Diving deaths raise safety questions in Australia

[TMHeimer]

yeah, nothing wrong with required medical.

Our agency here in Ireland (CFT) requires full medical on joining, then another one on the 35th birthday.
And then it is straight forward - three yearly from the age of 35 and annually from the age of 55.
Another one is required If a diver’s health status has changed since the last medical examination.

Am curious. Once you do that yearly medical past 55 what does CFT do, issue you a new certification card yearly, or some other paper that is proof if you need an air fill or do a charter?

 

[htatton]

I'm 73, there is no way I would keep diving without an annual physical. I know it doesn't mean something won't happen but it reduces the risk me to and folks I dive with. I really don't want to mess up someones dive drive by have a medial emergency in or under the water. I would have no problems with a required medial card. I have to get a FAA medical to keep my pilot's license.

 

[Mr Carcharodon]

I'm 73, there is no way I would keep diving without an annual physical. I know it doesn't mean something won't happen but it reduces the risk me to and folks I dive with. I really don't want to mess up someones dive drive by have a medial emergency in or under the water. I would have no problems with a required medial card. I have to get a FAA medical to keep my pilot's license.

How much does an annual physical reduce your risk? Does your physician know what to look for that is diving related? If so how did you arrive at that physician? Maybe there is some carryover from FAA requirements which I know nothing of.

 

[htatton]

Good cardio workup. Blood gasses, O2 saturation, Blood chemistry. All of these can tip for potential problems. They don't rule out everything but they catch a lot. If my heart develops a gurgle I sure as heck don't want to add nitrogen saturation to the mix. He is just a great GP that listens to what I need and want from him. If anything at all comes up in the physical he has agreed to contact DAN for additional information.

 

[kombiguy]

I am tempted to say how grateful I am that we in America have avoided the tender hand of government involvement, for the most part, in our sport.

 

[htatton]

I am tempted to say how grateful I am that we in America have avoided the tender hand of government involvement, for the most part, in our sport.

I couldn't agree more but the best way to keep them out of our business is adopt practices that maximize the safety of our sport.

 

[TMHeimer]

Bravo last 2 posts. Same for Canada.

 

[Land Fish]

I thought poisonous jelly fishes were to be blamed...no?

 

[CGE925]

Bravo last 2 posts. Same for Canada.

Maybe in Canada, but here in the Democratic Socialist People's Republic of Quebec, a government-issued card IS required to legally dive anywhere in the province. If you're caught without one, you can be fined. The card is good for three years, and actually requires a formal exam be written, together with proof of cold-water dives. There are even different "levels/classes" according to your level of certification (OW, AOW, etc).

Tends to keep non-Quebecers from diving here, as you can imagine. ;o(

 

[Tzymische]

Am curious. Once you do that yearly medical past 55 what does CFT do, issue you a new certification card yearly, or some other paper that is proof if you need an air fill or do a charter?

It is club based system - we have a common electronic platform where every person is marked fit/unfit for dive.
So in theory (again - nothing stops me to pick my plastic and hit any place in the world saying I am fit to dive) - you're not allowed to dive with any club affiliated to CFT. It's up to a Diving Officer of the Club to enforce it.
Also - every year we would get a paper card - that confirms status and insurance - which needs to be presented together with the c-card on any activity sanctioned by CFT.

Screenshot from the COMS - if any red cross - no dive with the club or anyone within CFT - if you look on the left bottom side - there's red cross beside my water fitness test for next year as I haven't get around to pop to the swimming pool to do it. Also red cross means no Insurance via CFT.