Currency: Australian dollar. Amex, Visa, MasterCard, Bankcard and Diners are widely accepted.

Transfers: We provide transfers from Cairns Colonial Club to the airport for your ongoing flight to Spoilsport and city hotel transfers from Spoilsport on your return. Some hotels provide courtesy transfers on arrivals and/or departures into the areas.

Luggage Allowance: Maximum weight of any bag on any expedition is 25kg. Fly Dive Luggage Allowance information.

Travel Insurance: Should be taken to cover trip; weather problems, expedition cancellations, airline difficulties, medical problems and lost or damaged luggage. Unforeseen weather or machinery problems may cause us to cancel or change an itinerary. No refund is offered for time lost due to the medical evacuation of a guest or reduction of dives due to weather conditions. No compensation is offered to guests to change flights or holiday plans.

Children: Seldom do we have children onboard however we welcome one family per expedition with children of minimum age 8. Parents or guardians traveling with children are responsible for child minding.

Diving Information
For full details go to http://www.mikeball.com/services.htm.

Q. Do I need diver evacuation insurance?
A. Yes, you must have Dive Alert Network (D.A.N.) evacuation insurance or similar dive insurance that will cover your evacuation in an emergency. MBDE is a D.A.N.
sponsor and can offer a 30 day cover for $16; this can be arranged at check-in.

Q. Do I need a certification card to scuba dive?
A. Yes, please bring it with you.

Q. Do certified divers require a dive medical?
A. No, if you are in good health for diving. If you have a medical history of heart or lung disorders, asthma, epilepsy or insulin dependant diabetes you must produce a diving medical certification completed by a diving medical specialist.

Q. What equipment is provided on the trips?
A. Cylinders (10.3 litres / 80 cu.ft) & weight belts.

Q. What cylinder valve connection is used?
A. US style yoke connections. DIN fittings and adaptors are not provided.

Q. What equipment will I need?
A. Normal equipment that includes a dive computer, safety sausage, whistle or air horn, dive light and chemical light sticks.

Q. Can I rent dive equipment?
A. Yes, our standard package includes BCD, regulator, alternate air source, gauges, wetsuit and computer. A complimentary computer workshop is included. One computer per diver is required.

Q. Is Nitrox available?
A. Yes, Nitrox facilities and training are available.

Q. Can I rent cameras, videos, housings?
A. Yes, we do have camera rental. Type and cost varies per expedition, you can check out full details on our web site http://www.mikeball.com/prices.htm. Camera housings are not available.

Q. Are equipment spares onboard?
A. It’s impossible to carry just the right o-ring for every reg or BCD and the same applies to battery sizes etc. The safest way to ensure you enjoy maximum diving is to have your gear serviced before your expedition and bring spare parts to suit.

Q. Do I need a wet suit?
A. Yes, we recommend you wear some form of protection against cold, sun and abrasions.

*Temperature is based on yearly averages and may change depending on conditions.

Living Aboard Information
Q. What type of power outlets are on board?
A. MBDE vessels provide the unique Australian three pin 240 volt outlet and the US two pin (unpolarised) 110 volt outlets in the cabins and other areas of the vessel.

Q. What personal items do I need?
A. You should bring your own personal toiletries, hair dryer, personal medication, swimming costume, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, foot wear (sandals or tennis shoes), T-shirts, shorts, sweater and sweat pants - light weight pants and tops for the evening are a good idea. Also your wildest “loud” shirt/dress for the BBQ evening. Please see Fly Dive Luggage Allowance information

Q. What about food & beverages?
A. We provide 24hr complimentary tea, coffee, softdrinks and water. A selection of beverages is served with every meal. Three chef prepared meals and in-between meal snacks are provided each day with fruit and biscuits always available. Please advise in advance if your have special dietary requirements. Additional wine, beer, mixed drinks and chocolates are available for purchase on board. Please do not bring any alcohol onboard as we have a ‘Ship’s Bar Only’ policy.

Q. How do I pay any onboard expenses?
A. You can settle your onboard expenses with either Australian dollars or credit card.

Q. What about tipping?
A. Tipping is not mandatory, however for exceptional service tips of about 10% in restaurants and 5% in taxis are more common. You will find our live aboard crews are exceptional and provide excellent service day and night. A tip is always very welcome and can be given to the Trip Director to be shared amongst the crew.

Q. Can I be contacted while on board the boat?
A. Yes, in emergency contact our office in Australia on t: +61 7 4053 0500 or e: resv@mikeball.com. Make sure the message includes your name, vessel and date of travel.

(details are subject to change)