Dive operator age limits?

[ABay Diver]

Just received first quarter issue of Alert Diver and there was a letter to the editor about some dive operators refusing to allow divers over 70 years of age on their boat! Is this something new, anybody else heard about this kind of thing?

 

[cfberry]

That would be lame.

 

[agilis]

I'm 82. I encounter all sorts of age discrimination, dive boats included. I call ahead, am frequently turned down. And it's impossible to rent a car outside the US. I have to get my significant other (63) to rent the vehicle, and I quickly drive away. I can drive a stick shift on the left, she would rather not.

 

[ABay Diver]

Where do you run into this? Florida, Caribbean?

 

[agilis]

Where do you run into this? Florida, Caribbean?

Both Florida and the Caribbean. I call ahead before I get on the plane. The replies are interesting.

 

[tursiops]

I'm 82. I encounter all sorts of age discrimination, dive boats included. I call ahead, am frequently turned down. And it's impossible to rent a car outside the US. I have to get my significant other (63) to rent the vehicle, and I quickly drive away. I can drive a stick shift on the left, she would rather not.

Interesting. I'm also 82, have not been turned away from a dive boat anywhere. Just returned from 10 days on a boat in Thailand.

 

[agilis]

Interesting. I'm also 82, have not been turned away from a dive boat anywhere. Just returned from 10 days on a boat in Thailand.

I've been turned down cold by two operations in Florida. Some others asked for medical documentation. This started when I was in my 70s. I now tend to go where I've been before. No hassles that way. My last trip in the Caribbean the DM assigned a young employee to swim right alongside me. I felt singled out, like a specimen under glass. My biggest complaint is car rentals in the islands. They have a minimum and maximum age, and no fooling around.

 

[tursiops]

I've been turned down cold by two operations in Florida. Some others asked for medical documentation. This started when I was in my 70s. I now tend to go where I've been before. No hassles that way. My last trip in the Caribbean the DM assigned a young employee to swim right alongside me. I felt singled out, like a specimen under glass. My biggest complaint is car rentals in the islands. They have a minimum and maximum age, and no fooling around.

I'm often asked for a medical release, for example in the Caymans. I just provide it; I keep one that is up-to-date.
The only cars I rent out of the US are in Bonaire, and those i get from Buddy Dive, as a guest there.. No issues. Haven't tried elsewhere.

 

[ABay Diver]

Whats the nature of your release? Signed by a physician or just a questionnaire signed by you saying no issues?

 

[tursiops]

Whats the nature of your release? Signed by a physician or just a questionnaire signed by you saying no issues?

It is the standard RSTC questionnaire, with issues checked, and page 3 signed by my PCP.I get a physical anyway every year, he signs it every year. Every 2-3 years he has me do a an exercise/METS test on an inclined treadmill.