> -----Original Message-----
>
> > (I was also at fault in this matter for not paying sufficient
> attention to
> > the form, but merely checking the bottom line:  Fit for diving!)
> >
> > The issue was taken up with the doctor concerned, who was of the opinion
> > that the decision ultimately rested with the Instructor - me!
>
> Now that's a _salutary_ tale rather than a tall one. I suspect had I
> been the instructor I would have been as cursory about looking at that
> medical form.

That's why medical forms in general are designed such that anything out of
the ordinary shows up in a quick glance, ie usually ticks, and usually all
to one side if clear, only look at things that deviate from that.

> I'd go as far as to say that a hyberbarically qualified physician who
> also teaches Scuba should not medically examine the trainees in his/her
> care. I'd actually suggest that that would be a _really_ bad idea.

I go as far as to suggest that no medically qualified person should tech
SCUBA in this day and age. I know quite a few do, but I'd be very worried.

> Well, I am firmly of the opinion that my friend did not act
> irresponsibly. He was asked for a referral and gave one. His
> acquaintance did not use that referral and instead went to another
> (presumably hyperbarically qualified) physician and got passed.

I agree with your view, but if that person had consulted your friend in a
professional capacity, the latest legal opinion is that he should have
followed up at least once, and noted that fact. Not an easy task.

Cheers,
Poe
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