One of the reviews on the PG mentioned that the diver filled out a dive release form and medical form and then had to see the ship's doctor before being allowed to dive. My question is this: does the ships doctor do a physical on divers before they are allowed to dive? I know it is common practice to fill out the dive medical form and liability release before diving on cruise lines, but we have never had to see the ships M.D. before diving. Any comments or any information from previous divers on RSSC or the PG in particular?
also, I know this may sound like a silly question, but is there a ladder to get back into the Zodiac. due to a previous shoulder surgery I am wondering if i should plan on diving or not. (I have done three boat dives in Cozumel since my surgery , so getting back into a boat with a ladder is not an issue, but hoisting myself up into a zodiac might be a problem)btw, we are both certified, and i have my advanced and dive-medic certification

Based on my own experience diving from the PG:

• I didn't have to be seen by the ship's doctor. Those I noticed did need to were those who answered the standard PADI medical info forms with something that might raise the flags of an insurance carrier. I don't recall which items, but if you were to talk to your local dive shop or instructor, I'm sure you could get a sense of what items are involved. One thing I have heard can be a trigger is if you're diabetic.
• The Zodiacs have stern ladders for reentry at the end of the dive. So if you can handle a ladder, have no fear!

Diving on the PG is a lot of fun. I can't wait to do it again this November on the Marquesas cruise!

george

Oldmedic,

one of the most informative dive reviews on a trip to FP and on the PG was done by a LCT'r this past September..fyi.

http://www.brownandkeenetravel.com/Review_Tahiti_Ken_akaElquailo.htm

We don't dive, but I remember from our time on the PG one gal who had a history of high blood pressure had to see the ship's doctor for permission to dive.

When we were on the PG last year, I filled out the questions, and answered yes to smoking cigars. That got me a visit to the doctor for a free check-up. He OK'd the smoking, (he was French, and smoked like a real pro)but I had a stuffy ear, and he grounded me. As of this past Thanksgiving, I am smoke free! I think the usual questions apply. It is the standard PADI medical form. They jsut want to be safe, for you and themselves. You are SO FAR from any real hospital, that they just want all who dive to be as safe as they can be.

My wife and I both got flagged for being on a prescription at the time - Lipitor (I was only on it for three months - not on it any more) so we needed to spend about two minutes with the doctor for him to determine that we were both fine to dive. As stated above, they ask the standard PADI questions, and anything that is checked will get you a visit with the doctor, as to be expected. No physical was required.

Yes, the zodiacs have flip-down ladders on the back, water entry (backroll) and boat entry (ladder) are both easy, you should not have any problems.

Cheers,
Ken

We have dove five times on the PG and fortunately never been on medication or answered yes to any questions so we never were required to do anything but sign the release. One thing I like about the PG is that you take your BCD off in the water and the divemaster pulls it in the Zodiac so you don't have that extra weight getting in the boat.