Heron Island
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling Safety Information
Diving & snorkelling are exciting activities that allow us to experience an amazing underwater world. Our professional and qualified Dive Team will guide you on an unforgettable journey through a kaleidoscope of colour where you’ll witness exotic marine life and magnificent corals of rainbow hues.
As there are certain risks associated with participating in these activities, particularly SCUBA diving, we have implemented various procedures and methods to ensure the safety of all participants. Prior to participating in SCUBA diving activities, all guests are required to provide details on any medical conditions that may affect their ability to dive. Note that the concealment of a condition might put the life or health of the diver (or other divers) at risk.
Participation in diving activities is dependent upon certain health requirements, weather and tide conditions. Certified Divers must present their Certification (C Card) upon registration at the Marine Centre. Use of a BCD, timing device, regulator (with pressure and depth gauge) and an alternate air source is mandatory.
‘Discover SCUBA’ Introductory Course
For those who have never been diving before, the ‘Discover SCUBA’ Introductory Course allows participants the exciting opportunity to experience the thrill of diving! Our qualified Dive Team provide the necessary tuition and guidance within a few hours. This course includes equipment hire, classroom tuition, a pool session and one supervised dive with a qualified instructor.
Once the course is completed, you are able to continue to participate in follow-up Resort Dives (scheduled subject to availability). During Resort Dives, our Dive Team operate all diving gear and equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable underwater adventure.
Please Note: The ‘Discover SCUBA’ course is not a Certification Course. Course participation is subject to the completion of a medical questionnaire upon registration (prior to diving).
PADI Referral Dive Course Participants
Dive course students who have completed their ‘Open Water SCUBA’ theory and pool sessions (prior to arrival) will be able to finish the practical open water dives with our Dive Team to become fully certified. The course takes two days to complete. PADI Referral Dive Courses must be pre-booked prior to arrival and must be completed within twelve months of completing the theory and pool sessions.
Upon arrival, please ensure you provide the Dive Team with two passport sized photographs, a referral statement from your course provider, and an Australian Medical Certificate (AS4005.1) signed by a specialist Dive Doctor. In accordance with Australian legislation, the dive medical must be based on A.S 4005.1.
A list of registered 'Dive Doctors' is available on the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society website. Please contact this organisation if you have any questions regarding Australian Dive Medical Standards.
Refresher Dive Courses
Certified Divers who have not been diving in the last twelve months are guided through a complimentary Refresher Dive Course in our pool before their first dive.
Divers With Medical Conditions
A person taking medication or currently suffering from certain medical conditions (for example, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart or lung disorders) will not be able to participate in diving activities if their safety cannot be assured. Having a medical condition does not necessarily mean that a person cannot dive. Often there are measures that can be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of a diver who is suffering from a medical condition, however, this does depend upon the type and severity of the medical condition and must be based on a medical assessment from a diving physician.
Should you currently be taking any medication (with the exception of prescription contraceptives) or suffering from any medical conditions we advise you to complete a medical examination prior to coming to the island. Ensure your consultation is with a Registered Medical Practitioner who has specialised in Diving (commonly referred to as a 'Dive Doctor').
Upon arrival at our Resort, you will need to present a Medical Certificate from the Dive Doctor stating that you are medically fit and able to safely participate in diving activities. For more information, and a list of registered 'Dive Doctors' visit the South Pacific Underwater Medicine Society website.
Please Note: For your safety, Resort Management reserves the right to exclude any diver from participating in diving activities, regardless of whether or not they are in possession of a current Dive Medical Certificate. Such decisions are rare and would only be made in the event that a risk assessment determined that any diver's health, safety and well-being was significantly at risk.
If, for safety reasons, you are excluded from SCUBA diving, rest assured that we are able to offer some sensational snorkelling tours that will allow you to get up close & personal with an abundance of enchanting marine creatures and incredible corals!
Divers Travelling By Aircraft
To ensure your safety, and to greatly minimise the risk of Decompression Illness occurring, divers who are departing the island by helicopter will not be permitted to dive during the 24 hours prior to their departure. Guests who are departing the island by launch and are then scheduled to fly from Gladstone will not be permitted to dive during the 24 hours prior to their flight from Gladstone. Prior to your first and final dives, please ensure our Marine Centre is advised of all onward flight transfers.
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