SCUBA Deposits are non-refundable. Sorry. Deposits are required to ensure that the student is committed to the course. Most courses are less than 8 people and "no-shows" can significantly affect the class. Sometimes, reservations have to be paid by the instructor up front and fees for failing to show up can fall on the instructor. If a student cancels no less than 1 week before the class, then the deposit can be credited to another scuba class.