Terms & Conditions
Certification Requirements for Divers
All customers booking to dive with Dive Lord Howe must show proof of certification (through their relevant training agency) to the minimum level required before they are able to dive with Dive Lord Howe. If you are unable to provide proof of certification you will not be able to dive and may forfeit all monies paid. The information provided here is to assess your ability to dive with us. We have a duty of care to ensure that your dive experience is enjoyable and safe.
This excludes non certified divers wishing to partake in an Introductory Dive or Open Water Course with a PADI Professional.
Booking Cancellations/Amendments - Terms and Conditions
When booking online, there is a booking fee incurred which is charged by our third party online booking engine. If you do not wish to incur this fee, please contact us via phone or email to book your tours directly.
When paying at Dive Lord Howe with VISA or Mastercard, a surcharge applies. We do not accept AMEX at the Dive Lord Howe dive shop.
All customers of Dive Lord Howe participating in diving-based activities must complete the standard PADI release forms issued by Dive Lord Howe. Booking online is an acknowledgment of acceptance of Terms and Conditions.
For all diving, snorkeling and course cancellations there is a $50 administration fee per booking with the remaining refunded if payment in full was made.
Competition events and Workshops are exempt where no refunds are available. Alternative activities will be arranged if diving is unavailable due to weather or unforeseeable circumstances. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Where cancellation notification is received less than 30 days prior to your booking no refund is available.
Deposits for Group Bookings and Private Charters holds the vessel and crew, and is non refundable.
There will be a full refund of PADI tuition fees upon return of all texts and course materials in original condition (where applicable) and / or if your PADI eLearning / Touch link has not been redeemed.
You are able to receive a store credit to be used for future diving, snorkelling and equipment hire if you cancel your scheduled dives. You may change your event start date at the discretion of Dive Lord Howe free of charge subject to weather and availability.
Where Dive Lord Howe cancels an event or Workshop an alternative date will be offered or a refund may be offered at the discretion of Dive Lord Howe. No refunds or credits will be due where customers fail to arrive by the published start/departure times for their courses and trips.
Dive Lord Howe retains the right to change fees and payment terms without prior notice until your booking is confirmed.
Alternate arrangements will be made if our vessels are not available, or weather is not conducive to boating activities.
If diving is not available due to inclement weather, Dive Lord Howe will provide a store credit to be used for future diving, snorkelling and equipment hire, or a refund.
Letters for Insurance Claims where you have not arrived on the island will be provided on request. Travel Insurance is highly recommended.
Pandemic Response
Please see our response to COVID-19 here.
If you are required to cancel your booking due to COVID-19, we will offer a full credit with no expiry or re-booking fee, subject to availability.
If social distancing applies and our numbers per tour are reduced, there may be an additional fee applicable to your booking, in order for us to faciliate the tour. Fees will be discussed prior to you agreeing to board the tour.
Medical Requirements
For divers and courses requiring a dive medical it is a requirement that it is completed at least 10 days prior to course commencement. Where a customer cancels their diving event due to medical reasons at least 10 days prior to course commencement (and notifies us thereof) there will be a full refund of fees upon return of all texts and course materials in original condition (where applicable) and / or if your PADI eLearning link has not been redeemed. For course cancellations due to medical grounds within 10 days no refund is available. Where course materials have been redeemed online, defaced, damaged or lost they will be charged at the standard PADI retail prices as per the current PADI price list. A Medical Failure Notification must accompany All Medical Cancellations from the medical practitioner.
Liability Release and Waiver
Please read the following. By continuing with the Internet booking you accept the terms stated below; In consideration of Dive Lord Howe, permitting me to participate in scuba diving, snorkelling and any other water sport activity (including instruction in any of these activities whether in or out of the water or on any vessel) (collectively or severally referred to as 'Activities') I agree as follows. Express Acceptance of Risk 1.1 I confirm that the answers I have provided in this form are true and correct and that Dive Lord Howe has relied on these answers in allowing me to participate in the activities. 1.2 I personally and voluntarily assume all the risk for any harm, trauma, injury or damage that I may suffer to my person or my property whether foreseen or unforeseen in connection with the activities. 1.3 I certify that I have been advised of the inherent risks associated with the activities and I voluntarily choose to participate in the activities fully accepting that such risks, should they arise, may cause injury, death or property damage and in particular I acknowledge I have been advised that: 1.3.1 Diving with compressed air involves certain risks such as decompression illness; embolism, other hyperbaric injuries and such injuries may result in death or serious incapacity. 1.3.2 The injuries of the type referred to in clause 1.3.1 may require treatment in a recompression chamber or other medical facility. 1.3.3 The activities may be conducted at a location that is remote either in time and/or distance from a medical facility. 1.3.4 Scuba diving and snorkeling are physically demanding activities that may cause personal injury, trauma, or death. 1.3.5 Scuba diving involves the use of equipment that may malfunction giving rise to the risk of injury, trauma, or death. 1.3.6 Snorkeling and scuba diving may involve exposure to the elements such as, storms, wind, tide and naturally occurring events, as well as harmful marine life. Release Discharge & Indemnity 2.1 I unconditionally release and discharge Dive Lord Howe, from all liabilities, claims and causes of action that may occur from any act, omission, default, failure or error on the part of Dive Lord Howe, (including any negligent act, omission, default, failure or error) occurring wholly or partially during the course of the activities. Indemnity 3.1 I agree to indemnify and keep indemnified Dive Lord Howe from any liability, claim or cause of action that may be brought against Dive Lord Howe, as a result of or in connection with any act, omission, default, failure or error on the part of Dive Lord Howe (including any negligent act, omission, default, failure or error on the part of Dive Lord Howe occurring wholly or partially during the course of the activities). 3.2 I agree that Dive Lord Howe will not be liable for and waive any right to claim any loss or damage, personal injury, death, economic loss or consequential loss whether in tort, in contract, under statute or otherwise, for any default, failure, negligence or error on the part of Dive Lord Howe. 3.3 If despite these terms, it is found that Dive Lord Howe, is liable to compensate me then such liability is limited to the cost of providing the services in respect of which the liability arises. Parent Guardian Undertaking 4.1 Where this form is signed by the parent or guardian of a minor (being a person under the age of 18 years), then the parent or guardian warrants that the information contained in this form is true and correct and personally covenants in the terms of this waiver, release and indemnity. Statement of Understanding 5.1 I acknowledge that I have read and understood the matters set out in the above document. 5.2 I acknowledge that the conditions set out in this document are contractual in nature, are intended to have legal effect and are not merely a warning or recital. 5.3 I have agreed to this document of my own free will and without representation or inducement by Dive Lord Howe, it's agents or employees.
Purchasing Retail
Additional charges may be incurred if shipping outside of Australia.