South West Maritime Academy
Terms and Conditions
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 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 cancellations (e.g., transportation, accommodation).
1.4. Bespoke Training and Facility Hire
Cancellations 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 balance due at least 2 weeks before the course start date.
- Installment plans (deposit < 50%) available by agreement; final payment must be received no less than 2 weeks prior to course start date.
- Note: Deposits are subject to the same cancellation 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 required on the day of booking.
- With an Account: Payment due within 30 days of course completion. To request an account, email: accounts@southwestmaritimeacademy.com
3. GUARDIAN CONSENT FOR UNDER 18s
- A legal guardian must be present during enrolment and ID checks.
- Guardians must provide full name, emergency contact details, and countersign a risk acknowledgment form.
- Guardians may review course plans and risk assessments before signing.
4. DATA PROTECTION POLICY
South West Maritime Academy adheres to GDPR in all data handling, except where data is handled under the authority of other bodies.
- MCA Training: Refer to the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s data protection policy.
- RYA Interactive Online Courses: Refer to the RYA's specific data handling policy.