Discover Scuba Roatan/Stupid Question?

[momeagle36]

I have always wanted to try scuba and have booked the discover scuba In Roatan, before I go out and buy a wet suit is this included with the equipment that they let you use for the day or do I need to go buy one for myself and my husband. I also have very well controlled Asthma and am aware that I will need a medical waiver in order to dive where would I get this to take to my doctor to have filled out ahead of time? I want to be prepared and have no reason to be denied this excursion

 

momeagle36

[scubaran]

I have always wanted to try scuba and have booked the discover scuba In Roatan, before I go out and buy a wet suit is this included with the equipment that they let you use for the day or do I need to go buy one for myself and my husband. I also have very well controlled Asthma and am aware that I will need a medical waiver in order to dive where would I get this to take to my doctor to have filled out ahead of time? I want to be prepared and have no reason to be denied this excursion

 

momeagle36

 

Your doctor should have the available form (let them know in advance before your visit if you're going there). There are on-line doctor's forms that they should be able to find, else if they don't have them try www.diversalertnetwork.org or www.padi.com. Either should have the forms available.

 

As far as the wetsuit, this isn't normally included but you don't have to buy one, a vast majority of the dive shops in the caribbean rent them for like $10/day. I'd inquire with the dive shop to let them know you'll need a suit, and your sizes, and of course if there's any additional information they need besides the doctor's release (they may require a release from a doctor that works with divers to ensure you've been properly evaluated).

 

Randall

[momeagle36]

Your doctor should have the available form (let them know in advance before your visit if you're going there). There are on-line doctor's forms that they should be able to find, else if they don't have them try www.diversalertnetwork.org or www.padi.com. Either should have the forms available.

 

As far as the wetsuit, this isn't normally included but you don't have to buy one, a vast majority of the dive shops in the caribbean rent them for like $10/day. I'd inquire with the dive shop to let them know you'll need a suit, and your sizes, and of course if there's any additional information they need besides the doctor's release (they may require a release from a doctor that works with divers to ensure you've been properly evaluated).

 

Randall

 

Randall,

 

Thanks for the input I was able to find the form on the PADI site after some serious searching, I will take this to my MD prior to my trip to be cleared she is a Asthma Specialist so I am sure she will know what they need, and the form is pretty self explanatory with what they require as far as pulmonary testing if she has questions there is even a phone number that she can call I will also check with the dive shop and see if they will require anything else I hadnt thought about that so that was a great heads up

 

Susan

[scubaran]

Randall,

 

Thanks for the input I was able to find the form on the PADI site after some serious searching, I will take this to my MD prior to my trip to be cleared she is a Asthma Specialist so I am sure she will know what they need, and the form is pretty self explanatory with what they require as far as pulmonary testing if she has questions there is even a phone number that she can call I will also check with the dive shop and see if they will require anything else I hadnt thought about that so that was a great heads up

 

Susan

 

Great to hear you're all set and hope you enjoy your dive! :D

 

Randall

[cmdchiefthom]

Momeagle,

 

First off, you WILL enjoy the Pearl. She's a great ship, with a great crew. Now as for the rules of the game when it comes to your issue of well controlled asthma, the final decision will depend not on NCL, but the vendor they use in Roatan. Depending on who NCL uses, that vendor will dictate if you'll be able to dive. That's the final answer. As a military diver since the late 60's, I blew a mitral valve in 2000, and had it repaired, not replaced. I have over 4000 dives, and a diving officer's certificate to dive. Even with that documentation, I was denied the ship's excursion (not NCL) in St. Marten in 2001.

 

I would certainly suggest you contact a PADI facility in Roatan, the PADI site has the info, and pre-arrange your intro to SCUBA experience with one of the 5 star facilities on the island, privately. Submit your medical info, and let them book you specifically based on the documentation you provide in writing.

 

The problem with asthma, even when it is well controlled, is on any given day, whether it's stress, climate, or even the dry compressed air in a tank, could affect the air exchange in the aveloi, and create a situation where the aveloi fail to equalize, and can rupture causing an emboli. That is really bad news for a diver.

 

So please discuss this with you asthma specialist, and make sure the inormation on the PADI form is accurate and complete, and DON'T rely on the ship to be any assistance on allowing you to dive.;)

[momeagle36]

thom,

 

thanks for the info My doctor would not fill out the form but she referred me to a DAN physician I traveld 1 1/2 hrs to see this specislist and spent 4 hours in his office doing all kinds of pulmonary testing including a cold air challenge,I had no symptoms and He has cleared me to dive and has filled out the form allowing me to dive we have set up a treatment plan pre dive and during the week of the planned dive and post dive he has also recommended that I take a diving class close to home pre cruise in a controlled environment just to make sure I will tolerate it I have called a local dive shop and will meet with the owner to take a class. I am keeping my fingers crossed that all works out well if not then I will find something else to do while on our trip. If I am able to tolerate diving then when I get on vacation I will be able to do my open water dives.

 

Susan

Easton, PA