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Ocean

PADI
Dive 
Courses

01

Risk Disclosure 

Scuba diving is an exhilarating and rewarding activity, but it also involves inherent risks that every participant should be aware of before diving into the underwater world. By engaging in scuba diving, you acknowledge and accept the following risks:

1. Physical Risks: Scuba diving requires physical exertion and places demands on the body. Participants should be in good health and adequately trained to manage the physical challenges of diving.

2. Health Risks: Certain medical conditions, such as heart or lung issues, may increase the risk of injury or complications while scuba diving. It is essential to consult with a physician and obtain medical clearance before diving.

3. Drowning: Despite precautions and safety measures, there is always a risk of drowning while participating in water activities, including scuba diving. Proper training, adherence to safety protocols, and vigilance are crucial to mitigate this risk.

4. Barotrauma and Decompression Sickness: Changes in pressure underwater can cause barotrauma, such as ear or sinus injuries, and decompression sickness (the bends). Following dive tables or dive computer recommendations, and ascending slowly can reduce the risk of these conditions.

5. Equipment Failure: Scuba diving equipment, including regulators, tanks, and buoyancy control devices, may malfunction, leading to potential dangers underwater. Regular maintenance, proper checks, and familiarity with equipment are essential to minimize this risk.

6. Environmental Hazards: Underwater environments pose various hazards, including marine life encounters, entanglement with underwater structures or vegetation, and hazardous underwater conditions like strong currents or poor visibility.

7. Medical Emergencies: In the event of a medical emergency underwater or on the surface, access to medical assistance may be limited or delayed. Proper training in first aid, CPR, and emergency procedures is crucial for responding effectively to emergencies.

8. Weather and Environmental Conditions: Weather changes and environmental factors, such as currents, waves, and temperature variations, can impact diving conditions and safety. Divers must assess environmental conditions and exercise caution before entering the water.

9. Personal Limitations: Each diver has individual limitations, including skill level, experience, and comfort underwater. Understanding and respecting personal limitations are essential for safe diving practices.

10. Third-Party Risks: Diving often involves interacting with dive operators, boat captains, and other individuals. While these professionals strive to provide safe experiences, factors beyond their control may affect safety.

By acknowledging these risks, obtaining proper training, adhering to safety guidelines, and exercising caution, you can enhance your safety and enjoyment while exploring the underwater realm through scuba diving.

02

Health and Safety 

At Whangarei Diving Academy, our foremost commitment is to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff and customers, alongside strict adherence to health and safety regulations. We prioritize preventing any serious harm to both our team and clients, with compliance with all health and safety legislation being non-negotiable. Additionally, we set clear objectives and targets to enhance safety standards, striving to eradicate work-related illness and injury.

Our dedication to continuously enhancing health and safety management procedures is unwavering, as we take practical measures to safeguard the health and safety of our staff and customers. Preservation and protection of the marine environment where we operate are integral to our ethos. We embrace the principles of kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga to foster sustainable development within our environment and community.

In fulfilling these commitments, Whangarei Diving Academy takes responsibility for health and safety protocols. Meanwhile, employees are expected to understand their obligations and adhere to the company's health and safety policy. Each employee will be actively encouraged to assume personal responsibility for safety, understanding their role in maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

Together, we aim to foster a healthy and safe workplace by providing secure equipment and appropriate materials. We identify and mitigate all hazards and risks, implementing and enforcing safe practices consistently. Additionally, we promptly report and document workplace incidents accurately, while abiding by all relevant legislation, regulations, and codes of practice.

We engage our team in the development of health and safety systems, soliciting feedback on and routinely evaluating safety systems to ensure ongoing improvement. Your involvement in this endeavor is greatly valued.

03

Dive Pre- Requisites 

The minimum age is 8 years old (in most areas). Student divers who are younger than 15 earn the PADI Junior Open Water Diver certification, which they may upgrade to PADI Open Water Diver certification upon reaching 15. Children under the age of 13 require parent or guardian permission to register for PADI eLearning.

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All student divers complete a brief scuba medical questionnaire that asks about medical conditions that could be a problem while diving. If none of these apply, sign the form and you’re ready to start. If any of these apply to you, your doctor must, as a safety precaution, assess the condition as it relates to diving and sign a medical form that confirms you’re fit to dive. In some areas, local laws require all scuba students to consult with a physician before entering the course. Download the scuba medical questionnaire.

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Before completing the PADI Open Water Diver course, your instructor will have you demonstrate basic water skills to be sure you’re comfortable in the water, including:

  • Swim 200 metres/yards (or 300 metres/yards in mask, fins and snorkel) without stopping. There is no time limit for this, and you may use any swimming strokes you want.

  • Float and tread water for 10 minutes, again using any methods you want.

04

  • Cancellation / Rescheduling – We do not accept cancellations and no refunds will be issued if you decide to pull out prior to commencement of the course or after the course has started, for any reason.

    However, your course can be rescheduled if you give us at least two weeks’ notice before the start date. Within two weeks of the course start date a $200 re-booking fee applies.  This includes if you have to withdraw or change dates for any reason including medical reasons, equalising problems, failure to complete the theory or swim test, being under the influence or ANY other reason.

  • Additional Terms & Conditions – Additional terms and conditions apply to all courses and are printed out for you to read and sign when enrolling onto the course. If you have any questions or would like a print out of these please feel free to contact us.

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