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This waiver is required for all scuba and skin divers participating in REEF lionfish events that involve both in-water activities and handling venomous lionfish.

Please read carefully and agree to each paragraph before signing.

I Agree
I understand and agree that, in consideration of my being permitted to participate in this REEF Activity, neither Reef Environmental Education Foundation, Inc. (REEF), nor any of its employees, officers, members, agents, or assigns [hereinafter referred to as the Released Parties] may be held liable or responsible in any way for injury, illness, death, or other damages that may occur as a result of my participation in the REEF Activity, including but not limited to scuba diving, skin diving (AKA snorkeling), dive boat use, equipment use, other water sports activity, or any other activity relating to this REEF Activity [hereinafter referred to as Diving Activities]; or as a result of the negligence of any party, including the Released Parties, whether passive or active.

I Agree
I understand that the sole function of REEF and its employees, officers, and agents during the course of this REEF Activity is to provide instruction in and familiarization with marine life identification and use of marine life survey forms. Although REEF employees, officers, or agents may or may not be certified scuba instructors / divemasters, and will give freely of their marine life knowledge and experience, I understand that they are not acting in the capacity as scuba instructor / divemaster. I understand that REEF employees, officers, members, or agents do not lead and are not in any way responsibly or liable for any Diving Activities conducted during the course of this REEF Activity.

I Agree
I understand that REEF is independent of and has no ownership, as partner, joint venturer, owner, or otherwise, with any resort, hotel, carrier, dive center, boat operator, or other person or firm furnishing any travel-related or Scuba / SkinDiving Activity-related service, equipment, or facility in connection with this REEF Activity. I further understand that REEF assumes no liability or responsibility for any service, equipment, or facility furnished by any such resort, hotel, carrier, dive center, boat operator, or other person or firm either as to its availability, safety, quality, or condition nor for the acts or omissions of any employee or agent thereof.

I Agree
I understand that diving with compressed air involves certain inherent risks: decompression sickness, embolism, or other hyperbaric injuries can occur that require treatment in a recompression chamber. I further understand that the Scuba andSkinDiving Activities may be conducted at a site that is remote, by time or distance or both, from such a recompression chamber. I still choose to proceed with such Scuba and/or SkinDiving Activities in spite of the possible absence of a recompression chamber in proximity to the dive site.

I Agree
I declare that I am in good mental and physical fitness for Scuba and SkinDiving Activities and that I am not under the influence of alcohol or any other drug that is contraindicatory to Scuba and SkinDiving Activities. If I am taking medication / drugs, I declare that I have seen a physician and have approval to engage in Scuba and SkinDiving Activities while under the influence of the medication / drugs.

I Agree
I understand that Scuba and Skin Diving Activities are physically strenuous and that I will be exerting myself during this REEF Activity, and that if I am injured as a result of heart attack, panic, hyperventilation, etc., that I assume the risk of said injuries and that I will not hold the Released Parties responsible for same.

I Agree
I will inspect all of my equipment prior to all Diving Activities. I will not hold the Released Parties responsible for my failure to inspect my equipment prior to engaging in any Diving Activities.

I Agree
In consideration of being allowed to participate in this REEF Activity, I hereby personally assume all risks in connection with said REEF Activity, including, but not limited to, all Scuba and Skin Diving Activities, for any harm, injury, illness, or damage that may befall me while I am a participant, including all risks connected therewith, whether foreseen or unforeseen.

I Agree
I further save and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claim or lawsuit by me, my family, estate, heirs, or assigns that may arise out of my participation in this REEF Activity, including both claims that may arise during the REEF Activity or after I complete the REEF Activity.

I Agree
I further declare that I am of lawful age and both competent and qualified in law and equity to sign this Liability Release and Assumption of Risk, or that I have acquired the written consent of my parent or guardian.

I Agree
I understand that the terms herein are contractual and not a mere recital, and that I have signed this document of my own free act.

******

The second part of this waiver reviews lionfish biology and the potential risks associated with handling lionfish.

Overview 
Lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) are members of the scorpionfish family native to the Indo-Pacific. They are now also found in the waters throughout the Western Atlantic from Rhode Island through the Bahamas, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico. Lionfish are predators reaching a size of more than 470 mm and reproducing year-round in the southern portion of their Atlantic range. They also posses venomous spines and potentially represent both ecological and human health risks. Significant study, public education/outreach, and control efforts are now being planned and implemented throughout the region.

Need for specimens
In order to predict the spread and impact of this invasive species, data are needed to determine populations and distribution, age and growth, reproduction, predation, larval disbursement, recruitment, mortality, genetics and changes to native fish communities. Obtaining this information requires the collection of many samples and appropriate preservation of these samples. There is little funding and few field operations available to collect the number of samples required for statistically robust analysis. REEF is working with U.S. state, federal, and university researchers in addition to Caribbean nations to obtain the necessary samples as well as educate the public and key government officials about the lionfish issue. As part of this effort, we are also collaborating with the dive community to gather samples and data from their regularly dived sites.

Venomology
Lionfish spines, like those of many other scorpionfishes, contain venom. Spines located within the dorsal, ventral, and anal fins contain venomous tissue along the length of the spine. A sheath or skin covers the spine and glandular tissue which, when exposed in the act of puncture, releases venom into the wound. Severities and reactions to stings can vary however lionfish stings are not known to bead lethal. Reactions to venom typically include localized, moderate to severe, pain and swelling, which normally subsides within hours and with first-aid treatment. Complications or increased severity of reactions could result from allergic reactions or severe punctures. Heat and time reduce the effect of this venom. As with any wound, cleaning and sterilization of the affected area is important to prevent infection.

Participation
While the likelihood of coming in contact with a lionfish in the water or on the vessel is extremely small for those wanting to avoid contact, there never-the-less exists the possibility of being stung. No participants wishing to avoid collection, dissection or any other physical contact with lionfish will be asked to handle or in any other way physically engage themselves with any lionfish. All contact with lionfish, direct or otherwise, is voluntary in nature as is participation in this project, knowing the venomous nature of the subject.

I Agree
I understand these risks and am willing to take part in this project anyway. 

 

IN CONSIDERATION OF BEING PERMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS REEF ACTIVITY, IT IS MY INTENTION BY THIS INSTRUMENT TO EXEMPT AND RELEASE REEF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION, INC., AND ITS EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AND ASSIGNS FROM ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBLITY WHATSOEVER FOR PERSONAL INJURY, ILLNESS, PROPERTY DAMAGE, OR WRONGFUL DEATH, HOWEVER CAUSED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASED PARTIES, WHETHER PASSIVE OR ACTIVE.

I HAVE FULLY INFORMED MYSELF OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS LIABILITY RELEASE AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK BY READING IT BEFORE I SIGNED IT ON BEHALF OF MYSELF AND MY HEIRS. I INTEND AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THIS DOCUMENT.

December 22, 2024

First Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone*
First Participant's Age Acknowledgment*
First Participant's Date of Birth*
I certify that I am 18 years of age or older
First Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
First Participant's Signature*
Second Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Second Participant's Date of Birth*
Second Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Third Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Third Participant's Date of Birth*
Third Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Fourth Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Fourth Participant's Date of Birth*
Fourth Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Fifth Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Fifth Participant's Date of Birth*
Fifth Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Sixth Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Sixth Participant's Date of Birth*
Sixth Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Seventh Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Seventh Participant's Date of Birth*
Seventh Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Eighth Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Eighth Participant's Date of Birth*
Eighth Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Ninth Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Ninth Participant's Date of Birth*
Ninth Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Tenth Participant's Name

First Name*

Last Name*
Tenth Participant's Date of Birth*
Tenth Participant's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Participant's Address
Address Line 1:*
Street address, P.O. box, company name, c/o
Address Line 2:
Apartment, suite, unit, building, floor, etc.
Country:*
City:*
State/Province:*
Zip/Postal:*
Parent or Guardian's Email Address

Email*

Confirm Email*
Emergency Contact

First Name*

Last Name*

Emergency Contact's Phone Number*
REEF Event
In what REEF Event are you participating?*

What date is the event (or start date for multiple-day event). *

What is the end date of the event (multi-day events only).
REEF Member Information
Are you already a REEF member?*
Yes (please provide your member number below)
No (please join REEF at www.REEF.org/join)

What is your REEF member number? *
Parent(s) or court-appointed legal guardian(s) must sign for any participating minor (those under 18 years of age) and agree that they and the minor are subject to all the terms of this document, as set forth above.


By signing below the Parent or Court-Appointed Legal Guardian agrees that they are also subject to all the terms of this document, as set forth above.
Parent or Guardian's Name

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone*
Parent or Guardian's Age Acknowledgment*
Parent or Guardian's Date of Birth*
I certify that I am 18 years of age or older
Parent or Guardian's Diving Certification Information
I HEREBY DECLARE THAT I AM A CERTIFIED SCUBA DIVER, TRAINED IN SAFE DIVING PRACTICES, AND AM AWARE OF THE INHERENT HAZARDS OF SKIN AND SCUBA DIVING.*
Yes
No, I am not a certified scuba diver. However, I am aware of the inherent hazards of skin diving / snorkeling.

Diving Certification Details -- Agency, Number, Date, and Level (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Total # Dives (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Number of Dives in Last Year (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Date of Last Dive (mark n/a if not a scuba diver) *

Details of Dive Insurance (Provider and Policy Number) *
Do you consider yourself a... *
Very Experienced SCUBA Diver
Somewhat Experienced SCUBA Diver
New SCUBA Diver
Experienced Snorkeler
Inexperienced Snorkler
Parent or Guardian's Signature*
Electronic Signature Consent*
 By checking here, you are consenting to the use of your electronic signature in lieu of an original signature on paper. You have the right to request that you sign a paper copy instead. By checking here, you are waiving that right. After consent, you may, upon written request to us, obtain a paper copy of an electronic record. No fee will be charged for such copy and no special hardware or software is required to view it. Your agreement to use an electronic signature with us for any documents will continue until such time as you notify us in writing that you no longer wish to use an electronic signature. There is no penalty for withdrawing your consent. You should always make sure that we have a current email address in order to contact you regarding any changes, if necessary.


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