Frequently Asked Questions

Ordering & Shipping Scuba Gear Across Canada

Where can I buy scuba diving gear online in Canada with free shipping?

International Diving Centre provides Free Standard Ground Shipping across all Canadian provinces on equipment orders of $200 CAD or more before taxes. Orders under $200 CAD ship at calculated, competitive carrier rates. Note: Overweight and oversized freight items—such as solid lead dive weights and scuba tanks—are excluded from the free shipping promotion and require custom freight calculation.

Why should I buy dive gear from an authorized Canadian scuba dealer?

Purchasing from an authorized Canadian dealer like IDC means you pay in CAD with no unexpected customs duties, import brokerage fees, or cross-border currency conversion fees. Furthermore, all equipment includes full Canadian manufacturer warranty support and fast access to factory-certified repair technicians.

How quickly do online scuba gear orders dispatch and arrive?

In-stock gear is processed and shipped within 1 to 2 business days directly from our Vancouver facility via Canada Post, UPS, or Purolator. Delivery is generally 1–3 business days for Western Canada (BC, AB, SK) and 4–7 business days for Eastern and Atlantic Canada (ON, QC, NB, NS, PE, NL). We recommend selecting signature-required delivery on high-value orders, as IDC is not liable for packages once carrier tracking shows delivered.

Can I order online and pick up at the Vancouver store?

Yes. Select "In-Store Pickup" at checkout. We will assemble your items and email you when your order is ready for pickup at 2865 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC. Please bring your order confirmation and valid photo ID.

Returns, Sizing Exchanges & Warranty Policy

What is your online equipment return policy?

Products in brand-new, unused condition with all original packaging, tags, and documentation can be returned within 14 days of receipt for a product refund (less outbound shipping fees if your order received free shipping). For holiday purchases (Nov 21–Dec 24), returns are accepted until January 5 or 14 days post-purchase, whichever is longer. Always contact us for a Return Authorization before sending items back.

How do gear sizing exchanges work?

If your wetsuit, BCD, boots, or fins need a different size, IDC provides free regular or expedited shipping on a one-time size exchange within 14 days of receiving your original order. Subsequent exchanges will incur standard shipping fees. The returned item must be in completely unused condition with tags and packaging intact.

Which items are non-returnable?

Drysuits and underwater camera housings are strictly non-returnable. Dive computers cannot be returned once used or registered with the manufacturer. Special-order items require authorization before return. Please contact our team if you need sizing or fit advice prior to placing an order.

What should I do if my shipment arrives damaged or missing items?

Inspect all packages upon arrival. Any shipping damages, incorrect items, or shortages must be reported to our customer care team within 48 hours of delivery.

Are all products backed by authorized manufacturer warranties?

Yes. International Diving Centre is an authorized Canadian retailer for every brand we carry, including Scubapro, Shearwater Research, Halcyon, Apeks, and Hollis. All gear is protected by genuine factory warranties and supported by our certified technicians.

Equipment Servicing & Cylinder Fills

What regulator and dive gear servicing do you provide?

Our on-site service center features factory-certified technicians providing scheduled annual maintenance, regulator overhauls using OEM kits, BCD inflator rebuilds, drysuit zipper/seal replacements, and computer battery testing.

Do you provide scuba tank testing, visual inspections, and gas fills?

Yes. We offer annual Visual Plus tank inspections, 5-year hydrostatic testing, tank oxygen cleaning/tumbling, valve rebuilds, and both compressed Air and Enriched Air Nitrox (up to 40%) fills for certified divers.

Equipment Rentals & PADI Dive Training

Can I rent cold-water dive gear for local diving?

Yes. We offer cold-water regulator systems with computers, weight-integrated BCDs, drysuits, 7mm wetsuits, hoods, boots, gloves, aluminum and steel cylinders, and lead weights. Daily, weekend, and multi-day packages are available.

What PADI certification courses are available at IDC?

As a premier PADI 5-Star facility in Vancouver, we offer full training from beginner PADI Open Water Diver up through PADI Divemaster professional courses, including Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Drysuit Specialty, and Enriched Air Nitrox.