For your convenience, our most common customer questions are answered right here.
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GENERAL
Q: What is the minimum age to snorkel or dive with Pro Dive Magnetic Island?
A: A minimum age of 12 is required in order to SCUBA dive with us and a minimum age of 10 for snorkelling activities. For younger children please call us for more info. For under 18’s a waiver will need to be signed by a parent or Guardian.
Q: Are there Stingers in the water?
A: Marine Stingers may be present all year around, higher risk during November to April.
During Stinger Season we ensure all divers wear full length wetsuits or stinger suits for protection.
Q: What are the Reef Tax (EMC) and Mooring fee’s?
A: The Environmental Management Charge of $7.00 per person (inc. admin) is collected for entry into the GBR Marine Park.
The current fee for the Great Barrier Reef and Palm Island Trip is $15.00 per person. The current fee for the SS Yongala is $25.00 per person. (Fees are subject to change without notice).
Q: Do I need a Doctor’s certificate?
A: Some medical conditions may require a doctor’s clearance prior to participation in scuba diving activities. If required, Doctor’s certificates must be obtained prior to course or trip commencement date and be valid within 3 months for uncertified divers and 12 months for certified divers.
If required, it is advisable to obtain a medical before coming to the island.
Q: How long after diving do I have to wait before I can fly?
A: Divers will not be able to fly or ascend over 300m for 24 hours after your final dive.
Q: How do I get to the Island?
A: Sea Link passenger ferries run frequently between Townsville and Magnetic Island. \
DIVE & SNORKEL BOAT TRIPS
Q: How big is the boat?
A: Our vessel ‘Nautiful’ is a newly refurbished and re-powered 15m Randell48. There is a toilet on board.
Q: Should I take any sea sickness medication?
A: If you are prone to sea-sickness or unsure it is advisable to take seasickness tablets approx. an hour before you board departure. If taking seasickness medication stay well hydrated to combat the effects of dehydration.
Q: Is food and drink provided?
A: Cold water is freely available throughout the trip.
Lunch will be served on board during your surface interval along with hot drinks and soup.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Passengers are advised to only bring the essentials in a small bag as we have limited storage space:
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Hat
- Re-usable drink bottle
- Certification Card & Log Book (certified divers only)
- A windproof jacket or something warm to put on (advisable in winter)
The boat has a large wet deck area with dry boxes for storage of towels and essential personal items. We also supply sunscreen and water.
Q: Can I come on my own or do I need a buddy?
A: All of our dives are guided. Snorkelers are supervised by a surface watch whilst in the water. If you are diving, we will also buddy you up on the day trying to match your skill level and experience.
Q: Do I need my dive certification card?
A: Either a physical or digital certification card must be sighted by our Team on check-in. If you don’t have your dive card let us know in advance, we can check SSI certified divers with some basic info.
For other dive certifications, you MUST provide proof of your certification!
Q: Is Nitrox available?
A: Nitrox tanks are available to Nitrox certified divers if booked in advance. The Nitrox specialty course can also be added on to any trip or course with us at a discounted price.
Q: I’m not certified can I still dive?
A: Introductory dives may be available for beginners and require no previous experience. It’s a great way to experience the Great Barrier Reef and try out scuba diving. One of our friendly and experienced Instructors will take you step by step through the whole exciting experience.
The minimum age is 12 years old and certain medical conditions may require a doctor’s certificate prior to diving.
Q: Do I need travel or medical insurance?
A: All passengers are strongly advised to purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance policy that covers:
• Trip Cancellation,
• Lost/damaged personal belongings or equipment, due to any reason,
• Evacuation and Medical cover for Scuba Diving
In a medical emergency, any evacuation, vessel relocation or medical expenses are the financial responsibility of that passenger.
Q: How can I cancel a Trip?
A: You can cancel by phone 07 4778 5506 or email [email protected].
Where cancellation notification is received LESS THAN 72 hours prior to the booked event (exception: medical requirements – see full terms and conditions) bookings are non-refundable.
You are able to change your event start date free of charge where a minimum of 72hrs notification is given prior to booked event.
Q: What if the trip is cancelled due to bad weather?
A: If we cancel a trip due to bad weather and you booked directly with us a full refund will be made. Please be aware not all booking agents will fully refund customers, always read the terms and conditions if booking through a third party. We can advise on the forecast a few days in advance but a final decision will be made the day before the trip at approx. 4pm. This is due to the changeable nature of the weather and is in the best interests of customer and crew safety.
SS YONGALA SPECIFIC
Q: What’s the minimum requirement to dive the SS Yongala?
A: Minimum age – 15 years. All divers must have dived within 6 months of their trip date due to the advanced nature of the dive site.
Open Water Certified – minimum of 15 logged dives (unless completing Advance Course with us)
Open Water Certified divers must be accompanied by a Dive Instructor at an additional charge of $25.
Advance divers will be guided by a Dive Master at no extra cost.
Q: Can my non-diving partner/friend come on the boat/go snorkelling?
A. Unfortunately we are unable to take non-divers to the SS Yongala. Snorkelling and free diving are not prohibited.
LEARN TO DIVE
Q: Do I need to be able to swim?
A: Yes. A 200m swim (no time limit, any stroke) and a 10-minute survival float is required to be completed to pass this course.
Q: How old do I need to be to Learn to Dive?
A: The minimum age for participants is 12 years old.
Q: Do I need a medical?
A: Before proceeding with your booking please complete the Dive Medical questionnaire. If you answer yes to any of the questions on this form, a medical from a diving doctor must be obtained before making a booking. In the case of a failed Dive Medical, there will be no refund within 7 days of the course beginning. If you do not present yourself on the day of the programme, there is no refund.
Q: When do I have to complete the Online Training?
A: Your eLearning must be completed in advance of the course. If you have not completed the eLearning prior to the start of the course you will not be allowed to participate in the course or program.
Q: What’s the difference between PADI & SSI?
A: SSI & PADI are the two largest certifying agencies in the world, both are governed by RSTC (Recreational Scuba Training Council) a world governing body. Both certifications are accepted worldwide by every dive operator regardless of that operator’s agency affiliation. i.e. a dive boat that is PADI affiliation will recognise a SSI diver and vice versa. Pro Dive Magnetic Island has SSI instructors.
Q: What is the cancellation and rescheduling policy?
A: Once you have booked a course or program, and you are unable to complete the course for any reason, there is no refund on any portion of the program. If you’d like to cancel your booking or transfer starting dates, a $100 transfer fee applies.
If you are late on any of the course days, you will not be allowed to join the group for the remainder of the course or program.
If you can complete only a portion of a course, the remainder of the program will become subject to availability.
If you do not complete your course for any reason, you also become subject to availability. You have to wait until there is a space opening for you, or if you’d like to book a new date to finish the course or program, a $100 transfer fee applies.
