to another for surgery. If the first doctor said you are OK for surgery, it doesn't mean the surgeon will feel that you are OK.

New instructor, new rules, new relationship. I agree, call your instructor or LDS where you are going to do the OW dives.