1. Course Cancellations and Booking Transfers

This policy applies to all bookings, both private and corporate.

1.1. Cancellation/Transfer Timeline & Fees (Based on Original Course Start Date)

  • Stage 1: 30+ Days Before Course Start:
    • Full refund, minus a £50 administration fee or,
    • Transfer to an alternate date within 12 months (no fee).
  • Stage 2: 15-29 Days Before Course Start:
    • Transfer to a later date within 12 months, with 75% of the original course fee credited towards the new booking or,
    • 50% of the original course fee as transferable credit for personal use within 12 months.
  • Stage 3: 14 Days or Less Before Course Start:
    • No refund. All course fees are forfeited.

1.2. Cancellation/Transfer Procedure:

  • All cancellation and transfer requests must be submitted in writing via email.

1.3. Cancellations or Rescheduling by South West Maritime Academy (SWMA):

  • Circumstances Beyond SWMA’s Control (e.g., natural disasters, government restrictions):
    • No refunds will be issued.
    • Bookings will be deferred to future dates once normal operations resume.
  • Circumstances Within SWMA’s Control (e.g., adverse weather, staff illness):
    • Affected participants will be offered a new course date.
  • Liability:
    • SWMA is not responsible for any additional costs incurred due to course cancellations or rescheduling (e.g., transportation, accommodation).

1.4. Bespoke Training and Facility Hire:

  • Cancellations for bespoke training or facility hire require a minimum of 3 months’ notice.

2. Payment for Bookings

2.1. Telephone Bookings:

  • Full payment at the time of booking.
  • 50% deposit, with the remaining balance due at least 2 weeks before the course start date.
  • Deposit of less than 50% with agreed instalment payments, with the final payment received no less than 2 weeks prior to course start date.
  • Deposits are subject to the same cancellation and refund policies as full payments.

2.2. Website Bookings:

  • Full payment is required at the time of booking.

2.3. Commercial Bookings:

  • Without an Account:
    • Full payment is required on the day of booking.
  • With an Account:
    • Payment is due within 30 days of course completion, as per the invoice.
    • To request a commercial account, please email: accounts@southwestmaritimeacademy.com

3. Guardian Consent for Under 18s

  • A legal guardian must be present during enrolment and identification checks.
  • The guardian must provide their full name and emergency contact details.
  • The guardian must countersign a form acknowledging the risks associated with the student’s participation.
  • Guardians will have the opportunity to review course plans and risk assessments before signing.

4. Data Protection Policy

South West Maritime Academy adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation in all data handling and processing, except where data is handled under the authority of other bodies. In those cases, the respective bodies’ data protection policies apply.

Specific Data Handling Circumstances:

  • Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Training:
    • For bookings and training conducted under the MCA’s authority, please refer to the MCA’s data protection policy for information on how your data is handled.
  • RYA Interactive Online Courses:

5. Company Information

Registered Address:

South West Maritime Academy

Cromhall Quarry

Wotton Road

Cromhall

South Gloucestershire

GL12 8AA

Contact Information:

Email: info@southwestmaritmeacademy.com

Phone: 01454 260 130

Registration Details:

Company Registration Number: 07885186

VAT Registration Number: GB 136 7904 92

Accounts Enquiries:

Email: accounts@southwestmaritimeacademy.com