Terms & Conditions – Underwater Foraging UK / Huntress Charters

1. Definitions

“Operator” refers to Underwater Foraging UK, its owner, skipper, crew, employees, and affiliates.
“Client” refers to any individual booking or participating in a charter.
“Charter” refers to any spearfishing or freediving trip conducted on the vessel Huntress.

2. Booking & Payment

A booking is confirmed only upon receipt of deposit or full payment
The Operator reserves the right to refuse any booking at its discretion
Full balance must be paid prior to departure unless otherwise agreed
All bookings are non-transferable without prior approval

3. Pricing

Prices are based on a full charter (up to 4 divers)
Per-person pricing is indicative only and subject to group size
If the boat is not filled, the Operator reserves the right to:
- Adjust pricing, or
- Cancel the booking unless minimum revenue is met

4. Cancellation & Refund Policy

All bookings are strictly non-refundable
No refunds for:
- Client cancellations
- Late arrivals or no-shows
- Failure to meet participation requirements
- Early termination of the charter
In the event of unsafe weather conditions, the Operator may:
- Reschedule the trip, or
- Offer an alternative date at its discretion

No cash refunds will be issued.

5. Client Responsibilities

By booking, the Client agrees that they:

Are physically and medically fit to participate
Will provide accurate information regarding experience and ability
Will follow all safety instructions at all times
Will act responsibly toward crew, vessel, and other participants

The Client accepts full responsibility for their actions and decisions.

6. Experience & Eligibility

Each charter tier has minimum skill and experience requirements
The Client is solely responsible for ensuring they meet these requirements
The Operator reserves the right to:
- Refuse water entry
- Restrict activity
- Remove the Client from the charter

No refund will be issued if a Client fails to meet required standards.

7. Nature of Service

The Operator provides a guided charter with surface supervision only
No in-water coaching, instruction, or training is provided during the charter
The Client is solely responsible for:
- Their diving practices
- Buddy procedures
- Equipment use

8. Skipper’s Authority

The skipper has absolute authority over:

Vessel operation
Safety decisions
Diving permissions
Continuation or termination of the charter

The skipper may end or modify the trip at any time for safety reasons.

9. Assumption of Risk

The Client acknowledges that spearfishing and freediving involve significant inherent risks, including:

Drowning, shallow water blackout, or hypoxia
Injury or death
Marine life hazards
Equipment failure
Environmental and weather risks

The Client voluntarily assumes all such risks.

10. Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law:

The Operator shall not be liable for:
- Injury, loss, or damage arising from participation
- Loss or damage to personal equipment
- Delays, cancellations, or changes due to conditions beyond control
Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for:
- Death or personal injury caused by negligence
- Any liability that cannot be excluded under UK law

11. Indemnity

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Operator against any claims, damages, or costs arising from:

Their actions or omissions
Breach of these Terms
Participation in the charter

12. Equipment

Clients are responsible for their own equipment unless hired
The Operator accepts no liability for:
- Equipment failure
- Loss or damage to personal gear

13. Insurance

A one-year spearfishing insurance policy may be included
The Client is responsible for:
- Reviewing policy terms
- Ensuring coverage meets their needs

The Operator accepts no responsibility for insurance limitations or claims.

14. Weather & Sea Conditions

All trips are subject to weather and sea conditions
The Operator may cancel, delay, or alter trips at any time
Decisions are final and made in the interest of safety

15. Conduct & Behaviour

The Operator reserves the right to terminate participation without refund if a Client:

Acts recklessly or unsafely
Fails to follow instructions
Is under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Poses a risk to themselves or others

16. Media Use

The Operator may capture photos or video for promotional use
Clients may opt out prior to the trip

17. Force Majeure

The Operator shall not be liable for failure to perform due to events beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

Weather
Mechanical failure
Government restrictions
Acts of God

18. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.

19. Acceptance

By booking a charter, the Client confirms that they:

Have read and understood these Terms & Conditions
Accept all risks associated with the activity
Agree to be bound by these Terms

20. Safety Briefing & Mandatory Pre-Trip Requirements

All Clients are required to complete a mandatory safety briefing prior to participation
This includes viewing pre-trip safety videos covering:
- Safe buddy diving procedures
- Safe speargun handling and use
By participating, the Client confirms they have:
- Watched and understood all safety materials
- Agreed to follow all procedures demonstrated

Failure to comply with these requirements may result in refusal to enter the water.

21. Compliance with Safety Procedures

All Clients must strictly adhere to:
- Buddy diving protocols
- Safe speargun handling practices
- Instructions given by the skipper or guide
The Operator provides supervision only, and all Clients are responsible for applying safe practices independently.
If, at any point, a Client:
- Fails to follow safety procedures
- Demonstrates unsafe behaviour
- Poses a risk to themselves or others

The Operator reserves the absolute right to:

Immediately remove the Client from the water
Restrict further participation
Terminate their involvement in the charter

No refunds will be issued in these circumstances.