how many

[skinny stick]

How many of you guys has had to do extra for a coast guard medical eval? I just submited a app for a z-card, and even though I am on my third issue of a 100 ton master 200 ton mate and have had alot of physicals, I got a letter back saying I need a few other things done since I had a lung collaspe back in 2002. They said that even though I have a master lic, that I am applying for a entry level position and that the physical requirments are different. I guess what I am asking is once you did what they asked for did they hassle you anymore?

[injunear]

Most everything is spelled out in the new regs. Being a type II diabetic, I had to show good consecutive A1Cs and an eye exam from an ophthalmologist.

My physical was kicked back last week because the P/A didn't cross her Ts and the color vision test wasn't approved. I checked with my new doc Monday and he didn't have an approved test. So I drove 35 miles to an industrial clinic, took the approved test and faxed it too WV. When I arrived home, I had a letter from the NMC saying they didn't need any further info unless contacted. Go figure...

I am hearing from some of my old crew that a couple of guys with high BMI (I'm not sure if it's PC to say fat guys)were being required to prove physical abilities.

[stevefoster]

Most everything is spelled out in the new regs. Being a type II diabetic, I had to show good consecutive A1Cs and an eye exam from an ophthalmologist.

My physical was kicked back last week because the P/A didn't cross her Ts and the color vision test wasn't approved. I checked with my new doc Monday and he didn't have an approved test. So I drove 35 miles to an industrial clinic, took the approved test and faxed it too WV. When I arrived home, I had a letter from the NMC saying they didn't need any further info unless contacted. Go figure...

I am hearing from some of my old crew that a couple of guys with high BMI (I'm not sure if it's PC to say fat guys)were being required to prove physical abilities.

How many good consecutive AICs did you have to submit to satisfy the CG?

[injunear]

From medical NVIC 04-08
<TABLE dir=ltr border=1 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=7 width=990><TBODY><TR><TD height=0 vAlign=top width="41%">

193

</TD><TD height=0 vAlign=top width="30%">

Diabetes Mellitus requiring Insulin or history of DKA

</TD><TD height=0 vAlign=top width="30%">

Internal Medicine consultation documenting interval history, blood pressure and weight, evaluation of fasting plasma glucose; and, two current HgA1C’s (<8.0) separated by at least 90 days, the most recent no more than 90 days old, ophthalmology consultation, graded exercise test.

</TD></TR><TR><TD height=0 vAlign=top width="41%">

194

</TD><TD height=0 vAlign=top width="30%">

Diabetes requiring Oral Medication

</TD><TD height=0 vAlign=top width="30%">

Internal Medicine consultation documenting interval history, blood pressure and weight, evaluation of fasting plasma glucose; and, two current HgA1C’s (<8.0) separated by at least 90 days, the most recent no more than 90 days old, ophthalmology consult

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[CMA_Decky]

I got a letter back saying I need a few other things done since I had a lung collaspe back in 2002.

Both my lungs at spontaneously collapsed (a year apart) when I was in high school and I got the surgery to staple them back together. The NMC requested a more detailed history from my pulmonary surgeon and a current pulmonary function test.
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[CaptAndrew]

I am hearing from some of my old crew that a couple of guys with high BMI (I'm not sure if it's PC to say fat guys)were being required to prove physical abilities.

I had heard that they are looking at "Fat Guys" in part , because they cannot get through escape hatches. And lives have been lost as a result. Not sure how that relates to the "physical"

[Jon]

I am hearing from some of my old crew that a couple of guys with high BMI (I'm not sure if it's PC to say fat guys)were being required to prove physical abilities.

Prove it to who, the Coast Guard or the physician that's examining them? I've got a bit of a pouch and my BMI is a little high, but I've passed a Cooper Standards Police PT test so I know I'm in at least good enough shape to work in LE. I don't relish the thought of having to go above and beyond to satisfy some evaluator in an office who's never left dry land that my BMI numbers are ok. If the doctor is satisfied that I can.

If the examining medical practitioner doubts the applicant’s ability to meet the guidelines contained within this table, and for all applicants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40.0 or higher, the practitioner should require that the applicant demonstrate the ability to meet the guidelines. This does not mean, for example, that the applicant must actually don an exposure suit, pull an uncharged 1.5 inch diameter 50’ fire hose with nozzle to full extension, or lift a charged 1.5 inch diameter fire hose to fire fighting position. Rather, the medical practitioner may utilize alternative measures to satisfy himself or herself that the applicant possesses the ability to meet the guidelines in the third column. A description of the methods utilized by the medical practitioner should be reported on the CG-719K or CG-719K/E (or approved equivalent form) as appropriate. All demonstrations of ability should be performed by the applicant without assistance. Any prosthesis normally worn by the applicant and other aid devices such as prescription glasses may be used by the applicant in all practical demonstrations except when the use of such would prevent the proper wearing of mandated personal protective equipment (PPE).

From how I read that, if my BMI is over 40 (thankfully it's not), and my MD is satisfied that I can "don an exposure suit, pull an uncharged 1.5 inch diameter 50’ fire hose with nozzle to full extension, or lift a charged 1.5 inch diameter fire hose to fire fighting position," then I should be good to go, right?

[Jeffrox]

Correct. Just drop and give 'em 20....

[Cal]

How many of you guys has had to do extra for a coast guard medical eval? I just submited a app for a z-card, and even though I am on my third issue of a 100 ton master 200 ton mate and have had alot of physicals, I got a letter back saying I need a few other things done since I had a lung collaspe back in 2002. They said that even though I have a master lic, that I am applying for a entry level position and that the physical requirments are different. I guess what I am asking is once you did what they asked for did they hassle you anymore?

In 2002 I had a "Heart Attack" (in quotes because that's what it was documented as although they could find no cause). I know the why's and wherefore's and the appropriate lifestyle changes have taken place.

I started in the Maritime industry in December of 2003. In August of 2005 I submitted my application for AB Special to the New York REC. It took many months of confusion and frustration before I was notified that I needed to submit additional information, a stress test from my Cardiologist. 13 months later and numerous phone calls to the REC and the NMC (before it moved to WV) an AB Limited was finally issued.

In October of 2009 I submitted my application for Third Mate, 1600 Ton Mate, and AB Unlimited. I submitted the standard physical form (before the recent changes) as well as a copy of my latest stress test. My application cleared medical in 1 week and when I received my license there was a letter outlining specific requirements that my license was subject to. A copy of the letter is to be kept with my license and if anything changes I have 30 days to notify the NMC.

That has been my experience.

[Mike Bolinger]

Concerning the obesity issue. When I was in the Navy your BMI or "Body fat" couldn't be anymore than 21%. You got up to 23% before they kicked you out on a "fat boy" discharge. You had to join the "fatboy" club if you were over 21% or if you couldn't keep up in PT. The fatboy club got extra PT that was always a bunch of fat guys standing around griping that they were being subjected to unfair treatment.

I saw a reality tv show the other day with about a 400lb paramedic first responder. This guy was breathin and sweatin so hard I thought he was gonna have to use the O2 on himself. I don't think I want that guy bein my "first responder" if he can't even carry his own body weight let alone mine.

The last time I went in for a Class A CDL physical the doctor was pretty hardcore. I had never been to him before and he took the BMI thing pretty serious. Along with anything else that might cause you to pass out or kill someone else while driving your big truck. Of course he was not a fat guy. He was naturally skinny. He failed a truck driver while I was in there. The driver got irate and walked out. All the driver had to do was go down the road to the Flyin J and for $60 get a quack to sign off on him. There are loophole to everything.

But whether you are driving a truck or a boat the DOT is tightening up on medical standards in light of recent incidents involving boats and truckers.

I almost got failed myself but I am more muscle than fat. The doc said according the the BMI chart I was over the 23% or so he allowed. But he made an "exception" because I have muscle mass. We started to argue a little over the BMI chart and then I figured out I had better just shut up or he would fail me for arguing with him.
I would have had to pay him even if he failed me but like I said I could have just drove 5 miles down the road and got a quack that is all about quantity and not quality to sign off on me. Most DOT docs don't really go that hardcore on your physical but they can if they want.

My final opinion is that for good or bad I don't want someone that is incapable of moving fast in my way when I need to move fast. If you are a "big" guy and can still fit where you need to fit and move fast when you need to great. If you cant then you need to loose some weight or find a desk job where it is ok to get fat.
PC or not fat is fat. No sugar coating it. Eat less or exercise or both. Pretty simple.

[Jon]

I almost got failed myself but I am more muscle than fat. The doc said according the the BMI chart I was over the 23% or so he allowed. But he made an "exception" because I have muscle mass.

That's what I'm worried about. I wasn't sure how the BMI standards are being enforced, moreover, by whom. Say, the doctor says "Hey Jon, you have lots more muscle than fat, nice job on that half-marathon... Here's your magic CG physical exam form," and then some CG evaluator kicks it back for a high BMI.

I probably shouldn't have posted at all: I didn't realize how much weight I'd need to gain before I hit the magic 40 BMI or I wouldn't have posted.

[New3M]

Concerning the obesity issue. When I was in the Navy your BMI or "Body fat" couldn't be anymore than 21%. You got up to 23% before they kicked you out on a "fat boy" discharge. You had to join the "fatboy" club if you were over 21% or if you couldn't keep up in PT. The fatboy club got extra PT that was always a bunch of fat guys standing around griping that they were being subjected to unfair treatment.

They kicked you out of the Navy at 23%? They must have raised that a bit...because I'm on a Navy base right now and there are plenty of people wayyyyyyy bigger than I am. Turns out they'd apparently kick me out too - at 5'10" and 178, my BMI is 25.7 (according to the NIH). I think the Navy must have changed their standards...

[EbbTide]

Why are they always picking on Fat Boat People? If we don't have nautical cookies aboard ... Chips Ahoy, the vessel is deemed unseaworthy and we do not sail.
Safety First!