Medical Clearance letter needed?

[knotical]

It could depend on where you are going / who you will provide the clearance to. For example, most dive operations run by RSTC members will accept (or might even require) the second page of the standard RSTC form signed by any doctor. I typically recommend using your primary care physician.
see:
http://www.wrstc.com/downloads/RSTCMedStatementGeneric.pdf

However, there might be other rules in some locations, so it might be wise to contact the folks you will be diving with, and/or post such information here.

 

[DocVikingo]

Concur with knotical.

Your PCP can make contact with the specialists involved if s/he feels such is necessary.

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[Web Monkey]

I guess I was not clear enough in my OP, nor in my attempt at clarification.

I have been cleared to dive by my surgeon, my opthomologist, and my cardiologist.

Because there are different health issues (which lead to different "yes" answers on the PADI form) from WHOM do I need to obtain a letter of clearance to dive so that a DM with far less medical knowledge does not cancel my attempt to dive? All, some, one, etc?

This is really a couple of different issues.

• The dive op won't care who signs your form as long as it's an MD of some sort. A signature means that they're off the hook because a doctor said you can dive, and that's really all they're looking for.
• The other side of the question is "can you actually safely dive?" and is really for your benefit. In that respect, you want to be cleared for diving by someone who can actually make an informed decision about your fitness to dive.

In any event, if you're worried, just fax the completed form to the dive op before you go and ask them if they're all set.

Terry

 

[theyorkieterror]

I agree with you Doc. in WHO makes the call. It would put me in an anger control mode if I found a DM who says no and he is not qualified to say anything. Reminds me of a military operation in which the rules of aggression are changed on the fly. (like Viet Nam) go to war but don't hurt anyone. You can bet "the rouge warrior" would not approve of such action. Sick-em Doc. I got your back. WHO-Ya

 

[DocVikingo]

WHO-Ya

; )

Regards,

DocVikingo

 

[doctock993]

Just as a quick update :

Thanks to all for the information and help provided.

I obtained medical clearance from a doctor who is a diver as well.

Dive shop (Sand Dollar Sports) accepted the PADI form without problem. Javier saw that I had marked "Yes" to the High Blood Pressure question and asked about that. My answer was "That's why I obtained a medical clearance." End of any issues!

As a separate note - diving is MUCH easier when in better physical condition! I was never fatigued after diving in the Cozumel currents. Even the simple act of standing on board / getting back into the boat while fully geared was almost effortless now.

There were only two issues:
First - I was FREEZING! Even when wearing both my 1mm and my .5mm skin in 77degree water I was cold and uncomfortable by the 30min point in each dive. My feet were nice and comfy in Mares 5mm booties. Time to buy a 3/2/2!

Second - the eyesight aspect - gauge reading was harder, and <4ft distance objects were out of focus. Greater distances were nice and sharp and clear. I'm thinking about a gradient prescription, but that's once I figure out which mask I will be able to upgrade to and obtain/ create that kind of corrective lens.