You should not travel to a high altitude (fly or drive above 8000 feet / 2450m) within 18 hours of completing a single scuba dive or 24 hours after multiple dives OR after any 'deep' dive. (A deep dive is any dive over 18 meters/60 feet).
We recommended leaving a minimum of 24 hours after your last scuba dive before flying. You can fly and then dive the same day – but not dive and then fly. On the last day of your Reef Encounter liveaboard scuba tour, your final dive will be finished by around 12 noon. Please consider this when arranging ongoing travel plans which include flying or driving to altitude. Flying any time after 12 noon the following day is recommended.
If you have booked a helicopter transfer back to Cairns as part of your Great Barrier Reef liveaboard tour – lucky you! It's a fabulous way to end a Great Barrier Reef adventure. Our helicopter tours are low flying scenic excursions over the coral reef that are designed to be a safe activity after scuba diving. You may book a helicopter transfer back to Cairns on the final day of your stay with us, even if you have scuba dived that day.
If you are travelling with us as a qualified diver – aka 'Certified Diver' – you must bring proof of your qualification with you on your Great Barrier Reef liveaboard tour to be checked by the Dive Supervisor. This qualification must be 'Open Water Level' or higher in order for you to dive as a Certified Diver. Proof of qualification can be in the form of a
You can contact your training agency for your certification details prior to your trip, if you have lost your licence and do not have a record of your training in your divers log-book. If you cannot find proof of your dive qualification, please contact our helpful team prior to your liveaboard tour. For most major dive agencies, we can often assist you to find proof of your qualification via the training agency if we are given enough time in advance of your trip. If unable to verify your certification level, we reserve the right to refuse a person scuba diving as a certified diver.
If you hold a lower scuba qualification than 'Open Water Diver' level, then you may go scuba diving as a 'Resort Diver' subject to the medical conditions (no prior-experience necessary) or enroll on one of our Learn to Dive courses to become a fully qualified Certified Diver
By Australian law you are unable to complete a scuba diving course.
A swimming test (200m - 650feet) will be done while on the vessel as part of the course. No refunds for customers that are unable to pass this part of the exam.
*Based on the answers given.
Most medical restrictions for scuba diving in Australia can be addressed in advance.
Once you're at sea it can be extremely difficult for us to get clearance for people to dive – causing disappointment.
IMPORTANT – Dive medicals will only be accepted if they are conducted using the Australian Medical Examination Form AS4005.1 and clearly state this on the medical Certificate that you provide to the Dive Supervisor onboard Reef Encounter
See how you can get a dive medical AS4005.1
A history of certain medical conditions and taking of certain prescribed drugs may preclude a guest from Scuba Diving unless a current Queensland Diving Medical Certificate can be shown to the dive instructor. Please contact us with any queries or consult your doctor for a dive medical to avoid disappointment.
Passengers intending to dive but restricted due to the medical questionnaire will not be offered a refund.
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