Legal

Code of Conduct

Last updated: 25 April 2026

Important Disclaimer — Independent Instructors

Instructors and coaches listed in the FAI directory are independent professionals. They are not employees, agents, or representatives of the Freediving Association of India. FAI does not supervise, control, or take responsibility for any instruction, guiding, dive session, course, or activity conducted by any instructor — whether or not they appear in the FAI directory or hold an FAI-affiliated certification.

FAI accepts no liability whatsoeverfor any injury, death, loss, damage, or other consequence arising from the actions, omissions, negligence, or misconduct of any instructor or third party. Participation in any freediving activity is solely at your own risk. Always verify an instructor's current certification status directly with the relevant certification agency before enrolling in any course.

1. Purpose

This Code of Conduct applies to all FAI members, athletes, community participants, and anyone interacting with FAI's online platforms, events, and activities. It exists to ensure the freediving community in India remains safe, inclusive, and respectful.

2. Safety First

› Never freedive alone. Always use the buddy system — one diver in the water, one watching from the surface.
› Never hyperventilate before a breath-hold dive. This suppresses the urge to breathe and is the primary cause of shallow-water blackout.
› Respect your limits. Do not attempt depths or breath-hold durations beyond your current training level.
› If you witness a blackout or distress, perform an immediate rescue. The safety of a fellow diver always takes priority.
› Do not freedive under the influence of alcohol, medications that impair judgment, or recreational drugs.

3. Respectful Community

› Treat all members with dignity regardless of skill level, gender, background, or certification agency.
› Do not harass, bully, or demean other members in any FAI space — online or in person.
› Do not spread misinformation about freediving safety. If you are unsure, refer people to certified instructors.
› Give credit when sharing others' photos, videos, or content.
› Constructive criticism is welcome. Personal attacks are not.

4. Environmental Responsibility

› Do not touch, harass, or collect marine life.
› Do not anchor on coral reefs.
› Use reef-safe sunscreen and minimise plastic waste at dive sites.
› Report illegal dumping, dynamite fishing, or coral damage to local authorities.

5. Instructor Standards

Instructors listed in the FAI directory agree to adhere to the following minimum standards. Failure to do so may result in removal from the directory. These standards do not create any employment, agency, or partnership relationship with FAI.

› Hold a valid, current freediving instructor certification from a recognised agency (Molchanovs, AIDA, SSI, PADI, or equivalent).
› Maintain appropriate first aid and rescue qualifications.
› Never conduct open-water dives without a safety lanyard system and surface support.
› Disclose any medical contraindications to students before course commencement.
› Maintain professional conduct with students at all times.

6. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law:

› FAI is not liable for any injury, death, property damage, or loss arising from freediving activities, whether organised by FAI, an affiliated instructor, or any third party.
› FAI makes no warranty that information on the Site is accurate, complete, or current. Freediving conditions, regulations, and best practices change; always consult a certified instructor.
› The FAI buddy finder, community leaderboard, and directory are provided as a convenience. FAI does not vet, endorse, or take responsibility for the conduct of any individual met through these features.
› Participation in FAI-affiliated events is at your own risk. FAI events follow applicable safety protocols but cannot guarantee freedom from injury.

7. Enforcement

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in removal from the FAI directory, suspension or termination of membership, and/or a ban from FAI events and platforms. Reports can be submitted to info@freedivingassociation.org. All reports are treated confidentially.

8. Changes

FAI reserves the right to update this Code of Conduct at any time. Continued participation in FAI platforms and events constitutes acceptance of the current version.