medicals

[andymos]

hello I'm new, quick question, my brother recently tried to dive in Oz but failed the medical on the breath flow meter, he bought one of these things and I tried it and I failed as well, now I've been diving for about 7 years without ever having any problems. My brother is desparate to dive and I'd like to help him.
The question is whether any of you know where it is possible to take a course without a medical, I know I did mine in Bali and a medical wasn't required.
thanks

[Keith Lawrence(BSAC)]

hello I'm new, quick question, my brother recently tried to dive in Oz but failed the medical on the breath flow meter, he bought one of these things and I tried it and I failed as well, now I've been diving for about 7 years without ever having any problems. My brother is desparate to dive and I'd like to help him.
The question is whether any of you know where it is possible to take a course without a medical, I know I did mine in Bali and a medical wasn't required.

Hi Andy

The requirements for an actual medical vary from country to country but at the very least a medical questionnaire and declaration will be required. It would be =VERY STUPID=, possibly dangerous to yourself or others, to lie on this form. You shouldn?t be asking the question ?where can he dive?? you should be asking the question ?CAN he dive?? and it is only a doctor with a detailed knowledge of diving medicine that can answer that question for you.

Just because somebody fails a particular test or can?t tick a particular box that does not mean that they can never dive, it just means that they should seek specialist medical advice before doing so. I?ve included a link to our medical section, this explains the system in a bit more detail.

So even with a medical problem somebody can be given the OK to dive, possibly with restrictions, but I would advise you to check beforehand before going abroad with such permission. Some years ago my wife was given a restricted medical certificate due to asthma, after a full and throrough medical by a UK medical referee she was passed fit to dive. This medical was refused by an American operation because they had a blanket ?nobody with asthma can dive? rule imposed upon them, regardless of what any doctor said!

So that?s my recommendation, seek medical advice but also make sure that where you are planning to go will accept that medical advice.

Regards

Keith L

[andymos]

thanks for the reply keith, I will see what my brother wants to do, however he is as fit as me and like I said I've been diving for 7 years now without ever having a problem, not only that he actually went through medical school so he's pretty aware of all the risks.
thanks again