Cancellation, Refund & Participation Policy

 

1. Payment & Booking Confirmation

A non-refundable deposit or full payment is required to secure all course, training, workshop, and boat dive bookings unless otherwise stated.

Retreat bookings require a non-refundable deposit as outlined in Section 8.

A booking is not confirmed until payment has been received.

All prices are listed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.

For booking enquiries or cancellation requests, contact:
Email: instructorkaeo@freedivetasmania.com
WhatsApp (Phone): +61459712384

 

 2. Participant Cancellations & Transfers 

Due to limited group sizes and committed operational costs, the following policy applies to all general bookings.

More than 14 Days Before Start Date

Participants may request a one-time transfer to an alternative date within 12 months of the original booking date.

Transfers must be requested in writing via email or phone and confirmed by Freedive Tasmania.

No refunds are issued for participant cancellations.

14 Days or Less Before Start Date

Cancellations within 14 days of the scheduled start time are not eligible for refunds or transfers.

However, a booking may be transferred to a replacement participant if:

• The replacement holds appropriate freediving certification (where required)

• All medical declarations and liability waivers are completed prior to participation

• The replacement participant contacts Freedive Tasmania directly

• The transfer is approved in writing

Late Arrivals & No-Shows

Late arrivals, missed sessions, or failure to attend are not eligible for refunds, credits, or transfers.

 

3. Training Sessions

Pool training, depth training, and equalisation training sessions are non-refundable.

Approved transfers to another participant may be permitted under the conditions outlined above.

All participants must review and agree to applicable training guidelines prior to attendance.

 

4. Partial Completion Clause

If one or more components of a course or retreat are completed, but remaining components cannot be delivered due to:

• Instructor unavailability (illness, injury, or unforeseen circumstances)

• Safety concerns (weather, sea conditions)

• Force majeure events

In this case, participants can choose:

• Complete the remaining components on a future course or retreat date within 18 months at no additional cost.

• A pro-rata refund for the components that cannot be delivered.
  The refund is calculated based on the value of the undelivered portion only.

• A participant may agree to forego a refund and transfer the value toward a future course or retreat.
  This must be explicitly agreed in writing. 

5. Boat Dives & Charters

Boat operations involve significant pre-committed costs, including vessel hire, crew, fuel, and logistics.

Participant cancellations are non-refundable.

Transfers to a replacement participant may be approved under the conditions outlined in Section 2.

Weather & Sea Conditions

Safety decisions relating to weather and sea conditions are made solely by Freedive Tasmania and/or the vessel skipper.

If a charter is cancelled due to unsafe conditions or operational reasons, participants may choose:

• A transfer to a future date within 12 months, or

• A refund of the affected booking.

If conditions are deemed safe to operate, the activity will proceed as scheduled.

 

6. Minimum Participant Numbers

Some activities require minimum participant numbers to proceed.

If minimum numbers are not met, Freedive Tasmania may reschedule or cancel the activity.

In this case, participants will be offered:

• Transfer to a future date within 12 months, or

• A full refund of the affected booking.

 

7. Medical Inability to Participate

If a participant becomes medically unfit to participate:

• A one-time transfer to a future date (within 12 months) may be requested

• A valid medical certificate must be provided within 7 days of notification

• No refunds are issued under this clause

• Medical clearance may be required before returning to training

 

8. Non-Refundable Components

PADI eLearning materials, certification fees, and third-party course materials are strictly non-refundable once access has been issued or materials have been ordered.

 

9. Course Completion & Certification

In accordance with PADI Standards:

All course components (theory, confined water, open water, exams) must be completed within 12 months of course commencement.

Failure to complete within this timeframe may require re-enrolment.

Repeat or reassessment components may incur a $100 fee per component.

It is the participant’s responsibility to schedule outstanding requirements.

 

RETREATS & MULTI-DAY EXPEDITIONS

 

10. Payment Structure

A non-refundable deposit of 40% is required to secure a retreat booking.

The remaining balance must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the retreat start date.

If full payment is not received by the due date, Freedive Tasmania reserves the right to cancel the booking and retain the deposit.

Bookings are not confirmed until the deposit has been received.

 

11. Participant Cancellations – Retreats

More than 60 Days Before Retreat Start Date

Participants may:

• Transfer their booking to another eligible participant (subject to approval), or

• Request a one-time transfer to a future retreat within 18 months (subject to availability)

Deposits remain non-refundable.

If full payment has already been made, amounts paid beyond the deposit may be refunded, less any non-recoverable third-party costs.

60 Days or Less Before Retreat Start Date

Cancellations within 60 days of the retreat start date are non-refundable.

Participants may transfer their booking to a replacement participant if:

• The replacement meets certification and experience requirements

• All medical declarations and waivers are completed

• Freedive Tasmania approves the transfer in writing

No refunds will be issued for unused portions of a retreat once it has commenced.

 

12. Minimum Numbers – Retreats

Retreat pricing is based on minimum participant numbers.

If minimum numbers are not met, Freedive Tasmania may cancel or reschedule the retreat.

In this case, participants may choose:

• A full refund of payments made (excluding clearly identified non-recoverable third-party costs), or

• Transfer to a future retreat date.

 

13. International Retreat Conditions

For international retreats:

• Participants are responsible for passports, visas, vaccinations, and entry requirements

• Freedive Tasmania is not responsible for denied entry or travel delays

• Pricing may be subject to currency fluctuations prior to final payment

• Retreats may involve third-party operators; Freedive Tasmania is not liable for actions, omissions, or operational failures of independent providers beyond its reasonable control

If a third-party provider cancels or materially alters services, participants will be offered alternatives or refunds only to the extent funds are recoverable.

 

14. Operator Cancellations

If Freedive Tasmania cancels a retreat due to safety concerns, operational reasons, or circumstances beyond reasonable control, participants may choose:

• A transfer to a future retreat date, or

• A refund of payments made, excluding non-recoverable third-party expenses already committed.

Freedive Tasmania is not responsible for personal travel costs, flights, accommodation booked independently, or related expenses.

 

15. Force Majeure

Freedive Tasmania is not liable for delays, changes, or cancellations caused by events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Severe weather

• Natural disasters

• Government restrictions

• Public health emergencies

• Civil unrest

• Transport disruption

• Maritime or aviation restrictions

In such cases, participants will be offered a transfer. Refunds will be issued only to the extent that funds are recoverable.

 

GENERAL CONDITIONS

16. Safety & Conduct

Freediving and associated water activities involve inherent risks.

Participants must follow all instructions provided by instructors and crew.

Any participant who behaves in a manner that endangers themselves, others, staff, marine life, or equipment may be removed from the activity without refund.

 

17. Marine Ethics

All participants must comply with local marine laws and environmental guidelines.

Respect for marine life, habitats, and ecosystems is mandatory during all activities.

 

18. Assumption of Risk & Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Freedive Tasmania excludes liability for loss, injury, or damage arising from participation, except where liability cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law.

Participants are responsible for ensuring they are medically fit to participate and are strongly encouraged to obtain appropriate travel and cancellation insurance.

 

19. Media & Photography

Photos and videos may be taken during activities for promotional purposes.

Participants who do not wish to appear in marketing material must notify Freedive Tasmania in writing via:

Email: instructorkaeo@freedivetasmania.com

Commercial use of any media on the site without written permission is prohibited.