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Privacy Policy

At Pinnacles Dive Center ("we," "us," or "our"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information. Operating as a premier PADI and SSI dive center in Novato, California, since 1974, we offer scuba diving lessons, high-quality gear, and customized dive travel experiences. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at https://bayareascubadiving.com (the "Site"), enroll in courses, purchase equipment, book trips, or otherwise interact with our services.

By using our Site or services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with these terms, please do not use our Site or services

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide and improve our services, including personalized dive training, gear recommendations, and safe travel experiences. The types of information we may collect include:

Personal Information

  • Contact Details: Name, email address, phone number, and mailing address (e.g., provided when booking a course, trip, or inquiring about gear).
  • Payment Information: We do not store card numbers.
  • Account Information: Username, password (hashed), and profile details if you create an account for repeat bookings or newsletters.
  • Health and Certification Data: Medical history, dive certifications (e.g., PADI/SSI logs), and emergency contacts (required for safety during training and dives).

Non-Personal Information

  • Usage Data: IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited (collected via cookies and analytics tools).
  • Communication Data: Information from emails, calls, or forms you submit, such as course preferences or feedback.

We collect this information directly from you (e.g., via contact forms, booking pages, or in-person registrations) or automatically through your use of the Site.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to deliver exceptional, safe, and sustainable diving experiences. Specific uses include:

  • Providing Services: Processing enrollments for courses (e.g., Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver), fulfilling gear orders, and arranging dive trips (e.g., to kelp forests or coral reefs).
  • Communication: Sending booking confirmations, safety reminders, promotional emails about upcoming trips or gear sales, and responding to inquiries.
  • Safety and Compliance: Verifying certifications, assessing health risks, and sharing emergency contacts with instructors during dives.
  • Improvement and Analytics: Analyzing Site usage to enhance user experience, such as recommending personalized packages based on your skill level.

We will not use your information for purposes incompatible with those described here without your explicit consent.

3. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share it only in these limited circumstances:

  • Service Providers: With trusted third parties who assist us, such as payment processors, email platforms (e.g., Mailchimp), PADI/SSI for certification verification, or travel partners for trip logistics. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, such as responding to a subpoena, or to protect our rights, safety, or property (e.g., in case of a safety incident during a dive).
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

We ensure all sharing complies with applicable laws and includes safeguards for your privacy.

4. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our Site uses cookies - small files stored on your device - to enhance functionality and analyze performance. Types include:

  • Essential Cookies: Necessary for Site operation (e.g., maintaining your session during booking).
  • Analytics Cookies: To track visitor trends (e.g., via Google Analytics).
  • Marketing Cookies: For personalized content, if you opt in.

You can manage cookies through your browser settings. Disabling them may limit Site features.

5. Data Security

We prioritize your data's security using industry-standard measures, including:

  • Encryption for sensitive data (e.g., HTTPS for all transmissions, SSL for payments).
  • Access controls (e.g., only authorized staff access health info).
  • Regular security audits and employee training.

While no system is impenetrable, we strive to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. In the event of a breach, we will notify affected users as required by law.

6. Your Privacy Rights

As a California-based business, we respect your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and other applicable laws. You may:

  • Access: Request a copy of your personal information.
  • Deletion: Ask us to delete your data (subject to legal retention requirements, e.g., for safety records).
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails or opt out of data sales (we do not sell data).
  • Do Not Sell My Info: Exercise your CCPA right here: Contact Us.

To exercise these rights, email us at scuba@bayareascubadiving.com or use our contact form. We respond within 15 days and verify requests to prevent fraud.

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn we have, we will delete it promptly. Parents/guardians: Contact us if you believe your child has provided information.

8. International Users and Data Transfers

Our Site is hosted in the United States. If you access it from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where privacy laws differ. By using our Site, you consent to this transfer.

9. Third-Party Links

Our Site may link to external sites (e.g., PADI.org or gear suppliers). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in our practices or laws. We will post the revised version here with an updated effective date. Significant changes will be notified via email or Site notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance.

11. Contact Us

For questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, reach out to:

Pinnacles Dive Center [Address: 875 Grant Ave. Novato, California. 94945] Email: scuba@bayareascubadiving.com Phone: (415) 897-9962

We are dedicated to your trust and adventure-dive safe!

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