Adventure Activity Risk Disclosure

RISK DISCLOSURE

Welcome to Dive! Tutukaka.

Nau mai, haere mai!

Whether you are joining us for a trip to the Twin Wrecks, or to the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, there is some important information we are required to share with you about your excursion.

Firstly, all our trips involve an element of time onboard one of our boats, and although our staff hold first aid qualifications, and all our vessels are equipped with first aid kits, oxygen, and a defibrillator, only limited medical treatment is available onboard if required. To help ensure your safety, please disclose any medical issues and follow all crew instructions.

We will always cancel trips if current or predicted weather conditions are unsuitable, but the ocean is rarely completely still, so please treat the boat like an unstable platform. Decks may be slippery when wet, and the vessel may make sudden movements; please take care while boarding, disembarking, and moving around, particularly if using the stairs.

All our boats adhere to rigorous Maritime New Zealand standards, but certain moving parts and heavy equipment can still present dangers. Crew will explain onboard safety procedures, including what to do if an emergency arises. Please pay attention to all signage, stay away from out-of-bounds areas, and do not interfere with crew activity e.g. anchoring, launching the tender.

Although all our vessels have covered areas where you can shelter from the elements, for most people the principal reason for joining one of our trips is to experience the natural beauty of this unique location. NZ is famous for its ‘four seasons in one day’, so please take precautions to manage your sun exposure, while also ensuing you have some warm, dry clothing available.

Once we arrive at our activity site for the day, you are encouraged to enjoy the marine environment, both on top of and below the surface.

Please note that this is an ocean environment, with water too deep to stand in. Your skipper will conduct a risk assessment before selecting a suitable site, but it is impossible to eliminate all hazards and risks from adventure activities. Current, surge, waves, rocks and/or white water may be present in the wider area, and water temperature varies during the year. Typical summer highs are 22 C, while winter temperatures can drop to 15C; for this reason, we provide a wide range of exposure suits for both adults and children. The Poor Knights Islands are a marine reserve, and you will be able to observe many different species of fish and other aquatic life but treat everything you encounter as wild and untamed. Potential serious harm can be caused by bites or stings.

The islands themselves are stunningly beautiful, and home to several species not commonly found on the mainland. They have been classified as a nature reserve for over 100 years, and landing on the islands without a permit is strictly prohibited. While on or below the water, please stay within the boundaries identified by the skipper, and do not climb onto any rocks, or enter caves, cracks or other areas noted by the crew. If conditions allow, your skipper will likely take the boat through one or more archways and enter a large sea cave as part of your time at the islands.

Unless you have booked a sole charter, you will be sharing your day with other customers. Please be kind and courteous to each other. If you are bringing your family, please remember that boats are not playgrounds, and that you are expected to actively supervise all children in your care at all times. Additionally, there may be other vessels enjoying the marine environment. During all water-based activity your crew will be maintaining a watch, and a dive flag will be displayed, but please ensure you also keep a look out for other boats, jet-skis or alike, as serious harm can be caused through impacts or by spinning propellers. Misusing activity equipment can be hazardous, so if you are using snorkelling gear for the first time or wish to try one of our kayaks or SUPs, please listen to the safety advice provided by the crew. If you are engaging in unguided scuba diving, please stay within the limits of your certification. If you are trying scuba diving for the first time, or joining us for a guided dive, your experienced dive guide will provide a specific safety briefing.