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Thread: Caribb-LEM Mark III, March 1st-11th of 2017 (or March 4th-11th if you want 7 days)

  1. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by buffo View Post
    I think the folks in St. Lucia that Hank had to deal with were just looking to make a quick $200 on the unsuspecting tourists.
    This is true. It was *required* there. They were surprised when I pulled out the refresher sticker, I'm sure they thought they had me for $200!

    Glad to hear that it's not required at Utila. Either way, I was glad I did the refresher so I was re-familiar with the basics before going out on a dive boat with a bunch of strangers and local dive-masters that pretty much expected everyone to have some experience. (I know that's not the case in Utila). In my case, those dives were the real first non-training dives I did, so I was a little nervous and didn't know anyone. They also didn't really enforce "the buddy system" until the last day when we had a different dive master... and even then, most guys on the boat didn't do it anyway. That was a little disconcerting being the "new guy"... one time I almost jumped in without my weight belt. Not really a bad thing.. but what if I didn't have my BCD on correctly, or the backup regulator was fouled?

  2. #12
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    Bradfo69 is offline Pending BST Forum Purchases: $47,127,283.53
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    Good point about the medical exam. I got it for Utila last time but, I guess I need a new form filled out? And yeah, I think I'll look into the Global Entry as well. More so I don't have to deal with the TSA screens. I spent 20 minutes with a complete unpacking and body search coming back from Portland because they swabbed my laptop and found "something" that scared them. (Meanwhile... as the porn surfing thoughts roll through you bastards heads. )
    .
    I just sent off my passport renewal and got both the book and the passcard.

    Edit: FLIGHTS BOOKED BABY!
    Click image for larger version. 

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    Last edited by Bradfo69; 08-29-2016 at 15:06.
    PM Sent...

  3. #13
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    Is the medical exam a USA thing? I don't remember ever doing one; ever, for anything
    - There is no such word as "can't" -
    - 60% of the time it works every time -

  4. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by danielbriggs View Post
    Is the medical exam a USA thing? I don't remember ever doing one; ever, for anything
    When you first signed up for the "Explore SCUBA" class at the first Caribb-LEM, Rich had you fill out a single-page form that had your name, address, emergency contact info, and so on... At the bottom of that form were a series of basic questions about your health. So long as you didn't check "YES" on any of the boxes, you were fine. Cody and I had to fill out the same form for our Advanced Open-Water course.

    Last year when I took the Rescue course, I had to fill out the form again. And yeah, these days I have to check yes for several of those boxes! That means I need a medical release from a doctor (preferably my own doctor) that certifies that I am fit enough to dive safely. But yeah, if someone can honestly sign that form without checking any of the boxes, then they don't need the doctor's note.

    Given that you're a young buck (half my age!) and in awesome health, it figures that you would be able to sail right through! (Cheeky bastard...)

    On a more serious note, even if someone has several medical health issues, this does not mean they can't dive. I had 4 boxes checked on my form and was still able to complete the strenuous Rescue Diver course. It's just that a doctor (preferably one who knows all your conditions and how well they are controlled) must make the determination if it is safe for you to dive. That's all.

    Modern SCUBA Diving is actually very safe, and even for someone with diabetes, or high blood pressure, or other conditions, the risks are still very low. But one way they keep the sport safe is by requiring you to check with your doctor before you dive to be sure it's OK. The last thing we want is a medical emergency while you're underwater...

    Adam

    PS: My flight is also booked, by the way! 10 days in Utila! WOOT!

  5. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by buffo View Post
    When you first signed up for the "Explore SCUBA" class at the first Caribb-LEM, Rich had you fill out a single-page form that had your name, address, emergency contact info, and so on... At the bottom of that form were a series of basic questions about your health. So long as you didn't check "YES" on any of the boxes, you were fine.
    Right, I forgot about the questionnaire for the youngn's in the crowd. My doctor says I'm also in perfect health for a 51 year old (I have no existing issues to worry about), but just because heart disease runs in the family (my father died from a heart attack, as did his father), I have to answer "yes" to that one question and succumb to getting the physical every damn year. But that's OK, at my age it's a good thing to do anyway each year.

  6. #16
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    Is there a URL for the dive shop that is hosting this?

    The way we sign up is by mailing check? Is it possible to do 7 day with option to upgrade to 10 day if decision changes?

  7. #17
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    URL: http://www.coralviewutila.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coralviewutila/

    But if you have any questions about the trip, you should talk to Rich (neutrino on PL) -- he's our direct contact.

  8. #18
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    Ethan, if you'd like to speak with Rich personally, give me a call on my cell phone and I'll give you his cell number.

    That goes for anyone else too. Either give me a call or send me a PM and I'll put you in direct contact with Rich. I just don't want to be posting his personal cell number here on the forum. (I'm still getting bombed with spam calls because my cell number is all over the SELEM thread every year, so I get tons of calls for a few months until I get all the new numbers blocked on my phone.)

    With regard to the idea of signing up for the 7 day and then upgrading to the 10-day, that is certainly an option, at least up until we get close to the event. (Rich wanted all registrations completed by February 10th.) But yeah, between now and then if you wanted to extend your stay I'm sure there wouldn't be a problem. They key is to lock in a room now so you know you've got a slot.

    Adam

  9. #19
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    That video had me sold at tequila.

    But I'll stay for the..erm....lasers. Or whatever.
    Only an electron wiggler like you would resonate at 30cm.

  10. #20
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    Another new video I hadn't seen, shot about two months after we were there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn1E2nnChW8
    .
    What's funny is, truth be told, it's perhaps really a bit ghetto as compared to what you "think" of when going to the Caribbean and yet, the magic of the place leaves you wanting to go no where else, or leave for that matter. This is not high rise luxury hotels, golf courses, and yachts. It's the real deal. Exceptional diving, excellent food, warm and friendly people, great weather, inexpensive, and really a rare chance to truly get away from it all, disconnect and relax.
    .
    I think I've said this in another thread but, I have never had any interest whatsoever in going to the Caribbean and within a few short days I was studying real estate ads and trying to figure out how to buy a place on the island to come regularly. You WANT to do this!
    PM Sent...

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