Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the Guide Essence website (guide-essence.com) and enrolling in our maritime training programs, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use our services.

2. About Guide Essence

Guide Essence Pty Ltd (ABN: 12 345 678 901) is a registered maritime training organization located at 125 Harbour Boulevard, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. We provide professional yacht captain certification and maritime training services.

3. Services Provided

3.1 Training Programs

We offer the following maritime training services:

• Yacht Management Mastery courses
• Advanced Navigation training
• Maritime Safety Excellence programs
• Professional certification and licensing
• Continuing education and refresher courses

3.2 Course Materials and Resources

All course materials, including manuals, videos, and online resources, remain the intellectual property of Guide Essence and are provided for educational use only.

4. Enrollment and Payment Terms

4.1 Course Enrollment

Enrollment is subject to:

• Meeting minimum age requirements (18 years)
• Providing required medical certificates
• Demonstrating basic swimming competency
• Payment of course fees and deposits
• Availability of course places

4.2 Payment Terms

• Course fees must be paid in full before course commencement unless payment plan arrangements are made
• A non-refundable deposit of AUD $500 is required upon enrollment
• Payment can be made by credit card, bank transfer, or approved payment plans
• All fees are in Australian Dollars (AUD) and include GST where applicable

4.3 Refund Policy

• Full refund (minus deposit) if cancellation occurs more than 14 days before course start
• 50% refund if cancellation occurs 7-14 days before course start
• No refund for cancellations less than 7 days before course start
• Medical emergency refunds considered on case-by-case basis with documentation
• Course rescheduling available once without penalty if notice given 48 hours prior

5. Student Responsibilities

5.1 Attendance and Participation

• Regular attendance is mandatory for course completion
• Students must participate actively in practical training exercises
• Punctuality is expected for all scheduled sessions
• Missed sessions may require make-up training at additional cost

5.2 Safety and Conduct

• Students must follow all safety protocols and instructions
• Professional conduct is required at all times
• Use of alcohol or drugs during training is strictly prohibited
• Students must maintain physical fitness appropriate for maritime activities

5.3 Equipment and Materials

• Students are responsible for personal safety equipment as specified
• Damage to training equipment may result in replacement charges
• Course materials must not be shared, copied, or distributed without permission

6. Certification and Licensing

6.1 Certification Requirements

To receive certification, students must:

• Complete all required training hours
• Pass written and practical examinations
• Demonstrate competency in all required skill areas
• Meet medical and fitness requirements

6.2 Certificate Validity

• Certificates are valid for 5 years from date of issue
• Refresher training is required for renewal
• Guide Essence maintains records of all certifications issued
• Replacement certificates available for AUD $50 fee

7. Liability and Insurance

7.1 Limitation of Liability

Guide Essence maintains comprehensive insurance but limits liability to:

• Direct damages not exceeding the amount paid for the specific course
• No liability for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• No guarantee of employment or career outcomes

7.2 Student Insurance

Students are strongly advised to maintain personal health and travel insurance. Guide Essence provides public liability coverage during official training activities.

8. Intellectual Property

• All course content, materials, and methodologies are proprietary to Guide Essence
• Students may not reproduce, distribute, or commercially use course materials
• Trademarks and logos are protected intellectual property
• Students grant permission for use of testimonials and success stories

9. Privacy and Data Protection

Student information is collected and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We maintain confidentiality while complying with regulatory reporting requirements to maritime authorities.

10. Force Majeure

Guide Essence is not liable for delays or cancellations due to:

• Severe weather conditions
• Government regulations or restrictions
• Natural disasters or emergencies
• Equipment failure beyond our control

11. Modifications to Services

Guide Essence reserves the right to:

• Modify course content to reflect industry changes
• Update training methods and technologies
• Adjust schedules with reasonable notice
• Substitute instructors when necessary

12. Termination

12.1 Grounds for Termination

Guide Essence may terminate student enrollment for:

• Violation of safety protocols
• Unprofessional conduct or behavior
• Non-payment of fees
• Failure to meet medical or fitness requirements

12.2 Termination Process

Termination will be preceded by written warning except in cases of immediate safety concerns. Refunds for terminated students are at management discretion.

13. Dispute Resolution

13.1 Internal Resolution

Disputes should first be addressed through our internal complaint process by contacting our student services team.

13.2 External Resolution

Unresolved disputes may be referred to:

• NSW Fair Trading for consumer matters
• Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) for training quality issues
• Mediation services as appropriate

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any legal proceedings must be initiated in the appropriate courts of New South Wales.

15. Amendments

Guide Essence reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be communicated through:

• Website notification
• Email to registered students
• Course announcement boards

16. Contact Information

For questions regarding these Terms of Service:

17. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

These Terms of Service are effective as of June 24, 2025.