Abyss Scuba Diving purchase policies
Terms and Conditions
These terms are issued by Abyss Scuba Diving Pty Ltd (ABN 41 092 353 789), trading as Abyss Scuba Diving (“Abyss”, “we”, “us” or “our”). They explain the conditions that apply to courses, professional internships, dive activities, trips, products and related services. Please read the section relevant to your purchase before completing checkout.
When these terms are presented or linked before a booking or purchase, they form part of the agreement together with the applicable product or service description, booking confirmation and any transaction-specific terms agreed in writing. Acceptance may be recorded through the checkout acknowledgement, payment and booking records. The internship acceptance rule in clause 3 below applies specifically to Professional Diving Internships.
Courses and certifications
Dive Course Bookings, Cancellations and Transfers
This section applies to ordinary dive-course bookings. The Professional Diving Internship Terms below govern internship-specific matters.
Customer cancellations
- Cancellation at least seven days before the course: You may cancel and receive a refund, less the disclosed cost of eLearning, access codes or training materials already supplied and not reasonably recoverable by Abyss.
- Cancellation less than seven days before the course: You may request a transfer under the policy below. If you cancel, the financial outcome will be calculated under the global change-of-mind statement near the top of this page and may be substantial where course places, instructors or third-party items cannot reasonably be recovered.
- Bookings made within seven days: The same less-than-seven-day cancellation and transfer rules apply from the time the booking is accepted.
- Non-attendance: Failure to attend does not create an automatic entitlement to a refund or transfer. Abyss will calculate any amount retained under the global change-of-mind statement.
eLearning and training materials
- The price allocated to eLearning licences, access codes and other training materials will be disclosed during booking or in your booking confirmation.
- Once an item has been issued, activated or otherwise supplied, its disclosed cost is not refundable for a change of mind where Abyss cannot reasonably cancel, recover, transfer or reuse it.
Transfer or change of course date
- Seven days or more before the course starts: No transfer fee.
- More than 24 hours but less than seven days before the course starts: A transfer fee of up to $100 may apply, but will not exceed Abyss’s reasonable additional administration and scheduling costs caused by the change.
- 24 hours or less before the course starts: A transfer fee of up to $200 may apply, but will not exceed Abyss’s reasonable additional administration and scheduling costs caused by the change.
- Transfers are subject to course availability.
- Abyss will disclose any transfer fee before the replacement date is confirmed.
Dive medical requirements
- You must complete the required medical screening honestly and obtain medical clearance where required.
- Required medical clearance must be provided by the deadline stated in your course information. You cannot participate without the required clearance.
- If illness, injury or a medical-clearance issue prevents attendance, notify Abyss as soon as possible. The customer cancellation and transfer terms ordinarily apply.
- A medical certificate does not automatically determine whether a refund or free transfer applies; Abyss will consider the circumstances and comply with Australian Consumer Law.
After a course has commenced
- If you stop attending because of a change of mind after an instructor-led session has commenced, there is no automatic refund of the whole course price. Abyss will assess any unused balance under the global change-of-mind statement.
- If Abyss agrees to reschedule an incomplete course after commencement, it may charge a reasonable, disclosed amount for the additional administration, instruction, site, boat or equipment services required. Abyss will explain the amount and obtain agreement before confirming the extra service.
Australian Consumer Law: These customer-change provisions do not exclude any remedy available where Abyss cancels, fails to supply the course as agreed or otherwise fails to meet a consumer guarantee.
Dives and travel
Dive Travel and Trip Bookings
The following sections apply according to the activity purchased. Where Vanuatu is sold as part of a professional internship, the Professional Diving Internship Terms govern any internship-specific conflict.
1. Local Dives
- Certification: All participants must be at least Open Water certified unless the activity description expressly states otherwise. Proof of certification is required. Divers with fewer than 20 logged dives must have dived within the previous 12 months.
- Medical fitness: Participants must be fit to dive and complete the required screening and waivers. If a medical issue prevents participation, the cancellation and transfer provisions below ordinarily apply, subject to Australian Consumer Law.
- Timeliness: Please arrive on time. A late arrival, including one caused by traffic or parking, does not create an automatic entitlement to a refund, credit or delayed departure.
- Gear rental:
- Rental gear must be booked in advance and collected before the dive briefing.
- Divers are responsible for correct fitting, safe use and reasonable care. After assessing the circumstances, Abyss may charge a reasonable repair cost, or the fair replacement value where repair is not economical, for gear lost or damaged beyond fair wear. No charge applies for ordinary wear, an inherent defect or damage caused by Abyss.
- If rental has commenced, early return or non-use does not create an automatic refund of the whole hire fee. Any unused balance will be assessed under the global change-of-mind statement.
- Cancellation of gear rental:
- More than 48 hours before pickup: Abyss may retain up to 20% of the hire fee, normally with a minimum administration amount of $10, but never more than the reasonable costs or losses caused by the cancellation.
- Between 48 and 24 hours before pickup: Abyss may retain up to 50% of the hire fee, subject to the global change-of-mind statement.
- Less than 24 hours before pickup or non-attendance: the outcome is calculated under the global change-of-mind statement and may equal the full hire fee where the loss could not reasonably be avoided.
- Cancellations and transfers:
- More than three days before the dive: refund less an administration fee of up to $25, limited to Abyss’s reasonable costs caused by the cancellation.
- Within three days of the dive: the outcome is calculated under the global change-of-mind statement and may be substantial where the place cannot reasonably be filled.
- Failure to attend does not create an automatic refund or transfer. Any amount retained will be calculated under the global change-of-mind statement.
- One date transfer is available without a transfer fee when requested more than three days beforehand. Later changes, or a transfer requested within three days, may incur a rebooking fee of up to $100, limited to Abyss’s reasonable additional costs.
- A booking may be transferred to another suitably qualified person, subject to eligibility and reasonable notice. Abyss may charge a disclosed administration fee of up to $100, limited to its reasonable additional costs.
- If a participant chooses not to complete all booked dives after the activity has started, any unused balance will be assessed under the global change-of-mind statement.
- Weather and safety: If Abyss cancels because conditions are unsafe, the customer may choose a like-for-like replacement date, a credit valid for 12 months or a refund for the cancelled service. No price difference applies to an equivalent replacement offered by Abyss; any difference for a customer-selected higher-priced activity will be disclosed before rebooking. Australian Consumer Law rights continue to apply.
2. Weekend Trips
- Customer cancellation:
- For a change-of-mind cancellation made at least seven days before departure, Abyss may charge an administration fee of up to $25, limited to its reasonable costs caused by the cancellation.
- Within seven days of departure, the outcome is calculated under the global change-of-mind statement and may equal the full amount paid where supplier and operating commitments cannot reasonably be recovered or avoided.
- Gear rental:
- Limited gear rental may be available and must be booked in advance.
- Participants are responsible for reasonable care and safe use. After assessing the circumstances, Abyss may charge a reasonable repair cost, or the fair replacement value where repair is not economical, for loss or damage beyond fair wear. No charge applies for ordinary wear, an inherent defect or damage caused by Abyss.
- If rental has commenced, early return or non-use does not create an automatic refund of the whole hire fee. Any unused balance will be assessed under the global change-of-mind statement.
- Cancellation of gear rental:
- More than 48 hours before dispatch: Abyss may retain up to 20% of the hire fee, normally with a minimum administration amount of $10, but never more than the reasonable costs or losses caused by the cancellation.
- Between 48 and 24 hours before dispatch: Abyss may retain up to 50% of the hire fee, subject to the global change-of-mind statement.
- Less than 24 hours before dispatch or non-attendance: the outcome is calculated under the global change-of-mind statement and may equal the full hire fee where the loss could not reasonably be avoided.
- Abyss cancellation or material change: If Abyss cancels the trip, the customer may choose a like-for-like replacement, credit or refund for the service not supplied. If only part of the trip changes, Abyss will offer an appropriate remedy for the affected component, taking account of the circumstances and Australian Consumer Law.
3. Overseas Trips
- Deposit: A 20% deposit is required at booking unless the written trip offer states another amount. The deposit is credited to the trip price.
- Supplier terms: Airlines, resorts, vessels and other suppliers may impose their own disclosed payment, amendment and cancellation conditions. Relevant conditions will be provided or identified before booking where reasonably available.
- Customer change-of-mind cancellation: Abyss may retain amounts only to cover services already supplied, disclosed and non-recoverable supplier charges, and reasonable costs or losses caused by the cancellation that Abyss cannot reasonably avoid. Any remaining amount will be refunded. Supplier commitments can become substantial within 90 days of departure and may, in some circumstances, equal all amounts paid.
- Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended from the time of booking to cover appropriate cancellation, medical, evacuation, baggage and interruption risks.
- Abyss or supplier cancellation: If a material travel service is cancelled or significantly changed, Abyss will explain the available replacement, credit, rescheduling or refund options. Remedies depend on the cause, recoveries available from suppliers, the services already provided and Australian Consumer Law.
Retail purchases
Dive Gear and Products
- Satisfaction guarantee: If you are not satisfied with an eligible purchase, ask about an exchange within 30 days.
- Return of unused gear: Unused gear returned in its original condition within 30 days may be returned for a refund, subject to any disclosed exclusions and hygiene or safety limitations.
- Faults and consumer guarantees: Rights relating to faulty, unsafe, misdescribed or unsuitable products are governed by Australian Consumer Law and are not limited by the voluntary 30-day policy.
- Lifetime customer commitment: Contact Abyss for help with product use, fit, servicing or a problem with your purchase.
Retail pricing
Price-Match Policy
Abyss’s price-match policy applies to eligible dive-gear purchases under these conditions:
- Eligible products: The product must be identical and currently available from an Australian retail store.
- Proof required: You must provide evidence of the current advertised price and availability.
- Exclusions: Clearance, private, marketplace, overseas and non-stocked offers do not qualify unless Abyss agrees otherwise.
- Payment method: The policy applies to purchases made by cash or credit card. Disclosed third-party finance costs, including ZipMoney charges, are excluded from the comparison.
- Timing: A price match must be requested and accepted before purchase.
Orders and delivery
Delivery and Shipping
- Delivery area: Abyss delivers across Australia and New Zealand using couriers and Australia Post Express where available.
- Estimated timing: Orders typically arrive within three to eight working days. This is an estimate and may be affected by stock, destination and carrier delays.
- Signature: Deliveries may require a signature on receipt.
- International materials: Training materials may be shipped internationally where permitted, with the freight charge disclosed before dispatch.
- Delay or non-delivery: Contact Abyss if an order is delayed or missing. Abyss will investigate and provide the remedy required by Australian Consumer Law.
Schedule for high-consideration professional training
Professional Diving Internship Terms
This section is designed for the longer, multi-stage nature of an Abyss professional internship. Please read it with your personalised written plan before paying a deposit or balance.
General terms also apply.
The other relevant sections of this page continue to apply unless this internship section says otherwise.
Internship terms govern conflicts.
If wording conflicts on an internship-specific matter, this Professional Diving Internship section applies.
Your plan identifies your purchase.
Your personalised written plan records the selected package, price, proposed or confirmed dates, inclusions and any agreed adjustment.
Australian Consumer Law prevails.
Neither these terms nor a written plan removes any right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded.
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Programmes covered
These internship terms apply to Abyss professional-training packages sold as a Divemaster Internship, OWSI Instructor Internship or OWSI + MSDT Instructor Internship, and to an optional Vanuatu internship experience added to one of those packages. They also apply to a deposit, instalment or full payment for those programmes.
An internship is fee-paying training and mentored experience. It is not, by itself, paid employment.
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Application review, eligibility and truthful information
Abyss reviews each candidate’s certification history, logged dives, experience, age, first-aid status, medical readiness, goals, availability and relevant documents before confirming the pathway. You must provide complete and accurate information and promptly tell Abyss if anything material changes.
Abyss may request certification records, logbook evidence, identification, medical clearance or other information reasonably needed to confirm safety and current PADI prerequisites. An enquiry, application or recommendation of a possible pathway does not guarantee acceptance.
If material information was inaccurate or withheld, Abyss may pause the programme while it reassesses eligibility and safety. Any change, transfer or cancellation outcome must be reasonable in the circumstances, reflect services and costs actually incurred and remain subject to Australian Consumer Law.
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When Abyss accepts the booking
Submitting an application or payment does not, by itself, mean Abyss has accepted a candidate or confirmed a place. Abyss accepts the internship booking when it sends written confirmation that identifies the candidate and selected pathway after completing the required eligibility and availability review.
If Abyss receives money but does not accept the booking, it will refund the amount paid. Abyss will not issue programme-specific eLearning or incur candidate-specific PADI fees before acceptance unless this has been explained and separately authorised in writing.
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When a start date becomes confirmed
A start date is confirmed only when Abyss expressly confirms it in writing. Dates described as preferred, proposed, expected or likely are not confirmed dates. Confirmation depends on eligibility, prerequisites, programme capacity, instructor and student schedules, PADI course and examination timing, safe conditions and any other requirements stated in the written plan.
Payment of a deposit is credited to the agreed package but does not, on its own, guarantee a particular start date.
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Package price, deposit and balance
The personalised written plan and relevant checkout page identify the total package price, the amount of any deposit, the balance, included items and separately payable items. A deposit forms part of the total package price; it is not an additional charge.
Unless the written confirmation states a different approved arrangement, the full balance is due 30 calendar days before the confirmed start date. If Abyss accepts a booking within 30 days of the confirmed start, the written confirmation will state the balance deadline.
If a balance is overdue, Abyss will give written notice and a reasonable opportunity, stated in that notice, to remedy the non-payment. If payment remains outstanding after that opportunity, Abyss may suspend preparation or treat the booking as a customer cancellation under clause 7; payment is not automatically forfeited.
Any instalment plan or other payment arrangement must be recorded in writing.
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eLearning, PADI and other third-party costs
The written plan or booking confirmation will identify programme-specific eLearning, Crew Packs, PADI applications, examination fees and other third-party items included in the package. An item is treated as supplied when it has been issued, activated, transferred to the candidate or irreversibly purchased or lodged for that candidate.
For a customer-requested cancellation or transfer, Abyss may deduct the disclosed cost of an item only to the extent that it has actually been supplied or paid for and Abyss cannot reasonably cancel, recover, transfer or reuse it. Abyss will not deduct an amount that it has recovered or avoided and will provide a written explanation of any deduction on request.
These deductions do not apply where Australian Consumer Law requires a different remedy.
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Customer cancellation and change of mind
You may cancel by notifying Abyss in writing. For a change-of-mind cancellation, Abyss will calculate the outcome using:
- the value of services already supplied;
- disclosed eLearning, PADI and third-party costs that have become non-recoverable under clause 6; and
- reasonable, documented costs or losses directly caused by the cancellation that Abyss could not reasonably avoid, including after taking reasonable steps to offer the place to another suitable candidate.
Any amount remaining after those lawful deductions will be refunded. Abyss will explain the calculation in writing on request. This clause does not impose automatic forfeiture of the deposit or all payments, and it does not limit remedies available under Australian Consumer Law.
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Transfers to another intake
A request to move to another intake must be made in writing as early as possible. A transfer is subject to eligibility, programme availability, PADI timing and agreement on a replacement date. A replacement start is confirmed only in writing.
Abyss may require payment of a disclosed price difference for the replacement intake and reasonable additional costs directly caused by the transfer. Issued or non-transferable third-party items remain subject to clause 6. Abyss will disclose the proposed financial effect before the transfer is accepted.
If a suitable transfer cannot reasonably be arranged, the request will be handled under the customer-cancellation provisions, subject to Australian Consumer Law.
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Medical inability and prerequisite failure
You must satisfy the medical, certification, logged-dive, first-aid, age, paperwork and other prerequisites that apply at each stage of the programme. This may include a physician-signed dive medical that remains valid for the required period. Medical examinations and certificates are not included unless the written plan expressly says otherwise.
If illness, injury, a medical decision or delayed prerequisite prevents progression, notify Abyss promptly. Abyss will assess whether a safe and reasonable pathway adjustment, later intake, credit or cancellation is available. Any deduction will be limited to services already supplied, properly disclosed non-recoverable items and reasonable costs or losses that Abyss could not avoid.
A medical certificate does not automatically determine the contractual outcome, but Abyss will consider the circumstances fairly and comply with all non-excludable legal obligations.
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Missed days, remediation, extra training and examination resits
Professional training requires punctual attendance, preparation and satisfactory progress. If you expect to miss a session, notify Abyss as soon as reasonably possible. A missed activity cannot always be recreated immediately because courses, students, sites and staff are scheduled in advance.
Any make-up session, remediation, additional training, replacement application or examination resit is subject to availability. Where it is not included in the written plan, Abyss will explain any additional cost and obtain agreement before incurring it. No candidate is guaranteed progression, certification or a particular examination result merely by attending or paying.
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Weather, student availability, site access and operational changes
Abyss may make reasonable changes to the order, timing, instructor, site, vessel, student-course opportunity or training method where needed for safety, weather, site access, equipment, staff or student availability, PADI requirements, Instructor Examination scheduling or another operational reason outside reasonable control.
Any change must remain consistent with safe training and must not materially reduce the overall programme supplied. The candidate must cooperate with reasonable scheduling and safety changes. Approximate dates and sequences may move, but a material change is handled under clause 12.
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Abyss cancellation or a material programme change
If Abyss cancels the programme, cannot supply a material component or makes a material change, it will notify the candidate and offer a reasonable remedy appropriate to the circumstances. This may include a comparable alternative, rescheduling, transfer, credit or refund for the affected service that has not been supplied.
If a proposed alternative is materially different and is not reasonably suitable, the candidate may decline it. Any refund calculation may account for services already properly supplied and retained by the candidate, but will not shift to the candidate costs that Abyss is legally required to bear. Australian Consumer Law rights always apply.
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Qualifications already held and agreed price adjustments
A qualification already held does not create an automatic fixed discount or substitution. Abyss must verify the qualification, determine whether it is current and relevant, and identify any agreed change to training, inclusions or price in the personalised written plan before payment.
Abyss will not unilaterally reduce the agreed programme or change its price after acceptance because a prior qualification is later identified. Any later adjustment must be agreed in writing.
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Equipment, insurance, accommodation, travel and living costs
The written plan is the transaction-specific record of inclusions and exclusions. Unless it expressly states otherwise, internship prices do not include:
- personal diving and safety equipment;
- professional indemnity insurance;
- a physician-signed dive medical or related medical costs;
- Sydney accommodation, meals and ordinary living costs;
- flights, passports, visas, travel insurance or migration advice; or
- personal transport and other personal expenses.
You are responsible for arranging excluded items by the required deadline. Abyss can provide practical guidance, but third-party availability and prices are not guaranteed unless expressly included in writing.
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Vanuatu internship option
The Vanuatu experience is an optional addition to an agreed internship and is subject to suitable dates, safe operations and availability. Unless the written plan states an agreed variation, the Vanuatu option includes a programme T-shirt, three basic meals per day, 28 days of shared basic accommodation, local transfers and a minimum of 20 dives.
Flights, passports, visas, travel insurance and personal expenses are separate. You are responsible for meeting entry, health and travel-document requirements and for obtaining suitable travel insurance.
Dive sites, timing and sequence may change for safety, weather, access or operational reasons. If Abyss cannot provide the included minimum number of dives, it will discuss comparable substitute diving, rescheduling, credit or an appropriate refund for the undelivered component, taking account of the circumstances and Australian Consumer Law.
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Safety, conduct and removal from training
Candidates must act safely and respectfully, comply with lawful and reasonable instructions, follow PADI standards and Abyss procedures, care for equipment and refrain from harassment, violence, serious disruption, intoxication during activities or conduct that creates an unacceptable risk.
Where reasonably appropriate, Abyss will identify the concern and allow an opportunity to correct it. Abyss may immediately pause or remove a candidate where conduct creates a serious or immediate safety risk, involves serious misconduct or makes continued participation unreasonable.
Removal does not automatically forfeit every payment. The financial outcome will reflect services supplied, disclosed non-recoverable costs and reasonable loss directly caused, while preserving Australian Consumer Law rights.
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Approximate durations, dive counts and teaching experience
Published duration and experience figures are planning estimates, not guarantees:
- The Divemaster Internship is approximately nine weeks full-time or approximately six months part-time. Candidates are expected to finish with 60–100 logged dives, depending on their starting experience, progress, conditions and opportunities.
- The OWSI Instructor Internship is approximately six weeks and includes approximately 40 programme dives.
- The OWSI + MSDT pathway is approximately eight weeks in total, generally around two weeks beyond the OWSI pathway.
Any mentored teaching experience linked to student certifications is progressive and depends on successful Instructor qualification, active status, candidate readiness and real student schedules. A reference to experience connected with 25 student certifications does not promise 25 separate courses, 25 different students, independent teaching from the first day or automatic MSDT eligibility or credit.
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No guarantee of certification, employment, earnings, visas or migration outcomes
Abyss provides training, supervised experience, mentoring and career guidance. Certification and professional ratings depend on completing the applicable requirements, demonstrating the required performance, examination outcomes and PADI approval.
The internship is not a job offer and does not guarantee employment with Abyss or another operator, paid work, a level of earnings, employer sponsorship, a visa, work rights, permanent residence or any migration outcome. Candidates are responsible for obtaining independent immigration, employment, tax and insurance advice where needed.
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Australian Consumer Law, complaints and governing law
The global Australian Consumer Law statement near the top of this page applies fully to every internship booking. Nothing in this section limits a non-excludable consumer guarantee, right or remedy.
If you have a concern, contact Abyss promptly at dive@abyss.com.au or phone +61 2 9583 9662. Abyss will acknowledge, investigate and try to resolve the concern within a reasonable time. Information about further options is available from NSW Fair Trading and the ACCC.
These terms are governed by the laws applying in New South Wales and the Commonwealth of Australia. This does not prevent a consumer from using any court, tribunal or dispute process available under applicable law.
Version records and existing bookings
Abyss retains an archived copy of each version of its terms. A later website update does not silently replace the version accepted for an existing booking unless a change is required by law or is agreed with the customer. You may request a copy of the version recorded for your booking. Version 1.0 is the first separately identified Professional Diving Internship schedule on this page.
Participant safety
Medical Statement Requirement
Every participant enrolling in an Abyss diving course or programme must read and answer the applicable Diver Medical Participant Questionnaire honestly. Medical clearance from a physician is required whenever the screening, training standard or Abyss safety procedure requires it. A participant cannot take part until required clearance has been provided.
Medical screening is not a diagnosis and Abyss cannot provide medical advice. Seek advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner when needed.
Personal information
Privacy
Abyss handles personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy, applicable privacy law and any collection notice shown when information is requested. The Privacy Policy explains what Abyss collects, how it is used and disclosed, overseas recipients, security and retention, access and correction rights, and the complaints process.
Service messages and optional marketing
Abyss may send communications reasonably necessary to answer an enquiry or manage a booking, payment, schedule, safety matter or transaction. Marketing consent is optional and is not required for Abyss to answer an enquiry or provide a booked service.
Where marketing consent or another lawful basis applies, Abyss may send relevant course, dive, trip, event or offer information. You may opt out of promotional email through its unsubscribe link, reply STOP to a marketing SMS, or contact Abyss. Opting out of marketing does not stop essential service communications.
Abyss Privacy Officer
Abyss Scuba Diving Pty Ltd
278 Rocky Point Road, Ramsgate NSW 2217
Email: dive@abyss.com.au
Phone: +61 2 9583 9662
Record keeping
Terms Version History
The complete terms page that preceded this update has been retained as an archived, date-stamped record. Every future published version will also be archived with its version or publication date instead of being silently overwritten.
The terms presented and accepted for an existing booking remain part of that booking record. A later version applies prospectively to a new purchase, or to an existing agreement only where a change is required by law or Abyss and the customer agree to it. A customer may request a copy of the terms recorded for their purchase.
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