Scuba Diving
14 dives
x3 dive sites per day is normal
PADI instruction available

Equipment
Scuba diving equipment
Snorkelling gear
Towels

Cabins
Linen
Daily Cabin Service
Most cabins have ocean views



Catering
Chef prepared meals and in-between meal snacks
Complimentary wine with each evening meal
Complimentary soft drinks at any time

Transfers
Courtesey city hotel transfers

Itinerary Summary - Overview of What To Expect on Your Cruise

Scenic Flight
A spectacular 250km scenic flight over the dive sites from Lizard Island
Challenger Bay
Spectacular first dive at Challenger Bay
Cod Hole
Diver size fish at the Cod Hole
Plummeting Coral Sea wall dives, in gin clear water
Adventure
Exciting shark action in the Coral Sea
Exploration of Lizard Island
Cod Wall
Outer edge, big fish dive
Ribbon Reef Sites
Prime diving sites

Spoilsport.
Spoilsport was designed to provide divers with a new level of comfort and convenience. You get less rock’n’roll with more space and comfort. She has received 11 prestigious Rodale’s Reader Choice awards including Best Live aboard and Most Environmentally Sensitive.

Spoilsport Vessel Features:
* Spoilsport is Australia ’s most ‘Awarded’ live aboard,
* Length 30m (100ft); Beam 10m (36ft); Speed 15 knots,
* Passenger average 20 (max 28) Crew 11,
* Twin hull’s reduce seasickness and maximises stability, space and privacy,
* Twin or double cabins, most with ocean views. Daily cabin service,
* Spacious: dining room; lounge; alfresco deck and sundeck,
* Sensational chef prepared meals and in-between meal snacks,
* Complimentary soft drinks and Australian wines (with dinner),
* Enjoy your choice of hot beverage with your early morning wake-up call.
 

We are proud of our world wide reputation for diving Australia, the exceptional diving provided on our liveaboard Cairns based dive service to the great barrier reef and the coral sea. It is our attention to detail that sets us apart.

Expect more detailed dive expedition and dive site information on Australia's Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea, more exciting images, the latest up-to-date Trip Reports... you can even take part in our innovative 'Virtual Dive' to the Ribbon Reefs and the Cod Hole. Our live-aboard dive vessels were custom built in Australia with your comfort in mind and are amongst the most well-designed in the world.

Here you can tour your vessel; cabin by cabin. Check out the chef prepared menus and let us know if you have any special dietary requirements. We have attempted to cover all FAQ's, however if you cannot find what your looking for email our friendly reservations team, we are only too happy to assist you in anyway.

Spoilsport Dive Services

* Complimentary Reef Ecology Program,
* ‘Open dive deck’ allows flexible diving,
* Underwater photography and video services,
* Nitrox $10/fill or $20/day for entire expedition,
* PADI instruction: Advanced, Nitrox, Naturalist and Photo/Video,
* Warm towel after each dive,
* Solo diving are done following a Safe Solo System,
* 2 large inflatables for personalised dive service.

General Information
Visa & Passport: In most countries Australian visas are available electronically via your airline or travel agent issuing the airline ticket. You will require a current passport, with no less six months validity, and tickets to an onward destination. Note: Russian passengers should contact us for Visa Support.

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: ‘Fly Dive’ itineraries have a luggage allowance of 25kg (55lbs) per person. Please see ‘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

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

Guest Comments
Joni Ward - USA             Travel Date: 4th September 2008
Hey Xanthe,
The entire week is one big blur of WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW! I cannot even begin to tell you what an awesome time I had. How wonderful everyone was. How incredible the experience was.

The best part, what best part? Yeah, the manta encounter was goofy, and I missed the whale shark, but the entire trip was a series of "Isn't that incredible"s. The inhabitants of the reef definitely stepped up to the plate.

And then, when you're not in the water, some scuba fin slave was there to grab your fins off, help you get them on, or meet any number of equipment needs :). And when that wasn't happening, somebody else fed you well. Kerrin was more than attentive to make sure everything went well on the whole and for us each individually. What a great employee choice. Everyone on the staff from Jason to Katrina, were fun and interesting and made the trip so enjoyable from their seafaring scuba tales to high levels of customer service.

Thank you...I couldn't have had more fun and will definitely look forward to another trip.

Joni Ward
USA

Don McFarlane                    Travel Date: July 1 2008
Mike,
Just wanted to pass on my compliments for the first class cruise. Diving was incredible, outstanding food, great vessel and crew, and some very interesting guests from around the globe. Only problem will be finding another liveaboard that compares, I guess I will have to return to Cairns in the near future!

Don McFarlane
Calgary, Canada.

Mary Clark                Travel Date: 18th August 2008
Hello Mike,
We went on the SpoilSport from Thursday, August 18th-21st. I just want to tell you that we had an incredible time! You have an awesome dive operation and your SpoilSport crew is the best! The winds were kicking up so the ocean top was more choppy than I expected. I got very seasick on the first day which surprised me! I am in awe of the amazing powers of ginger root-fixed me right up!

My husband, David, had 4 check out dives when we got on board and he was a bit intimidated at first since he thought that there were strong currents when in fact, the boat was moving back and forth. I want to tell you that Jimmy, Julia, and Alex did an amazing job with getting David comfortable with diving in the ocean. On any one dive, they would take us down to the site, and escort David to the boat when he needed to come up and then they would come down to dive with me and the other people in our group. It worked brilliantly since David and I used air at different rates. I logged 9 out of 12 dives and David logged 7 out of 12 dives. He is hooked on SCUBA now and we are going on a dive to a wreck in Lake Erie in a week. Our older son, Dan, wants to try SCUBA so Joe and Dianne will have more clients!

I hope to get back on one of your boats soon and if all goes well, there will be 4 of us diving next time! Our younger son, Andrew, is not ready to dive yet because he has tricky ears. We'll take it one step at a time. If you come to Rochester or near by, please let me know so that we can meet. Take care.

Mary

Linda Stewart               Travel Date: 16th June 2008
Hi Dorothy and Mike
Wow what a great time we had. It was our second trip and did not disappoint. The crew, food and diving were superb. The minke's were sublime and our favourite dive site: Steve's bommie was as good as we remembered.

Thank you for one of the best times.

Best regards and see you again soon

Linda - Brisbane

Liz Brodie                    Travel Date: June 19th 2008
Hi,
I just wanted to say what a wonderful time I had. From the support from office staff to the crew on the boat - everyone was fantastic and fun. I believe the customer service is a very big proportion of a trip, we had great food, lots of laughs, lots of great diving and a feeling that nothing was too difficult to make your trip safer and better.

Regards

Liz

a) All divers require a dive certification.
b) Equipped Divers require a safety sausage, whistle or air horn, alternative air source, dive light and chemical light stick.

1. RESERVATIONS - 10% security deposit will hold reservation until 60 days prior to the expedition when the balance is to be paid. This deposit is non refundable.

2. CANCELLATIONS
NB: Your initial deposit is non-refundable regardless of cancellation
The following charges apply to cancellations:
Less than 93 days, forfeit 30% of trip fee
Less than 63 days, forfeit 50% of trip fee
Less than 33 days or failure to show up for charter, forfeit 100% of trip fee

3. LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Max weight of any bag is 25kg (55lbs). ‘Fly Dive’ itineraries 25kg (55lbs) allowance/person plus maximum carry-on of 3kg (6.5lbs) or 10kg (22lbs) allowance for professional photo/video housed systems.

4. PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE OR ACCEPT FINANCIAL RISK
You understand unforeseen work, medical or airline problems may cause me to cancel a trip. Compensation for trip cancellation or lost/damaged bags and/or equipment due to any reason must be claimed against my travel insurance. Weather problems may cause the itinerary to be changed or cancelled. No compensation is offered to change flights or holiday plans. No refund is offered for time lost due to the medical evacuation of a passenger or reduction of dives due to bad weather.

5. EQUIPMENT AGREEMENT
You agree to reimburse Mike Ball Dive Expeditions (referred to as MBDE) for any of their diving equipment lost or damaged whilst in my care.

6. MEDICAL STATEMENT
You state that you are in good health for diving. You do not have asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or a heart disorder. You will not dive on your expedition if you am feeling unwell or you have a chest cold or respiratory congestion. You understand if you have any medical condition contrary to these requirements. You must produce a diving medical certificate completed by a diving medical specialist.

7. MEDICAL EVACUATION
You will bring proof of my diver medivac insurance or purchase DAN 30-day Travel Assist on arrival. Cost - $16 covers evacuation not treatment. You are authorised to make medical and transport arrangements as may be determined in my best interest. You agree to pay expenses incurred on my behalf, which may be charged against my credit card.

8. IMAGE RELEASE
Unless you advise to the contrary you authorise MBDE to use as they see fit any photographic, video or digital images taken on this expedition in which you appear, have entered into the photographic competition or supplied to MBDE.

DISCHARGE OF LIABILITY
It is a fundamental condition of this contract between MBDE and its employees and agents on the one part and YOU on the other part, that to the extent permitted by law MBDE is hereby discharged and indemnified by my/our executor(s), my/our administrator(s) and my/our dependent(s) from any liability for any damage, death or injury whatsoever arising out of or incidental to this diving expedition, and other services provided by MBDE whether or not such damage or personal injury is caused or contributed to by MBDE. You acknowledge that you will be participating in activities, which are undertaken for purposes of recreation and involve a significant degree of physical exertion and physical risk. You further acknowledge you are aware of the risks of injury/death associated with my participation in this diving expedition and agree that you voluntarily assume such risk.

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING
By inserting your name on the Discharge of Liability form after your booking and signing, you acknowledge you have read, understood and accepted the Discharge of Liability and Booking conditions 1-8.

You also agree that any claims or disputes in regard to this document or my participation in this expedition will be governed by Australian law in the state of Queensland.

Dive Procedures:
Medical fitness
You state that you am in good health for diving. You have no medical history of heart or lung disorders, asthma or epilepsy, neither are you an insulin dependent diabetic. You will not dive on your expedition if you are feeling unwell or you have a chest cold or respiratory congestion on the expedition. You understand if you have any medical condition contrary to these requirements you must produce a diving medical certificate completed by a diving medical specialist.

You are authorised to make medical and transport arrangements as may be determined in my best interest. You agree to pay expenses incurred on my behalf which may be charged against my credit card. You will bring proof of my diver medivac insurance or purchase it on arrival. DAN 30-day Travel Assist - Evacuation cover available on arrival. (This covers evacuation not treatment).

Alcohol
Consumption of alcohol is discouraged until after your last dive for the day.

Depth Guidelines
Depth guidelines are based on the diver’s experience and industry standards. The maximum recommended depth for divers with appropriate experience is 40 metres (132ft). Dives in excess of 40 metres (132ft) to a maximum of 50 metres (165ft) can only be undertaken by divers with a minimum experience of 100 dives with 25 deeper than 30 metres (100ft) including one to a depth within 3 metres of dive being undertaken.

Equipment
Air and Nitrox cylinder valves are compatible with US yoke regulators ( UK A clamp) not the European DIN regulators. All divers require an alternative air source, safety sausage and whistle. A dive light plus back up light or chemical light sticks are required for night dives.

Flying after Diving
The 'Fly/Dive' flights are at an altitude of 200 to 300 metres. This does not exceed the '600 metre Flying and Diving ceiling' requiring adherence to the 'Flying after Diving' procedures.

Commercial Flight Considerations: The surface interval between your last dive completed at 5pm and departing the next day by plane at 11am is approximately 18 hours.

Dive Computer Considerations: Normally on completion of diving at the end of your expedition your computer's 'No Fly' times are less than 18 hours. Wait an appropriate amount of time (as indicated by your computer) before flying in excess of 600m.

Dive Table Considerations: PADI's recommendation after 'multi-day diving' is a minimum pre-flight surface interval of 18 hours.

Guided Dives
Most of our guests prefer to plan and dive independently with their buddy. Single divers are teamed up with other singles and with our staff. It is not our policy for all dives to be dive master led. We cater to guests who prefer more supervision with a combination of complimentary orientation dives to enhance skills, a scheduled morning and afternoon guided dive and the opportunity to dive with our staff on an ad hoc basis. This service does not provide constant guided dives or a personal dive guide.

Personal Dive Guides
- Daily Dive Guide (4-5 dives per day).
- Per-Dive Guide (approx 2 dives per day). Available on most expeditions subject to staff availability.
- Price
Note: Please request at the time of booking!

Jellyfish
As in all oceans, including the Great Barrier Reef , there are a variety of jellyfish (also known as 'stingers'). The majority of stings that can be inflicted by jellyfish such as hair jellyfish (Cyanea sp.), blubbers (Catostylus sp.) and bluebottles (Physalia sp.) can be irritable to painful but can be prevented by wearing a "Stinger Suit."

The box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri) may be present in North Queensland from November to May/June and are found along the coast and estuaries. These stings can cause fatalities in extreme cases however with the right prevention and medical treatment the risk is minimal. There is also a box jellyfish commonly known as 'Irukandji jellyfish' (Carukia barnesi) one of a series of species that can give rise to 'Irukandji Syndrome'. Fortunately the stings are rarely life threatening, but medical aid must always be sought as soon as possible. Immediate first aid is to wash the area with vinegar and seek medical assistance.

Junior Divers
- Age 10 to 14 years (15yr+ junior diver depth limits are the same as the non junior certification)
- Junior Diver Certification not available,
- Please review Rental Equipment Sizes (we recommended children bring their own equipment),
- Junior divers requiring supervision are charged a ‘Dive Guide' fee,
- Participation on some dives may be prevented due to conditions,
- Junior diver depth restrictions are not compatible with Coral Sea conditions.

Main Vessel or Tender dives
Most of our divers are from the main vessel while moored over the dive site. Each vessel has two inflatables for: more personalized diving; plus drift and night dives. The inflatables are large and stable with substantial rear entry ladders.

Nitrox (EANx32)
Nitrox fills are limited to 32% oxygen and a maximum operating depth of 40 meters (132ft). Nitrox divers are required to dive on computer. A complimentary computer workshop is offered to those hiring a computer. FREE Nitrox fills during expedition are included with Nitrox Course.

Rebreather
Currently there is no offer of a full rebreather service. A limited rebreather service is offered to qualified rebreather supervisors who bring their own equipment. If diving with a buddy who is not using a rebreather the dive time and dive depth will be determined by the buddy who has the most conservative limits with regard to air, depth and time. Rebreathers may not be used in conjunction with the Safe Solo Diving program.

Safe Scuba System
Dive site selection is based on the best dive sites available. Less experienced divers receive complimentary "orientation dives" as necessary while experienced divers are given the freedom to plan their own dives.

Snorkelling
Fly Dive Cod Hole itinerary - Sites are suitable for competent snorkel divers.

Fly Dive Coral Sea itinerary - The first day of the itinerary is suitable for snorkelling. Note: we do not provide suitable sites or supervision for snorkelling in the Coral Sea.

Coral Sea Safari - Snorkelling limited to Ribbon Reef sites, Coral Sea sites not suitable.

Solo Diving
Safe Solo System requirement:
Minimum age: 18 years if dive master certified or 21 years with proof of 100 dives with 5 in the last 12 months.

Equipment Required:
- Redundant air system (minimum 6 cubic feet).
- Safety sausage.
- Dive light on dive if within 2 hours of dusk.
- Dive knife and compass.

Skill Evaluation:
- Surface snorkel 100 meters wearing scuba and be familiar with use.
- Demonstrate use of safety sausage.
- Navigate 100 meters at 5 meters with 75% accuracy.
- Hover at 5 meters for 3 minutes, clear mask.
- Slowly surface using redundant air source.

Rent pony bottle unit - see prices.

Unlimited Diving
Most divers do 2 morning, 2 afternoon plus a night dive most nights. Normally we have an ‘open deck’ at a single site in the morning and visit 2 sites in the afternoon - this may be reversed.

FAQs
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 I need a dive medical to participate in a dive course?
A. Yes, if you are participating in a PADI Open Water Course. For other courses you need to be medically fit to dive as indicated by completing the PADI Australia Medical Questionnaire, in some cases a dive medical may be required. Note: We can send a medical form that complies with the relevant Australian requirements.

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.

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.

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.

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer
The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or a supplier's error. In such a case, if you book with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability
To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website.

On departure day, before you commence your trip, you may be required to sign a rental agreement (in the case of boat charters) with the supplier of the vessel. Your rental and use of the vessel will be governed by the terms of the rental agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you by the supplier at the time you pick up your vessel. The rental agreement is between you and the supplier and we will not be liable to you or to any third party in relation to the terms of the supplier rental agreement or any other documentation provided to you by the supplier at the time of pick up.

While we will make reasonable efforts to ensure we are representing only reputable suppliers, we make no warranty about the fitness or suitability of any third party (supplier) product or service and will not accept responsibility for the quality or fitness of any vessel. We welcome feedback from our customers on their experience with our suppliers. We may, at our discretion, provide you with reasonable assistance in resolving any dispute you may have with a supplier.

Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking/rental. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. Again, we strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand and the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts.

Booking information
To make a booking, you must complete our no-obligations reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct - and discuss payment options. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card and becomes non-refundable and any cancellation fees stated in the terms apply. Upon receipt of your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date.

Please note we accept Visa and Mastercard and the credit card fees are: 
1) 1.75% for the deposit amount.
2) 1.75% for the balance of payment.

If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions of your selected sailing adventure. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the renter to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure
In booking on this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Supplier in order to provide the requested rental, trip or charter services.

Amendments
Please check the terms of each vessel to see whether amendment fees apply. Please also note that for some vessels an amendment is treated as a new booking and the rate current at the time the amendment is made to recalculate the entire booking amount (not just the days changed). In the case of boat rental/yacht charter, if the hire or number of days is increased, an additional deposit may be required, while reduction in rental periods or price may reduce the total, but the deposit amount will remain unchanged.

Vessel Capacity and fitness to charter (for Bareboats only)
Under no circumstances are you permitted to carry more passengers than the vessel you charter is legally registered to carry, and if you do your insurance may be invalidated. The number of passengers allowed is indicated next to each vessel on this website. It is your responsibility to choose a journey that is within your capabilities. A boat or trip supplier can refuse to hire a vessel to any person who is in their opinion unfit to skipper or does not meet eligibility requirements. In such circumstances we will have no further liability to you.