At Dive With Frank, we know plans sometimes change. Unfortunately, instructors, charter operators, pools, and dive sites still incur real costs whether we dive or not. These policies help keep things fair for everyone while allowing us to continue offering great training and adventures.
Local Trips (Day Trips, Charters, Weekend Events)
- 30+ days before the trip: Full refund, minus any non-refundable vendor fees or deposits.
- 15–29 days before the trip: 50% refund, or full credit toward another DWF trip within 12 months.
- 14 days or less: No refund unless we can fill your spot. If we do, you’ll receive a full credit.
- Weather or Operator Cancellations: If the trip is called off due to unsafe conditions or operator decision, you’ll receive a full refund or credit — your choice.
- Deposits: Non-refundable, but transferable to another qualified diver.
Note: Refunds for local trips are also subject to any charges assessed by the service provider for unfilled spots. These fees are outside of DiveWithFrank’s control and will be deducted from any eligible refund.
International Trips (Liveaboards, Resorts, Travel Packages)
- Deposits: Non-refundable, but transferable to another qualified diver (certifications and experience must match trip requirements). Any operator transfer fees apply.
- 120+ days before the trip: Full refund of payments made, minus non-refundable vendor fees or deposits.
- 90–119 days before the trip: 50% refund of payments made.
- 60–89 days before the trip: 25% refund of payments made.
- Less than 60 days before the trip: No refund unless we can fill your spot. If we can, you’ll receive a refund or credit (minus transfer fees).
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended — and sometimes required — to protect you if you need to cancel due to illness, family emergencies, flight disruptions, or other last-minute surprises.
Classes, Refreshers & Training Sessions
Dive education takes preparation, reserved pool space, and instructor commitment. When you book a class, you’re reserving a professional’s time and resources.
- No-call / No-show: Will be charged $200 per person or the total cost of the instructor session(s), whichever is less.
- Cancellations less than 12 hours before the scheduled start: Subject to a $100 per person late cancellation surcharge.
- Cancellations with more than 12 hours’ notice: No penalty — we’ll simply reschedule you for another available session.
- Weather or Instructor Cancellations: Will always be rescheduled or credited in full.
- Preparedness: Students must be on time, medically fit, and ready to dive. Missed or incomplete sessions may require rescheduling at additional cost.
- Deposits: Non-refundable, but transferable to another qualified student or course date (with appropriate notice).
Open Water Checkout Dives
Open Water Checkout Dives require reserved instructor time, coordination with the dive site, and often include third-party admission or facility fees. Because these weekends involve multiple vendors, cancellation policies differ from classroom and pool sessions.
- Deposits: Non-refundable, but transferable to another available checkout weekend with sufficient notice.
- More than 14 days before the event: We’ll gladly move your instructional fees to another available checkout weekend whenever possible.
- 14 days or less before the event: Dive With Frank instructional fees may be forfeited, and any non-refundable fees charged by Lake Phoenix or other vendors remain your responsibility.
- Weather or Instructor Cancellation: Your checkout dives will be rescheduled at no additional instructional cost. Third-party facility policies still apply.
Courses Utilizing PADI eLearning
Once a PADI eLearning code has been issued, that portion of your course payment becomes immediately non-refundable.
PADI licenses the eLearning materials directly to the student. Once activated, they cannot be canceled, reclaimed, refunded, or transferred to another student.
If you need to postpone your training, the remaining instructional portion of your course may still be applied toward another available class or program.
Substitutions & Transfers
Can’t make it? No problem. Most reservations are transferable to another qualified diver or student. Certifications and experience must match the trip or course requirements, and any operator or transfer fees remain the responsibility of the participants.
Payment Methods & Processing Fees
Refunds are issued to the original payment method whenever possible. Any non-refundable processing fees charged by credit card companies or online payment platforms may be deducted from the refund, as those fees are not returned to Dive With Frank.
Refund Timeline
Approved refunds are typically processed within 10 business days. Please allow additional time for your bank or credit card provider to post the funds.
Bottom Line
Diving is a team sport, and good communication makes everything easier. If something unexpected comes up, let me know as early as possible. I’ll always do my best to find a solution that works for everyone.
For trips, especially international travel, I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. It’s one of those things you hope you never need… until you’re really glad you have it.
