Please read every clause carefully before agreeing. Do not agree to this acknowledgement unless you understand its content and the risks of the activity. (Translation for convenience; the Arabic text prevails.)
1. Nature of participation
I, the undersigned, acknowledge that my participation in the volunteer activities and initiatives organised by, or involving, the Quriyat Divers team is voluntary and of my own free will, and that I am responsible for my decision to take part and for working within the limits of my qualifications, training, experience and physical ability.
I acknowledge that scuba diving and the marine work that goes with it carry inherent, foreseeable and unforeseeable risks that may result in serious bodily injury, disability, damage to property or death. These risks include, without limitation, those of compressed air and pressure changes, decompression sickness, drowning, loss of consciousness, exhaustion, currents, poor visibility, waves, boat traffic, equipment failure, marine life, and weather and sea conditions.
In particular, I understand that volunteer initiatives may involve recovering lost or abandoned nets, fishing gear and marine debris from the seabed or among coral reefs, with the associated risks of entanglement or entrapment in nets, ropes and fishing lines, cuts from sharp objects, hooks and fishing gear, falling or shifting debris, and the risks of cutting, lifting and handling tools and of working from boats.
2. Diver's responsibilities and commitments
- I will not take part in any dive or task beyond the limits of my diving certification or my level of training and experience.
- I am responsible for assessing my health, physical condition and readiness to dive before each activity, and for telling the dive leader or the initiative lead of anything that may affect my safety or the safety of others.
- I will follow the instructions of the dive leader, the safety officer, the initiative management and the approved dive plan, use suitable and serviceable equipment, and carry out the necessary safety checks before entering the water.
- I will not use cutting or lifting tools, or carry out recovery work or technical tasks, for which I do not have suitable training or experience.
- I understand that I may decline to start, cancel or end a dive at any time if I judge that the conditions, the task or my own condition do not allow me to continue safely.
- I am responsible for my personal equipment and belongings, and for following the buddy system and the agreed descent, ascent and safety procedures.
3. Assumption of risk and release
By agreeing to this acknowledgement, I confirm that I understand the nature of the risks of my voluntary participation, and I accept and assume the inherent, known and reasonable risks of the activity I choose to take part in.
To the extent permitted by law, I agree to release the Quriyat Divers team, its management, Quriyat Club, the members of their boards, their officers, initiative organisers, dive leaders, supervisors, volunteers and staff from claims arising from the inherent risks of the activity that I have accepted under this acknowledgement.
This acknowledgement shall not be read as a release from liability where the law does not allow such a release, or from liability arising from fraud, wilful misconduct or gross negligence where that liability cannot lawfully be excluded.
4. Final acknowledgement
I confirm that I have read this document in full and understood it, that I had the opportunity to ask about any unclear clause before agreeing, that the information I have provided is correct, and that I agree of my own free will and without coercion. I understand that this document has legal effect and that my agreement does not remove the duty of all participants and organisers to follow reasonable safety procedures.
