Age Discrimination

[Aguablanco1]

Planning a cruise in the Caribbean this December and I have been charged with setting up diving for the group. I received the response below from one company, the one we won't be using. Why does any diver, especially one who has no health issues, over any age need a doctors note to dive? How about we fill out the medical questionnaire and let's go diving.

"Certified divers 2 tank dive US$100pp, will you need rental equipment? pick up and drop back to ship provided.

Divers should be certified and had a dive within the last 2 years. Any divers 70yrs of age or older OR any divers with medical issues MUST bring along a Dr's medical clearing them for diving.

To reserve dive booking please email or call with credit card details

Regards
Samantha
ALDive & Watersports
813-774-5254 US Line
767-275-3483 Local Line

On Wed, Sep 7, 2016 at 2:53 PM, Aldive WATER Sports <forms@formexperts.com> wrote:

Aldive Water Sports Inquiry

Name: Rich Harter
E-mail: rich@cgdinc.net
Phone:
Skype:
Country: USA

Arrival Means: Cruise Ship

Arrival and Departure Dates
Dec 16, 2016 7 AM -4PM

Requested Information:
Single Day Scuba Diving_

Other Questions:
What can you do for 4 divers?"

 

[uncfnp]

discrimination based solely on age

 

[coralreefer_1]

I am by far a noob here...but i dont see the issue. Diving is considered an "extreme" activity in many regards. My own dental insurance wont cover me because of a clause about "pressure" related activities such as skydiving, scuba...etc.

I dont know your age, but 70 is an age where anything ( even just walking strenuously) is recommended to have a doctors approval/consultation. I dont see discrimination at all, as you nor noone else were excluded....other than a statement that those 70 or over ( come on...its an advanced age and every doctor in the world will say precautions need to be taken at that age) demonstrate via a doctors note that they are in reasonable good health 9 most 70 years old arent)

 

[Steve_C]

The reason is simple. If a person has a problem and there is an injury the chances are good that the place will be sued for not showing due diligence. Its all about liability. Given a form they will not check if the Dr knows diddly about diving or even if it is a real form. I cannot blame them.

PS: I am 70 as is one of my dive buddies. If a place ever asked me for the form I would just get it. I have an annual physical precisely to make sure (as sure as possible) that I have not developed a heart issue or other problem. However most of my diving now is in coastal NC and the ops know me. Never been asked for a form except in a class.

 

[KevinG58]

discrimination based solely on age

Or any divers with medical conditions.

Just doing what they have to, to avoid having their pants sued off when someone strokes out.

 

[Lorenzoid]

discrimination based solely on age

Pretty well covered in this thread.

 

[Fin Finder]

I have a great doc.
He signs anything I put in front of him.

 

[TMHeimer]

Interesting topic. The link talks about anyone over 65 not being accepted aboard, regardless of medical clearance. A bit different than a shop requiring a medical, but you can go. I have no idea what the legalities are in either case, nor how laws may change. Discrimination is touchy. "I own the business, it's my money invested and my liability--can't I take whatever clients I want?" Or, "I own the diner--can't I refuse service or employment to anyone I want?"--on this second case, I believe a lot of that thinking was (at least legally) outlawed 50-60 years ago, no? Well, let's look at Mississippi and North Carolina. I know, not in the same ballpark, but part of the interesting topic.

 

[tridacna]

discrimination based solely on age

Which country is discriminating here?

 

[uncfnp]

Which country is discriminating here?

The thread just references a Caribbean cruise as well.

There was another fairly long thread by a dive destination that was writing their policy and requirements for "older" divers. It was not well received. I will try and find that thread.

Found it. May be somewhat related.

DIVING OVER 50 YEARS OLD