Course Policies

Enrollment in any course offered by Aquatic Specialties is not confirmed until payment has been received and registration has been approved by our staff.

By registering for a course, students acknowledge and agree to the policies outlined below, including all requirements related to scheduling, attendance, training standards, and safety.

1. BOOKING, PAYMENT & COURSE MATERIALS

Course fees include instruction, confined water training, open water training, and certification processing as outlined at the time of registration. Any items not specifically listed are the responsibility of the student.

Course pricing, schedules, and availability are subject to change without notice.

ELearning materials, digital codes, certification processing fees, and other digital or issued training materials are non-refundable once provided.

Students under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian help complete all required registration, medical, and liability documentation prior to participation. All students are required to complete applicable SSI medical forms, liability releases, and assumption of risk documents before participating in any training.

2. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

More than 2 weeks before course start date: Full refund, excluding any non-refundable materials already issued (including eLearning, registration fees, or course materials).

Less than 2 weeks before course start date: 50% refund of course tuition minus any non-refundable materials already issued.

Less than 72 hours before course start date: Cancellation fees apply and will be deducted from your refund amount.

• Open Water Courses: $200 
• Specialty Courses: $100 
• Try Scuba Classes: $50

Any remaining refund is subject to costs already incurred, including instructor time, facility reservations, and resource commitments.

3. RESCHEDULING POLICY

Open Water & Specialty Courses:

• More than 2 weeks before start date: No fee
• Less than 2 weeks before start date: $100 rescheduling fee
• Less than 72 hours before start date: $200 rescheduling fee

Try Scuba Classes:

• Less than 72 hours before start date: $50 rescheduling fee

Additional Reschedules:

Courses rescheduled more than once may incur additional fees. 

We recommend confirming your availability before booking to avoid multiple charges. Aquatic Specialties offers private and custom classes to those with complicated schedules, please contact the shop for more information!

Special Circumstances:

In cases of medical emergencies or other significant unforeseen circumstances, Aquatic Specialties may waive fees at its discretion. Documentation may be required.

Failure to attend a scheduled course, classroom session, pool session, or open water dive without prior notice may result in forfeiture of course fees and additional charges to continue training.

No-shows are not eligible for refunds.

6. MEDICAL & FITNESS TO DIVE

All students must complete a medical screening prior to participation in in-water training. If a physician's clearance is required, students may not participate in water activities until written approval is provided.

Students are responsible for disclosing all medical conditions that may affect safe participation in any training. 

All students must complete SSI-required medical forms, liability waivers, and assumption of risk documents prior to training.

7. TRAINING STANDARDS & CERTIFICATION

Enrollment does not guarantee certification.

Certification is issued only upon successful completion of all required academic, confined water, and open water skill requirements in accordance with SSI standards, and upon return of any rented equipment in full acceptable condition.

Instructors may require additional training sessions if a student has not met required performance standards. Additional instruction, pool sessions, open water dives, or certification processing may incur additional fees unless otherwise stated.

8. COURSE COMPLETION TIMELINE

All courses must be completed within 12 months of the original start date unless otherwise specified.

Courses not completed within this timeframe may require:

• Refresher training
• Updated course materials
• Additional fees
• Full or partial re-enrollment at current pricing

9. COURSE SCHEDULING & ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Aquatic Specialties reserves the right to reschedule, postpone, relocate, or cancel training due to weather, water conditions, instructor availability, facility availability, or other circumstances beyond our control.

Open water dives may be delayed or rescheduled for safety reasons. These changes do not qualify for refunds.

10. LIMITATION OF RESPONSIBILITY

Aquatic Specialties is not responsible for delays, missing training, certification delays, or additional costs resulting from student failure to meet course requirements, including attendance, academic completion, equipment readiness, or medical clearance.

11. AGREEMENT

By enrolling in any course with Aquatic Specialties, students acknowledge they have read, understood, and agree to these Course Policies.

Aquatic Specialties reserves the right to update these policies at any time.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. These policies helps us maintain the highest quality of instruction and safety for all our divers!