Effective Date: 1st November 2024.

These Terms and Conditions apply to all dive centres (“you,” “your”) that register and operate on Dive Buddy. By registering as a dive centre on Dive Buddy, you agree to abide by these Terms, which outline the obligations, financial arrangements, and policies governing your use of the platform.

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1. Registration Requirements

• Eligibility: To register on Dive Buddy, you must provide a valid business licence, proof of liability insurance, and any required certifications or qualifications for dive instruction and operations.

• Information Accuracy: You agree to provide accurate information about your dive centre, services, and pricing. Any changes to your business details must be updated promptly on Dive Buddy to ensure accurate representation to customers.

2. Commission and Fees

• Commission: Dive Buddy retains a commission on each dive booking made through the platform. This commission is non-refundable. Dive Buddy’s commission rate will be disclosed at registration and may be subject to periodic updates, with notice provided. Commission will be reduced when the Dive Centre refers an agreed number of users to Dive Buddy in the previous month.

• Payment Processing Fees: Stripe’s payment processing fees apply to each booking. These fees are non-refundable once processed.

3. Payment and Refunds

• Payment Capture: Payments for customer bookings are authorised and processed at the time of booking.

• Customer Cancellations: The Dive Centre is solely responsible for informing the customer of their own cancellation policy prior to confirming the booking.

• Dive Centre Cancellations: If you must cancel a booking, especially on the day of the dive, you are expected to notify the customer as early as possible.

4. Customer Communication and Responsibilities

• Booking Management: You are responsible for managing bookings received through Dive Buddy and should ensure all information is up-to-date, including availability, dive schedules, and pricing.

• Customer Service: You agree to maintain prompt, professional communication with customers regarding their bookings, dive preparation, and any questions related to your services.

• Pre-Dive Safety and Preparation: It is your responsibility to conduct appropriate safety briefings and ensure customers have the necessary certifications and equipment for their dives.

5. Advertising and Promotion

• Sponsored Advertising: Dive Buddy offers advertising opportunities to promote your dive centre within the app. All advertisements must meet Dive Buddy’s guidelines, be truthful, and relate directly to diving, travel, or water sports.

• Ad Removal Rights: Dive Buddy reserves the right to remove any advertisement deemed inappropriate, misleading, or in violation of our guidelines. Refunds for removed ads are issued at Dive Buddy’s discretion.

6. Content and Reviews

• Customer Reviews: Customers may post reviews and photos related to their experiences at your dive centre. You may respond to reviews in a respectful, constructive manner, but you agree not to request removal or alteration of legitimate customer feedback.

• Content Ownership: Any content (e.g., photos, videos) shared on Dive Buddy remains the intellectual property of the respective user. However, Dive Buddy may use anonymised reviews and feedback for marketing and promotional purposes.

7. Data Privacy and Usage

• Customer Information: Dive Buddy will share limited customer information (name, contact details) with you upon booking confirmation to facilitate dive arrangements. You agree to handle this information in compliance with GDPR and relevant data protection laws.

• Prohibited Use of Data: Customer data provided through Dive Buddy may only be used for booking and communication purposes. You are not permitted to use this data for marketing, sharing with third parties, or any other purpose not directly related to the booking.

8. Liability and Insurance Requirements

• Insurance Coverage: You agree to maintain active liability insurance covering all dive activities offered through Dive Buddy. Proof of insurance may be requested at registration or upon policy renewal.

• Release of Liability: Dive Buddy is not responsible for any incidents, injuries, accidents, or losses occurring during dive activities arranged through the platform. You accept full responsibility for the safety, equipment, and supervision of customers throughout the dive experience.

9. Cancellation and Weather-Related Policies

• Cancellation Policy: Dive Buddy encourages prompt notification of cancellations to minimise inconvenience for customers. Cancellations due to weather or other safety concerns must be communicated as early as possible on the day of the dive. As the facilitator in the booking process between Dive Centres and their customers, Dive Buddy does not have a cancellation policy. The Dive Centre is responsible for having their own cancellation policy, and informing the customer of this prior to approving the booking request.

• Weather-Related Cancellations: If adverse weather conditions require a cancellation, you are responsible for notifying the customer and arranging for a refund or to reschedule an alternate date if possible.

• Commission on Cancellations: Dive Buddy will not provide refunds of the commission received from bookings that have been cancelled.

10. Termination of Registration

• Violation of Terms: Dive Buddy reserves the right to terminate your registration if you violate any of these Terms, provide inaccurate or misleading information, or engage in conduct that negatively impacts the Dive Buddy community.

• Poor Customer Feedback: Repeated negative reviews or complaints regarding your services may result in suspension or removal from Dive Buddy to maintain platform quality and trust.

• Account Closure: You may request account closure by contacting Dive Buddy support. Upon closure, all future bookings will be canceled, and your profile will be removed from the platform.

11. Amendments to Terms

Dive Buddy may update these Terms periodically to reflect platform changes, legal requirements, or operational improvements. Dive centres will be notified of material changes, and continued use of Dive Buddy constitutes acceptance of revised Terms.