Theory

It is crucial to complete your online training before the start of your course. This allows you time to absorb technical information, think of any questions, and ensures that we can progress efficiently through the theory sections. Failure to complete the theory portion will prevent you from participating in the confined water sessions or open water dives, potentially leading to the cancellation of your course without a refund.

Swim Test

You are required to complete a swim test, which involves swimming 200 meters (or 300 meters using a mask, fins, and snorkel) using any stroke without a time limit, and floating or treading water for 10 minutes in deep water.

Medical

Please review the SSI Medical Statement thoroughly and answer all questions honestly. If you answer “YES” to any questions, you must obtain a medical clearance certificate from a qualified doctor before the course start date. Failure to do so will result in your inability to participate in the course, and this will be treated as a cancellation, requiring rebooking at full price.

Payment

All prices include GST and are quoted in New Zealand Dollars. Payments can be made by credit card, debit card, or direct account transfer. We use BNZ to process your payments securely. Your credit card details are never shared with us.

Deposits

To secure your spot, all course enrollments require either a deposit of $250 or full payment.

Course Date Changes

We understand that plans can change. If you need to reschedule your course and provide more than 21 days’ notice, there will be no charge. Changes made with less than 21 days’ notice will forfeit 50% of the original course fee, and changes made with less than 7 days’ notice will forfeit 100% of the fee. We do not accept cancellations due to change of mind or COVID-related reasons. Once your course has started, changing dates or switching courses is not possible, and no refunds will be issued if you cannot or choose not to complete your course.

Cancellations, Rescheduling & No Shows

• “No Shows” (failing to attend a scheduled session without prior notice) will not receive a refund or credit.
• Failed medicals within 14 days before the start of your training program will result in the forfeiture of 100% of the course cost.
• Rescheduling a course with less than the required notice period will incur a rescheduling fee.
• Rescheduling after the session’s start time is considered a “No Show.”
• If SSI online training material has been issued, $200 will be non-refundable if the course is canceled.
• If you need to reschedule and provide more than the required notice, we will try to accommodate a new date at no extra cost. Part payments will remain in credit for up to one year.
• Failure to complete the course requirements will result in additional charges to complete the course later. If you decline to pay these fees, a referral document valid for six months will be issued.
• If Oceans Alive is unable to deliver your course on the scheduled dates, we will reschedule it. We reserve the right to cancel courses if diving conditions are unsafe.

Open Water Diver Cancellation Policy

• Failed swim test: No refund on course material and certification fee.
• Failed dive medical: Full refund if notified 14 days before the course start date.
• Dropout after dives 1 & 2: No refund without a valid medical reason.
• Dropout before dives 1 & 2: Refund rates will depend on what has been completed, and management will discuss this with you.
• Charges for extra half/full day: $150.

Pro Courses

Deposits for pro courses are non-refundable, as they cover course materials. No refund will be given if canceled within 30 days of the course start date.

Weather

Diving is a weather-dependent activity. Our experienced team prioritizes safety when deciding on suitable diving conditions and locations. If weather conditions are unsuitable, we will reschedule and offer alternative dates. Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for partially completed courses due to weather.

Additional Training

Our course schedules are designed to balance learning time and efficient progress, suiting most students. However, if additional time is needed to master the course requirements, we can arrange extra sessions with an instructor at a rate of $150 per person per session.

Minimum Numbers

All courses require a minimum number of students to run. For SSI Open Water Courses, the minimum is 4 students. For other SSI recreational courses, it is 3 students. If minimum numbers are not met, we will offer an alternative date or a refund. For SSI Technical dive courses, the minimum is 1-2 students.

Language

Course materials, including manuals and exams, are available in multiple languages. However, unless a course is specifically advertised in a particular language, instruction will be in English. It is essential that you understand spoken English for safety and learning purposes. If you need course materials in another language, please contact us.

Dates

Courses purchased for a specific date that are not completed may be subject to any price increases implemented since the time of booking.

Please remember that you are booking a course, not a certification. All dive courses have key performance requirements, and if these are not met, we cannot certify you.