Diving Medical

[luke284]

This summer im going to cyprus for 4 weeks to do my divemaster course.. i have been told that i need a medical and have all the forms and things...

now can i go to my GP and get him to sign it or do i need to see a specalist?

[Phoenix]

The PADI medical form can be signed by your GP, if you have any history of serious injury or illness you might want to consider going to a specialist.

Good luck with the course.

Ian

[luke284]

when i was about 6 i was told i had asthma (still dont think i did) and to start diving i had to get this cleared up.. i had a Lung function test and a ECG all with good results. The results of the Lung function test said that i was above average!!!

is that a job for GP or specialist to sign then?

i do have the bits of paper to prove i dont have asthma!

[Phoenix]

The final decision rests with you Luke. As a PADI Instructor I only have to check that the form is signed by a Doctor if you answer Yes to any of the questions, we aren't qualified in any way to offer advice on which Doctor you should approach. It sounds like you have already visited a specialist so I suppose it depends whether you want a second opinion or just a signature on the form.

Ian

[luke284]

ok thanks iani,

ill just go and see my GP then!

[Billy the Kangaroo]

<font color='#0000FF'>Luke,
You may find your doctor will be reluctant to sign you off if you have any medical history and /or may well want to charge you. &nbsp;Mine charges £65 for sports medicals, so I got a friend's wife to do mine some time ago - PADI form needs to be any medical professional - to pass the liability onto.

If you want/hope to do PAID work in the UK with your qualification, you really need to go for the HSE medical route instead as this is essential in &quot;commercial&quot; dive operations in the UK and recreational instruction/ guiding is classed as commercial. &nbsp;You are then into X-Rays, blood tests, heart checks etc.

Sorry, but HSE rules KO.

[Phoenix]

Billy, the HSE medical form is all well and good but you still need a signed PADI medical form to do the DM course which is what the original question was about. Given that the course in question was being run in Cyprus I'm not sure how they would take a UK HSE medical form.

Ian

[Billy the Kangaroo]

<font color='#0000FF'>I guess I assumed who ever signed the HSE medical would also agreee to sign the PADI form.
I wouldnt want anyone to pay for a PADI medical and then find he has to pay for an HSE one as well before he can use his DM qualification in the UK.

[Simon TW]

<font color='#000080'>I started diving in Malta, I think that it is a condition of Malta that everyone who dives has to have a medical.

I passed and I carry the cert. with me, it has proved usefull as I had pnumonia when I was 17 and it damaged my lungs so I allways have to answer yes on the form that your presented with.

[luke284]

just got back from my GP and he has signed my form. So im now officially fit to dive!!!! &nbsp;just got to wait until 2nd of july to start my course now!!! &nbsp;cant wait!!