BS-AC Third Party/Public Liability Insurance

A Brief Description of the Cover

Third Party sometimes called "Public Liability" Insurance is in place for up to £10,000,000 for civil liability compensation awards for personal injury to Third Parties or Members of the Public or damage to their property as a result of negligence by any BS-AC Member.

The cover this year also includes up to £100,000 of Criminal Defence costs as a result of criminal action being taken against an insured for death or injury of a Third Party, damage or destruction to their property. The policy this year runs from 31/01/07 to 29/02/08 under Policy Number DMI/07/79428.

Who is covered by this policy?
All BS-AC members, the Committee of the BS-AC for the time being and BS-AC International Ltd.

When are they covered?
All BS-AC members are covered when engaged on, Club activities and when they are diving anywhere in the world. Excluding liability cover in the USA and Canada.

Does the insurance include the use of Nitrox, Rebreathers and Trimix?
Yes, where they are being used in accordance with BS-AC recommendations.

What happens when I am abroad and diving on holiday with other organisations at either a Dive Centre at a Hotel, or an Independent Dive School at Resort?
Your BS-AC member liability insurance still covers you but if you are going to engage in speciality diving that is outside of the BS-AC recommendations, please check with BS-AC Headquarters and their Insurance Advisors that the activity can be included in the member liability cover.

Can one BS-AC member claim personal injury or damage to property caused by another BS-AC member?
Yes, if it's as a result of negligence and results in a legal claim, this is called "Member to Member Liability" and is stated in the policy.

If I feel that I am responsible for an injury or damage to someone else's property and I may be held responsible, what should I do?
You must not admit any responsibility or liability at the time of the incident. Report the matter to BS-AC Headquarters and you will receive a response from HQ and/or their Legal Advisors telling you what the legal position is.

Are guests and visitors to our Club covered by this policy?
Yes, guests and visitors who are in the process of joining the club and who are receiving training, or visiting certified divers diving with your Branch, with a view to membership, are covered by this insurance for up to 7 visits in one 30 day period during the current policy year. Once they have joined your Branch and are members of the BS-AC they are covered like any other BS-AC member.

Does the 7 visit restriction for guests and visitors apply to Friends, Family or Members of the Public that we allow to swim in our pool during pools sessions?
No. Friends and family, or members of the public that you allow to swim in your pool during your pool sessions are covered by this insurance regardless of the number of visits they make. This insurance applies even if you charge them for the swimming sessions, so long as the proceeds are dispersed to your Branch funds.

Are we covered for arranging "Try Dives" for the public?
Yes, you are covered for arranging this activity along with Open Nights at your Branch and Club Social Events.

Does this insurance cover the Swimming Pool Management/Owners if they are sued because of our negligence?
Yes, this is called "Indemnity to Principals" and is stated in the policy. The cover also extends to any "Principal" who allows you to use their facilities, like Lake or Pit Owners, Schools and Colleges.

Will this insurance be acceptable to the Ministry of Defence if we use their facilities or are based inside a military establishment?
Yes, we have written agreement from the MOD that they accept the policy that is in place.

Will the BS-AC Liability Insurance pay claims if I am injured or lose or damage my diving equipment if no one is to blame?
No. The BS-AC's annual Liability insurance is not an "Accident", "Travel" or "Dive Equipment" Insurance. You should insure these risks yourself with an appropriate insurer.

If more information about this insurance is required please refer to BS-AC Headquarters or Dive Master Insurance Consultants Ltd. They can provide a more formal proof of insurance if necessary. This is only a brief description of the Annual Liability Insurance that is stated more specifically in the BS-AC's Master Insurance Policy, a copy of which can be obtained from BS-AC Headquarters upon request.

This insurance has been placed with Certain Underwriters at Lloyds by Dive Master Insurance Consultants Ltd. 

February 2007