Consumer Protection
Reviews, recommendations, and guidance on training providers
As a consumer of freediving training services, you have rights and protections. Understanding them helps you make informed decisions and ensures you receive the quality instruction you deserve.
Your Rights as a Training Consumer
Right to Complete Service
You have paid for a complete course. If a course is advertised to include certain content, skills, or certification requirements, the instructor must deliver all promised components.
Right to Qualified Instruction
Instructors must hold current, valid certifications for the disciplines they teach. You have the right to verify instructor credentials before and during training.
Right to Safe Training
Training must follow established safety protocols. You have the right to proper equipment, adequate safety coverage, and training environments that prioritize your welfare.
Right to Professional Conduct
You deserve respectful, professional treatment at all times. Harassment, discrimination, and inappropriate behavior are never acceptable in training environments.
Right to File Complaints
If standards aren't met, you have the right to file complaints with certification bodies, consumer protection agencies, and relevant authorities without fear of retaliation.
Right to Refunds
For incomplete or substandard services, you may be entitled to partial or full refunds. Consumer protection laws apply to training services just as they do to other purchases.
Important Reminder
You are a paying customer receiving a professional service. Don't let anyone make you feel like you're being difficult for expecting the quality and safety standards you deserve.
Evaluating Training Providers
Before Booking a Course
✓ Research
- Check instructor certifications and experience
- Read reviews from multiple sources
- Verify the certification body's reputation
- Ask for references from past students
- Understand the complete course curriculum
✓ Ask Questions
- What's included in the course price?
- What are the instructor's specific certifications?
- What's the student-to-instructor ratio?
- What safety equipment is provided?
- What's the refund policy?
During Training
Positive Signs of Quality Instruction
- ✓Clear communication and expectations
- ✓Emphasis on safety over performance
- ✓Patient, personalized coaching
- ✓Encouragement without pressure
- ✓Complete coverage of course material
- ✓Professional boundaries maintained
- ✓Welcoming of questions and concerns
- ✓Proper safety protocols followed
⚠️ Warning Signs
- ✗Teaching without proper certifications
- ✗Cutting corners on safety
- ✗Pressure to exceed your limits
- ✗Dismissive of safety concerns
- ✗Inappropriate personal boundaries
- ✗Incomplete course delivery
- ✗Hostile to questions or feedback
- ✗Conflicts of interest prioritized
When and How to File Complaints
When to File a Complaint
Consider filing formal complaints if you experience:
- •Incomplete course delivery despite full payment
- •Instruction by unqualified or improperly certified instructors
- •Serious safety protocol violations
- •Harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional conduct
- •Misrepresentation of services or credentials
- •Retaliation for raising legitimate concerns
1. Certification Body
File complaints with the instructor's certification organization (AIDA, PADI, SSI, etc.). They have processes for investigating instructor conduct and course quality.
Document everything: emails, course descriptions, payment receipts, and incident details.
2. Consumer Protection
Contact consumer protection agencies in your jurisdiction if you've paid for services that weren't delivered or were misrepresented.
Many regions have specific processes for service complaints and dispute resolution.
3. Payment Disputes
If paid by credit card, you may be able to dispute charges for services not received. Document why the service failed to meet promised standards.
Act quickly—dispute windows are often limited to 60-90 days.
4. Legal Authorities
For serious issues like harassment or discrimination, contact appropriate legal authorities including human rights commissions or employment/training regulators.
Seek legal advice if you're unsure about your options.
Documentation Best Practices
- Save all emails, text messages, and written communications
- Take screenshots of advertisements, course descriptions, and social media
- Keep detailed notes with dates, times, and witnesses
- Photograph equipment, conditions, or relevant circumstances
- Request refunds or remedies in writing to create a paper trail
- Be factual and specific rather than emotional in complaints
Share Your Experience
Your feedback helps others make informed decisions and encourages higher standards throughout the industry.
Whether your experience was positive or concerning, sharing it contributes to transparency and accountability in freediving instruction.
All submissions are treated confidentially. Anonymous sharing is welcome.
Knowledge is Protection
Understanding your rights and how to recognize quality instruction helps ensure you receive the safe, professional training you deserve.