New PADI Instructors sometimes
comment that they spend more time checking paperwork than they do actually
diving. So why is paperwork so important?
Firstly, it informs divers of their
responsibility to be honest in disclosing and evaluating their medical
condition and the risks of diving – even when operators do their very best to
provide an enjoyable and relatively safe experience. It also establishes the
guidelines all divers are expected to follow when participating in this
transformational activity. Paperwork is also used as evidence to help defend dive
professionals if an incident occurs and legal action is filed, and is usually a
key requirement of your professional liability insurance policy. Each form has
its own unique purpose:
Liability
Release / Statement of Risks – This document
explains the risks of scuba diving to the participant and ensures they are
aware that it is possible for something to go wrong. It’s important here to
ensure that all the blanks are filled in properly before the diver signs the
form. Do not alter the document after the student signs the form, and always
confirm the form is signed and dated properly.
Non-agency
Acknowledgment – This form explains to your
customers that PADI Member
businesses are not owned by PADI,
that dive professionals are not employees of PADI, and that PADI does not and cannot control the day-to-day
operations and decisions of your staff and your business. As with other forms,
ensure all the blanks are filled in and that the form is signed and dated.
Safe Diving
Practices Statement – This document
is designed to inform divers of their responsibility to dive safely – not only
while a student diver, but after certification as well. Again, all blanks
should be completed, and the form must be signed and dated.
The Medical
Statement discusses the risks of diving
and asks the diver to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions. Any ‘yes’
answer requires the approval of a physician before participating in any
in-water activities. Always have the diver answer a clear ‘yes’ or ‘no’ on
each line and again, sign and date the form.
Invariably, one
of your divers will answer ‘yes’ to a question on the medical statement and
then want to discuss it with you, or change the answer to ‘no’. If the diver
chooses to change their answer, think carefully about the reasons they might do
so before allowing this.
- Was it a simple oversight? If someone who is biologically male answers yes to, ‘are you pregnant or trying to become pregnant?’ it’s acceptable for the diver to change their answer. Be sure the diver initials and dates the change.
- Did the diver truly misunderstand the question? If a diver initially answers ‘yes’ there must be a reason for it. Counsel the diver to be truthful about medical issues for the benefit of their loved ones, their dive buddy, and their own health and safety. If in any doubt, they should always consult a medical professional.
It is important to
schedule sufficient time at the beginning of each course for student divers to
fill out the required forms and for you to check them thoroughly – ensuring student
divers complete paperwork properly and accurately can be key to your legal
protection in the event of an incident.
