IMPORTANT INFORMATION

⚠️ Freelancers and Alleged “Diving Schools”

Warning regarding independent, unregistered, uninsured freelancers whom are not affiliated to any agency-registered dive facility or center.

Before booking any dive experience, always ensure your instructor meets ALL of the following criteria:

1. In active teaching status with a recognized agency (SSI®, SDI®, PADI®, NAUI®, etc.)
2. Properly insured for instructional activities
3. Affiliated with an agency-inspected and certified training facility / dive center

Certified training facilities and dive centers are listed on their training agency’s websites. This helps ensure the operator is regularly inspected, follows safety protocols, and operates under proper quality control standards.

⚠️ Business registration alone is not a substitute for recognized dive industry credentials and compliance with safety standards. The most reliable way to confirm legitimacy is agency recognition as an official dive center.

⚠️ Be cautious of operators who appear legitimate but lack affiliation with a certified dive center. Branded clothing or a business name can create the illusion of legitimacy—without agency recognition there is no oversight or quality assurances.

⚠️ Avoid booking with instructors who operate independently without affiliation to an official dive center. These individuals often lack current insurance, proper equipment servicing, and accountability to professional standards.

Prioritize professionalism. Dive responsibly.

⚕️ Medical and Health Considerations

Diving is generally safe for individuals in good health or with well-managed medical conditions. In many cases, diving with disabilities or certain mobility impairments may also be possible, provided this has been discussed and agreed upon with the instructor prior to booking.

All participants should in principle:

1. Have basic swimming skills
2. Feel comfortable in the water
3. Have no cold or nasal congestion
4. Have consumed no drugs, alcohol, or certain prescription drugs twelve (12) hours prior to in-water activities
5. Not fly at least 12 hours after diving or as the agency standard indicates

In addition, all participants must complete a medical statement before engaging in any in-water activities. Medical clearance from a physician would be required if:

• You have any known medical conditions
• You have undergone medical procedures
• You answer “YES” to any of the designated questions on the medical statement

Please review the medical statement carefully and follow all instructions. If medical clearance is required, it must be obtained prior to booking any experience or program.

Medical Statement (PDF)

To All Participants

To participate in any diving or snorkeling activities, the following conditions apply:

• All certified divers must present proof of certification from an internationally recognized scuba diving agency
• You may be required to show your logbook for verification of recent diving experience
• All participants must fully complete and sign the Mammoth Lake Texas Waiver before engaging in any diving, snorkeling activities, or renting equipment

Failure to meet these requirements may result in denial of equipment rental and participation in activities.

⏸️ Inactive Certified Divers

To ensure a safe and enjoyable diving experience, the following may apply for certified divers who have not dived recently:

• If your last dive was 12 months ago or longer, a refresher dive with one of our professionals may be required
• If your last dive was between 12 months and 10 years ago and you wish to dive without a professional guide, you may need to complete a refresher course
• If your last dive was more than 10 years ago, additional training may be required before diving independently

Kindly note that if these conditions are not met, Mammoth Lake Texas may not provide rental equipment or allow participation in diving activities.

♿ Classified (Disabled) Divers

A classified (disabled) diver is a scuba diver with a physical or cognitive disability who is trained and certified to dive within limits adapted to their specific abilities. Training standards can be adjusted to the individual, allowing them to enjoy scuba diving safely and with confidence.

Classified / Adaptive Diver Programs

Programs such as SDI® Scubility Diver or SSI® Classified Diver are designed to make scuba diving accessible to people with disabilities. These programs:

• Provide personalized training based on the diver’s abilities and comfort level
• Establish clear classifications that define independence and when a specially trained buddy or professional is required
• Promote safety and inclusivity for divers and their families

If you need accommodations, please contact us in advance so we can plan appropriately.

‍‍‍ Junior Participants

The safety and enjoyment of our young divers are our highest priority. Junior program requirements vary by agency and course type. A parent or legal guardian may be required to sign additional forms for minors.

Junior Confined Water Programs

Some junior programs are designed for children below minimum certification age and are conducted in confined water under direct supervision of a certified professional.

• Programs may be conducted exclusively in a pool or confined water setting
• Participants are not certified divers and may not dive in open water
• A parent or legal guardian may be required to be present during sessions

Junior Open Water Divers

Junior Open Water Divers are certified divers typically between the ages of 10 and 14 (varies by agency).

• Junior divers must be accompanied during open water dives by a qualified certified diver (often a parent/guardian depending on agency standards)
• Depth limitations apply based on age and agency standards

Junior Advanced Divers

Minimum age requirements vary by program. Junior advanced divers may have additional supervision requirements and depth limits until upgrading to full adult certifications.