Hi Gareth & Laura,
Unfortunately in Queensland you cannot scuba without obtaining a medical certificate if you have been previously diagnosed with asthma (in addition to other medical conditions). This information is displayed on our website as well as on the booking form on our website. However we will follow up with your booking agent to make sure this information is clear on their website too.
The safety of passengers and the vessel is always our top priority and the captain makes decisions that are in the best interests of everyone and in this case staying at one location was the safest option. That morning we informed all passengers at check in that we may only go to one mooring. This was due to winds that while they may seem mild they are highly variable and can change almost instantly from calm to wild in a matter of moments. These winds dictate what moorings we can use and in variable winds that are constantly changing it poses issues for boats because one mooring might be good for one direction then the wind changes and that mooring is now unsafe for in-water activities and another would need to be used. For this reason the Skipper decided that day to stay at the safest and best site for snorkeling and diving rather than risk moving moorings that could be at risk in the event of a change in the direction of the wind. While it is rare to get these winds, they were a result of the low pressure system influencing the floods happening in South East Queensland. Most other boats that day would have been in the same situation and restricted their activities to the safest locations. On the day you traveled, several boats actually turned around and went home. However, due to the number of moorings we have, we have several that are particularly suited for exactly this type of wind and the Skipper was able to take you to one of these.
Please note we always try to visit two locations however passenger and vessel safety is the priority of the Skipper once out at sea and weather this week and last week was greatly being influenced by a once in a century flood happening to the south.
We are delighted to hear lunch and snorkeling were enjoyable – the crew work so hard out there to make sure everyone has an amazing day!
Please contact your booking agent to organise a refund for the dive portion of your ticket and feel free to reach out directly if you wish to discuss your experience further with us.
Best Regards,
The Passions team