Australia has the strictest requirements for scuba diving than anywhere else in the world… With the highest safety record!

The information on this page applies to qualified Certified Divers, beginner Resort Divers and anyone participating in scuba courses. The laws governing scuba diving in Australia are very different than in other countries so please read the questionnaire carefully so you know what to expect… It is not our company’s decision regarding these laws – we are regulated by the Queensland Government

Terms and Conditions for Scuba Diving Activities

  • All scuba divers booking a tour with Reef Encounter accept that they have read and agree to the ‘Scuba Divers Important Information’, medical requirements for scuba within Australia and all other terms and conditions of the trip
  • At the start of your tour with us, all persons are required to fill out a standard Queensland Medical Declaration form.   For children, this form must be filled in and signed buy a parent or guardian. All questions must be answered honestly, as it is a legal document. Your safety is our primary concern. For snorkelers, this information will simply help us advise you accordingly regarding snorkelling safety. For scuba divers, some medical conditions and/or medications and/or health issues (both past and present) may prevent a person from participating in scuba diving activities
  • Minimum age for resort scuba diving or participation in scuba diver training is 12 years in Queensland, Australia
  • Minimum age for certified divers is 10 years
  • All junior divers must either be accompanied by a certified parent or guardian or must dive with a dive professional at an additional charge
  • No refunds will be offered for uncompleted dives
  • No refunds will be offered for uncompleted dives due to medical restrictions
  • Certified divers must be ‘Open Water Diver’ level or higher, and bring proof of their qualification with them to be checked by the the Dive Supervisor. If unable to verify your certification level we reserve the right to refuse a person scuba diving as a certified diver
  • Guided dives are available at every reef location for certified divers who choose to take a guided tour (additional charge) – otherwise divers will be buddied together to go scuba diving. Certified divers remain responsible for following safe diving practices and for their own safety
  • Non-qualified divers will be accompanied by a dive professional at all times – with a maximum of four persons to one Scuba Instructor
  • If divers require private scuba tours, they must book their trip with the ‘Top Deck Club’ – which includes a personal crew member solely assigned to your booking party for the duration of your liveaboard stay
  • All passengers are strongly advised to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation insurance, evacuation and medical cover for scuba diving. Please read the wording of your insurance policy carefully and ensure it covers you for all intended activities – including all scbua activities. In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation, medical or other expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger
  • We reserve the right to change locations, prices, vessels and itineraries due to unforeseen circumstances and without notice, but will full consideration of safety. Each day the Captain will assess weather conditions and other technical issues to determine the vessels location

Scuba diving can be a strenuous activity.

When safety procedures are followed and good diving practices are employed scuba diving is a very safe and fun sport. To scuba dive safely you must not be extremely overweight or out of condition. Your respiratory and circulatory systems must be in good health and all bodily air spaces must be normal and healthy. If you are, or if you become unwell during your scuba activities, you will not be permitted to continue with diving until you are fully recovered. You may never dive with a cold, flu or any respiratory congestion.

Medical Information for ALL Scuba Divers in Australia

This information applies to certified divers, beginner/resort divers and anyone participating in scuba dive training. We advise all scuba divers not to assume that because it is considered safe for you to scuba dive in another country that it will be fine in Australia – please do your homework and avoid any potential disappointment.

Many medical conditions, health issues and/or medications (both past and present) may prevent you from participating in scuba activities unless a dive medical certificate to Australian Standards AS4005.1 can be provided to the dive supervisor onboard

Some prescription and non prescription medications may also prevent you from diving (including some malaria prevention tablets) or require you to bring a medical certificate to Australian Standards AS4005.1 with you on your reef trip