Club Dive Rules

Dive Trip Policies

 

The South Jersey Dive Club (SJDC) Trip Policies are designed to establish a clear set of responsibilities, deadlines and a refund policy.  SJDC schedules trips as a service to its members and acts only as a coordinator between its members and the dive boat.  All final decisions concerning trip cancellation is at the discretion of the boat captain or divemaster.  We look forward to a safe and successful dive season!

 

Trip Sign-up and Payment

All dive trips are scheduled on a first come first served basis.  SJDC members in good standing will receive preference in scheduling.  Non-club members are welcome to sign up for and attend any dive.  Once the boat has been filled, SJDC will institute a Wait List and again, SJDC members will receive preference.  There will be a separate trip price for non-members and all trip prices will depend on the specific dive. 

 

A 50% deposit of the trip price is due on the date specified by the Boat Diving Committee - your deposit holds your spot.  The remainder of the trip amount is due 30 days before the trip date.  If you cancel prior to the 30 days, SJDC will refund your deposit in full and attempt to fill your spot from the established Wait List.  If you cancel within 30 days of the trip, you will be responsible to fill your spot. Failure to show up for the dive, regardless of the reason, automatically forfeits your entire payment.  No exceptions will be made.

If the trip is cancelled due to inclement weather, divers will be contacted as soon as possible using the information provided to SJDC at the time the trip was scheduled.  All payments will be refunded within 10 days of the cancellation date.  SJDC will attempt to reschedule the trip at the next earliest date; those individuals originally scheduled will receive preference.

All boats leave promptly at their specified time.  Divers are to arrive 45 minutes prior to departure to load their gear and check in with the Divemaster.

II.         Forms, Card and Log Books

Before any Club dive, every diver must sign a release form as well as have the Club’s waiver on file and signed (the Club waiver was part of your application for becoming a member).  All guests (non-members) must sign a Club waiver at the dive site.

All divers may be required to show their c-card and possibly their logbook to the Divemaster before each trip.  Logbook review is at the discretion of the Divemaster.  Divers are responsible for diving within the limits of their certification and training.

Divemaster Rules

SJDC will provide a Divemaster for all Club sponsored dives.  The dive operation will be conducted solely by the Divemaster and he/she has the discretion to prevent any individual from participating in the dive for any reason, with no payment refund.   Any failure to comply with the Divemaster’s policies or the Club Safety Policy may result in suspension of Club diving privileges.  All divers are required to dive using the buddy system.

Divers are responsible for their own actions and use of their personal equipment whether engaged in depths above or below the recommended sport diving limit of 130 feet.  Divers that are ill prepared, have an unsafe attitude, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs forfeit diving privileges, with no payment refund.  Illegal incidents will be reported to authorities.

IV.         Required Gear

Each diver is responsible for their own air/NITROX and all additional gear.  The club is not responsible for providing any gear at the dive site.

  1. The following gear is required for all dives:
  • Standard SCUBA gear (Tank, Regulator w/ SPG, BCD, weights, mask, fins)
  • Dive Tables,  bottom timer and depth gauge and/or computer
  • Exposure protection (Suit, hood, gloves)
  • Knife or cutting device
  • Pony Bottle or true redundant gas supply for all dives below 80ft.

B.            Highly recommended gear:

  • Wreck Reel
  • Compass
  • Lift Bag
  • Light(s)

 

V.         Environmental Guidelines

SJDC requires all members and guests to be respectful of marine life.  All divers should strive to maintain neutral buoyancy and attempt to keep their gauges, fins, camera equipment and bodies from contact with underwater structures. 

All hunting must be done in accordance within New Jersey Fish and Game regulations.

To qualify as a member in good standing you must be current in your dues.