Frequently Asked Questions
(..and answers!)
What does it cost to join?
AUD $15 per year. $60 for a lifetime membership (includes a JCUDC t-shirt and a pile of stickers). You can sign up on the website or at our weekly dive desk (Tuesday 10:30-1 in front of Miss Sushi)
What do I get for my $15?
Cheap dive trips, access to seriously cheap gear hire and JCU Dive Club merchandise, special invites to our social events (and yeah, you're covered by dive club insurance).
If I am not a diver what do I do?
No problem! Come and speak to us about the possible options to get certified in Townsville, or visit this page
I am already a certified diver, what courses can I do?
The Club frequently runs PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue courses. For any other course, come and speak with one of us!
What kind of trips do you offer?
The club runs several weekend trips to the Great Barrier Reef, as well as week long trips to the outer reefs as well as day trips to the famous SS Yongala Wreck, rated as the best wreck for sea life in the world!
In 2017 we ran our first international trip to Bali and it might be that 2018 will take us diving even further afield, so follow us on Facebook or Instagram (JCUDC) and sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates.
When will I receive an email with the trip details?
Most questions are answered here in the FAQ section, but you will also receive an email at least 3 days prior to the trip or course you have booked that will give you details specific to your particular trip or course, as well as contact information so you can reach the trip coordinator by phone. If you have a question not answered in the FAQ section, and that needs to be addressed further in advance than 3 days prior to departure, please don't hesitate to email us at jcudiveclub@gmail.com, or come and see us at the weekly Dive Desk..
What is your cancellation policy?
50% Cancellation fee applies with between 4 days and 14 days notice. 100% cancellation fee applies with less than 4 days notice.
Please note, that no refunds will be given to overseas accounts unless customer is willing to pay the fees.
What happens if I am ill and cannot make the trip?
You will need a doctors certificate (from an Australian doctor) to show that you are unable to make the trip to receive a full refund.
When do I need a dive medical?
You will need a Queensland dive medical to take part in courses if any of the following applies:
Where can I get my Dive Medical From?
I am Booked on a trip - What Shall I bring?
• bathers
• 2 towels (fresh and salt water)
• hat!
• sunscreen
• personal water bottle
• seasickness pills (if needed take them at least an hour prior to boarding the boat)
• clothes for the length of the trip, bring a jumper (travel light)
• sanitary equipment (toothbrush etc)
• treats or whatever else you would like for the weekend. Please note: no alcohol, glass bottles or bananas, please.
• your diving certifications and logbooks!!!
• money for reef tax payable on board (exact amount will depend on sites visited, roughly $25)
• dive gear, either your own or rented**
• 4 AAA batteries (if you want to borrow a torch for the night dive)
* Please also note that there is no wifi on the boat.
Please confirm the below at the Dive desk or through email if you are not sure.
The Kalinda is moored at the back of ReefHQ (the aquarium in town), see map below.
We normally meet at the dock at 8 pm Friday night for weekend trips
**If you need equipment from the club we normally meet at the shed (behind the JCU pool) Friday 4-5 pm, let us know beforehand so we can sort this out and make sure we have you sized correctly.
AUD $15 per year. $60 for a lifetime membership (includes a JCUDC t-shirt and a pile of stickers). You can sign up on the website or at our weekly dive desk (Tuesday 10:30-1 in front of Miss Sushi)
What do I get for my $15?
Cheap dive trips, access to seriously cheap gear hire and JCU Dive Club merchandise, special invites to our social events (and yeah, you're covered by dive club insurance).
If I am not a diver what do I do?
No problem! Come and speak to us about the possible options to get certified in Townsville, or visit this page
I am already a certified diver, what courses can I do?
The Club frequently runs PADI Advanced Open Water and PADI Rescue courses. For any other course, come and speak with one of us!
What kind of trips do you offer?
The club runs several weekend trips to the Great Barrier Reef, as well as week long trips to the outer reefs as well as day trips to the famous SS Yongala Wreck, rated as the best wreck for sea life in the world!
In 2017 we ran our first international trip to Bali and it might be that 2018 will take us diving even further afield, so follow us on Facebook or Instagram (JCUDC) and sign up for our newsletter for the latest updates.
When will I receive an email with the trip details?
Most questions are answered here in the FAQ section, but you will also receive an email at least 3 days prior to the trip or course you have booked that will give you details specific to your particular trip or course, as well as contact information so you can reach the trip coordinator by phone. If you have a question not answered in the FAQ section, and that needs to be addressed further in advance than 3 days prior to departure, please don't hesitate to email us at jcudiveclub@gmail.com, or come and see us at the weekly Dive Desk..
What is your cancellation policy?
50% Cancellation fee applies with between 4 days and 14 days notice. 100% cancellation fee applies with less than 4 days notice.
Please note, that no refunds will be given to overseas accounts unless customer is willing to pay the fees.
What happens if I am ill and cannot make the trip?
You will need a doctors certificate (from an Australian doctor) to show that you are unable to make the trip to receive a full refund.
When do I need a dive medical?
You will need a Queensland dive medical to take part in courses if any of the following applies:
- You have a BMI higher than 30
- A waist circumference greater than 102cm for males and 88cm for females
- You are over the age of 45
- You need to answer "yes" to any of the questions found on a standard PADI dive medical which can be found using the following link:
- https://www.padi.com/english/common/courses/forms/pdf/10063-ver2-0.pdf
Where can I get my Dive Medical From?
- Mundingburra Medical Centre, 128 Ross River Road, Mundingburra - Phone 07 4779 0622
- The Doctors,89 Bundock Street, Townsville, 07 4781 1111
- Northtown Medical Centre, 280 Flinders Street, Townsville - Phone 07 4720 8100
- Belrowes Medical Centre, 49 Bundock Street, Townsville - Phone 07 4721 3411
- Townsville & Suburban Medical Practice, 130 Charles St, Aitkenvale - Phone 07 4779 5077
I am Booked on a trip - What Shall I bring?
• bathers
• 2 towels (fresh and salt water)
• hat!
• sunscreen
• personal water bottle
• seasickness pills (if needed take them at least an hour prior to boarding the boat)
• clothes for the length of the trip, bring a jumper (travel light)
• sanitary equipment (toothbrush etc)
• treats or whatever else you would like for the weekend. Please note: no alcohol, glass bottles or bananas, please.
• your diving certifications and logbooks!!!
• money for reef tax payable on board (exact amount will depend on sites visited, roughly $25)
• dive gear, either your own or rented**
• 4 AAA batteries (if you want to borrow a torch for the night dive)
* Please also note that there is no wifi on the boat.
Please confirm the below at the Dive desk or through email if you are not sure.
The Kalinda is moored at the back of ReefHQ (the aquarium in town), see map below.
We normally meet at the dock at 8 pm Friday night for weekend trips
**If you need equipment from the club we normally meet at the shed (behind the JCU pool) Friday 4-5 pm, let us know beforehand so we can sort this out and make sure we have you sized correctly.
How do I get on the JCU Dive Register?
Contact the University Dive Officer, Phil Osmond.
Details can be found here.
To be involved in Research SCUBA diving activities, such as volunteering to help a postgraduate student with their field work at Orpheus Island, Lizard Island, Magnetic Island etc. - or to conduct your own research activities, you need the following:
1. Your diving qualification must be a minimum of Rescue diver qualification which is a government recognised Rescue Diver course - this means the qualification must have an AQF logo (Australian Qualification Framework) with it. NOTE: a PADI or SSI, or BSAC or CMAS Rescue diver qualification alone does not meet this requirement, but once you have this qualification, you can then do the 'top-up' course so that it meets the AQF standard. Other qualifications which may also be accepted for the JCU Dive register include Divemaster, Assistant Instructor, Instructor, Commercial Diver, Scientific Diver (with AQF logo). All of these qualifications are regarded as being a level higher than rescue diver.
2. (a) For JCU Staff & Students: A minimum of 30 hrs logged dives - other than training dives. These logged dives MUST be countersigned by a buddy, or Instructor/Divemaster or they cannot be counted.
2. (b) For non-JCU Staff & Students; A minimum of 50 hrs logged dives - other than training dives. These logged dives MUST be countersigned by a buddy, or Instructor/Divemaster or they cannot be counted.
3. A current Occupational Dive Medical (Known as the AS2299 Dive Medical). Current means less than 12 months old.
4. A current Oxygen Provider Certificate (less than twelve months old)
5. A Current 'Apply First Aid' certificate - or an equivalent certificate (such as Senior First Aid) less than 3 years old. This certificate must be issued within Australia.
6. Training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) within the last twelve months.
You need to provide documentary evidence as proof of all of these items. *** You do not need to hold a boat license to be on the JCU dive register ***
Any further questions??
Email us, or come see us at the Dive Desk outside Miss Sushi on Tuesdays between 10 and 12.