Legal

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: June 2026 · Governing law: Malta

These terms apply to all courses, guided dives and services provided by Sam Norton trading as Diving The Dream, based in Malta. By booking any service you confirm you have read and accept these terms.

1. Booking & Payment

A booking is confirmed when a 50% deposit has been received and written confirmation has been issued. The remaining balance is due no later than 48 hours before the course or dive start date. Payments are accepted by bank transfer or agreed method. Prices are quoted in Euros (€) and include all equipment, gases and certification fees unless otherwise stated in writing.

2. Cancellation by the Client

All cancellations must be made in writing to info@divingthedream.com. We strongly recommend taking out appropriate dive travel insurance that covers course cancellation.

3. Cancellation or Postponement by Diving The Dream

In the event that a course or guided dive must be cancelled due to weather conditions, sea state, equipment failure or circumstances beyond our control, a full refund of any fees paid for that specific day will be offered, or the option to reschedule at no additional cost. We reserve the right to cancel any dive or training session in the interest of safety — this decision is final and non-negotiable.

4. Course Extension

Technical diving courses are skills-based, not time-based. If additional dives or training time are required for a student to meet the certification standard safely, additional days will be charged at the standard daily rate. This will always be discussed openly before any extension begins. Sam Norton does not certify divers who have not demonstrably met the required standard — there are no shortcuts.

5. Medical & Health Requirements

All participants must be in good physical and mental health. Technical diving places significant physiological demands on the body. You are required to:

Diving The Dream reserves the right to refuse participation to any person whose health or fitness is assessed as a risk to themselves or others. No refund is due where a participant is refused on health grounds after the course has commenced.

6. Minimum Certification Requirements

All courses have published prerequisite certifications. It is the student's responsibility to hold valid certifications at the required level before the course start date. Certification cards must be presented before entering the water. We do not waive prerequisite requirements under any circumstances.

7. Equipment

Equipment provided by Diving The Dream is maintained to a high standard and regularly serviced. Students are responsible for any damage caused by negligence or misuse. Personal equipment used during courses must be in good working order — Sam Norton reserves the right to refuse use of equipment deemed unsafe. We are not liable for any loss, damage or failure of personal equipment.

8. Liability & Risk Acknowledgement

Technical diving is an inherently risky activity. By booking any course or guided dive you acknowledge:

Diving The Dream and Sam Norton accept no liability for injury, death, loss or damage arising from participation in any course or guided dive, except where such liability cannot be excluded under Maltese or EU law.

Nothing in these terms limits liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, or any other liability that cannot be limited by law.

9. Photography & Media

Photographs or video taken during courses or dives may be used for promotional purposes on our website and social media. If you do not consent to this, please notify us in writing before your course begins. We will never use images in a way that is misleading or defamatory.

10. Data Protection

Personal data collected during the booking process is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You have the right to request, correct or delete your data at any time.

11. Governing Law & Disputes

These terms are governed by the laws of Malta and the European Union. Any disputes that cannot be resolved informally will be referred to the competent courts of Malta. We are committed to resolving any concerns promptly and fairly — please contact us at info@divingthedream.com before initiating any formal process.

12. Changes to These Terms

These terms may be updated from time to time. The version in force at the time of booking applies. The current version is always available at this URL.