Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the DiveConnect platform (the "Platform"), operated by DiveConnect Technologies Pvt. Ltd. ("DiveConnect", "we", "us", or "our"), you ("User", "you", or "your") agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and DiveConnect. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use of the Platform following such modifications constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms.

2. Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

“Platform”

The DiveConnect website, mobile application, and all associated services operated by DiveConnect Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

“Provider”

A certified scuba diving operator, dive centre, or instructor registered on the Platform to offer diving experiences and services.

“Diver / User”

An individual who registers on or uses the Platform to browse, book, or participate in scuba diving experiences.

“Booking”

A confirmed reservation for a diving experience made through the Platform, evidenced by a digital voucher and QR code.

“Commission”

The 15% service fee collected by DiveConnect from the total booking amount at the time of booking confirmation.

“Trust Score”

A proprietary rating assigned to Providers based on verified reviews, certification status, safety records, response times, and other quality metrics.

“Govt. Friendly Programme”

A voluntary compliance programme for Providers who meet enhanced regulatory standards, including GST registration, government-recognised certifications, and adherence to adventure tourism guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tourism, India.

3. Account Registration and Security

• You must provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration and keep your account information updated.
• You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials, including any OTP or authentication tokens.
• You must be at least 18 years of age to create an account independently. Users aged 10-17 may register with verifiable parental or guardian consent.
• You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorised use of your account or any other breach of security.
• DiveConnect reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms or are involved in fraudulent activity.
• One person may maintain only one User account and one Provider account on the Platform.

4. Booking and Payment Terms

All bookings made through the Platform are subject to the following payment terms:

• A commission of 15% of the total booking amount is collected by DiveConnect at the time of booking confirmation. This serves as the booking fee and platform service charge.
• The remaining 85% of the total booking amount is payable directly to the Provider at the dive site on the date of the experience.
• Bookings are confirmed upon successful payment of the 15% commission and issuance of a digital voucher with a unique QR code.
• All prices displayed on the Platform are in Indian Rupees (INR) and are inclusive of applicable taxes unless stated otherwise.

5. Split Payment Model

DiveConnect operates a split payment model designed to protect both Users and Providers:

• The 15% upfront payment serves as a commitment fee, ensuring that Users are serious about their booking and Providers can plan accordingly.
• The 85% on-site payment ensures that Users can verify the Provider, equipment, and conditions before completing the full payment.
• This model reduces the risk of no-shows for Providers while giving Users confidence in the quality of the experience.
• Providers must honour the price listed on the Platform at the time of booking. Any attempt to charge additional fees not disclosed in the listing is a violation of these Terms.
• DiveConnect does not hold the 85% on-site payment at any point. This transaction occurs directly between the User and the Provider.

6. Provider Obligations

By registering as a Provider on the Platform, you agree to:

• Maintain valid and current diving certifications from recognised bodies (PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS, or equivalent).
• Carry adequate insurance coverage for all diving activities offered on the Platform.
• Provide accurate, truthful, and up-to-date information in all listings, including descriptions, pricing, photographs, safety measures, and inclusions/exclusions.
• Honour all confirmed bookings at the prices listed on the Platform at the time of booking.
• Maintain equipment in safe, working condition and in compliance with manufacturer specifications and industry standards.
• Comply with all applicable local, state, and national laws and regulations governing recreational diving operations in India.
• Respond to booking requests and User enquiries within a reasonable timeframe.
• Report any safety incidents or near-misses to DiveConnect within 24 hours of occurrence.

7. User Obligations

By using the Platform to book diving experiences, you agree to:

• Provide accurate personal information, including medical history and fitness declarations relevant to scuba diving.
• Disclose any medical conditions that may affect your ability to safely participate in diving activities, including but not limited to cardiovascular conditions, respiratory conditions, ear problems, epilepsy, and pregnancy.
• Follow all safety instructions and guidelines provided by the dive Provider before, during, and after the dive.
• Not misrepresent your diving certification level or experience.
• Arrive at the dive site on time as specified in your booking confirmation.
• Treat Providers, their staff, and other divers with respect.
• Comply with all environmental guidelines, including not touching or removing marine life, coral, or underwater artefacts.

8. QR Code and Digital Vouchers

• Upon successful booking, Users receive a digital voucher containing a unique QR code via email, SMS, and/or WhatsApp.
• The QR code must be presented to the Provider at the dive site for verification and check-in.
• Digital vouchers are non-transferable unless explicitly permitted by the Provider.
• DiveConnect is not responsible for vouchers that cannot be redeemed due to User error, including failure to present the voucher or arriving outside the scheduled time.
• Providers must scan the QR code through the DiveConnect Provider app to confirm attendance and trigger the booking completion process.

9. Trust Score and Reviews

• The Trust Score is calculated using a proprietary algorithm that considers verified user reviews, certification status, safety track record, response times, cancellation rates, and other quality metrics.
• Users may submit reviews only for experiences they have completed through the Platform.
• Reviews must be honest, fair, and based on genuine personal experience. DiveConnect reserves the right to remove reviews that are defamatory, fraudulent, or violate community guidelines.
• Providers may respond to reviews publicly. Disputes regarding reviews should be reported to DiveConnect for mediation.
• Manipulation of Trust Scores or reviews (including fake reviews, incentivised reviews, or review-swapping arrangements) is strictly prohibited and may result in account termination.

10. Govt. Friendly Programme

The Govt. Friendly Programme is a voluntary programme subject to the following terms:

• Providers must maintain valid GST registration and provide their GSTIN for verification.
• Providers must hold certifications recognised by the Indian government or equivalent international bodies accepted by Indian regulatory authorities.
• Providers must comply with adventure tourism guidelines issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
• Providers must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage that meets or exceeds minimum requirements set by applicable state regulations.
• The Govt. Friendly badge is reviewed periodically. DiveConnect may revoke the badge if a Provider no longer meets the programme criteria.
• DiveConnect does not guarantee government endorsement. The Govt. Friendly badge indicates compliance with certain regulatory standards and is not an official government certification.

11. Limitation of Liability

• DiveConnect operates as a marketplace and intermediary platform. We are not a dive operator, dive centre, or dive instructor. We do not own, operate, or control any diving equipment or facilities.
• DiveConnect does not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, or suitability of any diving experience listed on the Platform. Users engage with Providers at their own risk.
• To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, DiveConnect shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform or any diving experience booked through it.
• DiveConnect's total liability to any User for any claim arising from or related to these Terms or the Platform shall not exceed the total amount of commissions paid by that User in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.
• Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability that cannot be excluded or limited under applicable Indian law.

12. Dispute Resolution

• Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the use of the Platform shall first be attempted to be resolved through good-faith negotiation between the parties.
• If a dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation within thirty (30) days, it shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration administered in Goa, India, in accordance with the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
• The arbitration shall be conducted by a sole arbitrator mutually appointed by the parties. The language of arbitration shall be English.
• The arbitrator's award shall be final and binding on both parties. Judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
• Notwithstanding the above, either party may seek injunctive or other equitable relief in the courts of Goa, India, to protect intellectual property rights or prevent irreparable harm.

13. Intellectual Property

• All content on the Platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio, video, software, and the Trust Score algorithm, is the property of DiveConnect Technologies Pvt. Ltd. or its licensors and is protected by Indian and international intellectual property laws.
• The DiveConnect name, logo, and all related product and service names, design marks, and slogans are trademarks of DiveConnect Technologies Pvt. Ltd. You may not use these marks without our prior written permission.
• Users and Providers retain ownership of content they upload to the Platform (e.g., reviews, photographs, listing descriptions). By uploading content, you grant DiveConnect a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, modify, and display such content in connection with the Platform and its marketing.

14. Termination

• You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us at support@diveconnect.in. Outstanding bookings must be resolved before account closure.
• DiveConnect may suspend or terminate your account immediately, without prior notice, if you violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or if continued access poses a risk to the Platform or other users.
• Upon termination, your right to access and use the Platform ceases immediately. Provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination (including Limitation of Liability, Dispute Resolution, and Governing Law) shall survive.
• DiveConnect is not liable to you or any third party for any termination of your access to the Platform.

15. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Subject to the arbitration clause above, the courts located in Goa, India shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising under these Terms.

16. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact us: