Terms and Conditions

1.

Interpretation

1.1

In this Agreement:
The term “Program” means any expedition, project, course, trip, or other activity anywhere throughout the world, arranged by GVI from time to time; The term “Program Leaders” means the leader(s) on the allocated Program, to whom the Participant must report and whose rules the Participant must abide by; The term “Service” means the services, as set out in clause 2 below, to be provided by GVI to the Participant.

1.2

The headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and should not affect their interpretation.

2.

The Service Provided

2.1

GVI shall provide the Service described below to the Participant, subject to the terms of this Agreement.

2.2

GVI reserves the right to refuse to offer the Service to anyone for any reason.

2.3

The Service shall consist of: -

2.3.1

organising and setting up a Program and/or other course(s) as agreed upon between GVI and the Participant in writing;

2.3.2

arranging full pre-departure briefings through open days, GVI field representatives, online at GVI's website www.gvi.co.uk or on the telephone. A Program guidebook shall also be provided to Participants;

2.3.3

arranging suitable accommodation and food (where applicable) during the period of the Participant's involvement in the Program. GVI shall, in most cases, arrange for transfers to and from the airport in the chosen country. However, this cannot be guaranteed, and Participants may in some cases have to make their own arrangements. Details of whether transfers are included are set out in the Program guidebook;

2.3.4

arranging Program Leaders to lead and manage projects where required;

2.3.5

arranging the provision of Program equipment, training and training materials relevant to the Program, where applicable;

2.3.6

providing and maintaining a full international support structure and providing a 24 hour emergency phone line in the UK ; and

2.3.7

providing international travel assistance and advice, which may include passing your details onto our preferred flight provider for a no obligation quote.

3.

The Participant's Obligations

3.1

By participating in a GVI Program the Participant accepts that he / she will be subjected to various physical and emotional demands. Participants are aware and accept that the standard of living, including food, hygiene and accommodation in the relevant country may be below the general standards of their own country.

3.2

The Participant is responsible for his/her own travel arrangements, expenses and insurance during the Program. The Participant is obliged to secure travel and medical insurance to protect the Participant against losses caused by travel arrangement cancellation, loss or damage of baggage, non-refundable airfare and/or emergency medical expenses.

In the event that GVI advances any monies to or on behalf of the Participant, the Participant shall reimburse such monies to GVI immediately upon conclusion of the Program.

It is a condition of booking that all Participants have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the entire duration of their trip which extends to include manual conservation and volunteer work. If you are unable to provide documentary evidence of a valid insurance, your booking may be cancelled at the sole discretion of GVI without any refund.

3.5

The Participant represents and warrants that all information and records provided to GVI relating to the Participant, the Participant's medical history and the Participant’s medical statement are accurate and truthful and provide GVI with a clear indication of the Participant's state of health.

3.6

The Participant understands that he/she is under a duty to inform GVI in advance of the Program of any medication requirements, any allergies and any other physical or mental condition or limitation that might disable or render the Participant unable to perform or safely complete the Program.

3.7

The Participant is the best judge of his/her own condition and limitations, and the Participant acknowledges that it is incumbent on him/her to fully disclose the extent of any conditions or limitations.

3.8

The Participant represents, warrants and affirms that he/she has discussed this Program, its remote location, potential risks and physical and mental demands with his/her personal physician, and that the Participant is physically and emotionally fit and able to undertake this Program.

3.9

The Participant agrees to notify GVI of any physical and medical condition at least 4 weeks prior to departure and also of any changes in his/her physical and medical condition occurring after the Participant's signing of this Agreement.

3.10

GVI reserves the right to require documentation from a doctor or specialist verifying that the Participant is fit and able to undertake this program and GVI reserves the right to reject a booking on the grounds of the doctor's comments.

3.11

GVI shall not in any event be held liable for any consequence arising out of the Participant's failure to take advice or medication as prescribed by a medical practitioner both prior to departure and during the Program.

3.12

GVI reserves the right to reject applicants who require special medical care following due consideration.

3.13

The Participant acknowledges and agrees that GVI reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a Participant at any time, or to require a Participant to withdraw from a Program at any time if it is determined in a Program Leaders sole discretion that it is the best interest of the Participant's health and safety, and/or in the best interest of the Program in general.

3.14

The Participant agrees to take personal responsibility for insuring the Participant's own personal effects and GVI cannot be held liable for any loss or damage of personal effects.

3.15

The Participant is responsible for ensuring that he / she has a valid passport, any necessary visa, permits and vaccinations and has obtained and supplied all relevant valid documentation for the Program in terms of travel documents and medical documents.

3.16

GVI cannot be held responsible for a country's decision to refuse entry, exit or the right of passage (national and local laws governing immigration). All Participants must ensure that they contact the relevant Embassy to acquire the relevant Visa or Tourist Permit prior to commencing the Program.

3.17

The Participant shall comply with all relevant laws, regulations and customs of the countries visited during the Program. In the event of a contravention of these laws, the Program Leader or GVI shall have the right to require the Participant to leave the Program and no liability on the part of GVI shall arise whatsoever.

3.18

The Participant will at all times respect and follow local laws and culture of the host country and behave in a responsible and courteous manner. Each Participant has a duty of care to each other, to local people, to host country nationals participating in the Programs and to GVI. The Participants shall follow the reasonable instructions of the Program Leaders during the Program.

3.19

As representatives of GVI within the host country, the Participant must respect GVI's aims and objectives and not wilfully or recklessly seek to damage relations between GVI, the Program and/or the host country. The Participant must not misrepresent GVI in any way which would seek to undermine or damage relations between GVI and the host country.

3.20

The Participant shall at all times respect and follow the health and safety procedures as set out by GVI, the Program leaders and/or the representative in the host country.

3.21

The Participant acknowledges and agrees that GVI reserves the right to contact their Next Of Kin should staff deem it necessary.

3.22

The Participant acknowledges and agrees that GVI reserves the right to any photos and videos provided to them or taken by GVI Staff, during or after the program, for promotional purposes.

4.

Charges

4.1

Subject to any special terms agreed, the Participant must pay GVI's standard charge as explained in the Program "Costs and Dates” section as published on GVI's website www.gvi.co.uk. Please note that costs shown within any printed material are subject to change and as such all final payments shall be displayed on GVI's website. The published prices on GVI's website are valid for 30 days only and Participants are advised to check the site regularly for the most recent prices and up to date information. Once a Participant has confirmed their booking and paid the deposit, they shall pay the remaining sum which was the published price as at the time of booking.

4.2

The non-refundable deposit payment is due within 7 days of notice of acceptance onto the program. Deposits are currently £250.00 (US$500 / €315 / Aus$500) or £750 (US$1500 / €940 / Aus$1500) for Programs costing £3,500.00 (US$7,000 / €4,375 / Aus$7,000) or more, or for Programs with a duration of 120 days or more, unless otherwise agreed upon between GVI and the Participant in writing.

4.3

Each sales agent is an independent entity, responsible for sales on GVI's behalf in that region. As such the Participant must pay the advertised cost in the currency associated with their sales agent. Participants with no local sales agent should book through their nearest GVI office.

4.4

For Programs with a deposit of £250.00 or equivalent 50% of the balance will be due 16 weeks before departure and the outstanding balance must be paid by the Participant no later than 10 weeks prior to departure. For Programs with a deposit of £750 or equivalent 50% of the balance will be due 20 weeks before departure and the outstanding balance must be paid by the Participant no later than 12 weeks prior to departure.

4.5

Any sums paid shall become non-refundable at the payment deadline of their associated invoice. If, for any reason, the Participant does not meet these payment deadlines, then GVI reserves the right to offer the Participant's placement to someone else, without any refund to the Participant.

5.

Warranties, Liabilities and Assumption of Risk

5.1

GVI warrants to the Participant that the Service will be provided using reasonable care and skill and, as far as is reasonably possible, in accordance with the description of the Service.

5.2

Any information provided by GVI, including but not limited to information about visas, vaccinations, healthcare, climate, baggage, group sizes and special equipment is given in good faith for information and educational purposes only but without responsibility on the part of GVI.

5.3

Except in respect of death or personal injury caused by GVI's gross negligence, GVI's responsibility for any representation (unless fraudulent), or any other act or omission shall not exceed the amount of GVI's charges as set out in Clause 4.1 for the provision of the Service. Any liability by GVI and/or its employees and/or its agents is limited to the amount that will be paid out in such a case by the Tour Operators Combined Liability Insurance policy (the “Policies”) which have been concluded in the name of GVI. If no compensation is received from the Policies, then any and all liability whatsoever, including without limitation, claims grounded in negligence, is hereby limited to a maximum amount of £2,000.00.

5.4

In particular GVI shall have no responsibility for any activities undertaken by the Participant outside the scope of those directly relating to the Program. No warranty is given in respect of any activities outside the scope of those relating to the Program and it is the Participant's responsibility to ensure that any person or company offering any activities possesses the requisite care and skill. The term “outside of scope” as used in this clause shall mean any and all actions or activities undertaken by the Participant that were not pre-arranged or procured by GVI, its employees or agents.

5.5

The Participant understands that certain risks may arise, including, but not limited to, hazards of travelling in remote areas; travel by automobile, van, bus, aeroplane, boat, train or any other means of conveyance; the forces of nature; civil disturbances; national or international conflicts; terrorism; arbitrary itinerary changes made by foreign governments or vendors; dive related accidents, boat accidents; interacting with dangerous wildlife; personal injury or illness from the local environment; accident or illness in remote locations without immediate evacuation or medical facilities; or negligent acts of third parties. The Participant hereby asserts that he/she knows, understands and appreciates these and other risks inherent in the Program and asserts that his/her participation is completely voluntary and assumes all risk associated with the Program and will hold GVI and its agents and employees harmless from and indemnify them for any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including attorney’s fees, which may arise in connection with the Participant’s participation in this Program, any activities arranged by or for the Participant by GVI, its agents or employees, emergency medical care if considered essential by the most qualified in-situ personnel. The Participant further expressly agrees that the foregoing waiver and assumption of risks is intended to be as broad and inclusive as is permitted by applicable law and that if any portion thereof is held invalid, it is agreed that the balance shall, notwithstanding, continue in full legal force and effect. The terms of this agreement shall further extend to the Participant’s heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns.

5.6

The warranty contained in this section is the sole and exclusive warranty as to the Service provided hereunder, and shall supersede any express or implied warranties, in fact or law, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose and GVI will not be liable under any circumstances with respect to any subject matter of this agreement under any contract, negligence, tort, strict liability or other legal or equitable theory for any incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages (including, without limitation, loss of revenue or loss of profits or lost business), even if GVI has been advised of the possibility of such damages. Further, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this agreement, in no event will GVI’s cumulative liability to the Participant arising out of or relating to this agreement, whether based in contract, negligence, strict liability, tort or other legal or equitable theory exceed the total charges, as set out in clause 4.1, actually paid under this agreement.

6.

Complaints

6.1

If the Participant wishes to make a complaint in relation to the Program, he/she shall bring the complaint to the attention of the Program Leader or the representative in the host country, who shall use his/her reasonable efforts to resolve the complaint within a reasonable time.

6.2

If the Program Leader or the representative in the host country is unable to resolve a serious complaint, and the Participant leaves the Program before the completion date, the Participant shall provide the Program Leader or the representative in the host country with a written version of events prior to the Participant’s departure.

6.3

No compensation shall be given to the Participant, unless there are extreme circumstances, which shall be determined at the sole discretion of GVI. The Participant agrees that under no circumstances shall GVI be liable for damages or compensation arising from any claim related to the assessment of inconvenience, disappointment, discomfort or loss of enjoyment.

7.

Physical and Intellectual Property

7.1

All equipment and resources provided by GVI both prior to and throughout the duration of the Program (including teaching manuals) remain the property of GVI and must be returned on completion of the Program.

7.2

The Participant shall replace any property that is lost or damaged through his/her careless or otherwise negligent behaviour.

7.3

All research, data, reports, photographs and documentation relating to the Program and GVI projects provided by GVI, shall remain the property of GVI without compensation or further recourse to the Participant. GVI retains the rights over the use and dissemination of such materials for its commercial and promotional purposes, including, but not limited to, the posting of any photographs containing an image of the Participant while on the Program on its website, brochures, or other marketing, promotional or informational medium.

8.

Data Protection

8.1

It may be necessary for GVI to pass data about the Participant to countries outside of the European Economic Area (EEA) from time to time. The Participant hereby agrees that GVI may disclose his/her personal data, including any sensitive personal data such as relevant medical history, to the Program Leaders and any other representatives in the host countries.

8.2

From time to time GVI shares Participant contact information with other Participants and selected partners (such as insurance and flight providers) in order to enhance pre-departure support, allow direct communication between participants on similar programs and allow prospective Participants to communicate with former Participants. The Participant hereby agrees that GVI may disclose his/her contact information to other Participants, potential Participants and partners.

9.

Termination and Expulsion

9.1

GVI reserves the right to deny from participating in or otherwise to expel from the Program any Participant who is in breach of any term of this Agreement.

9.2

Without prejudice to the generality of clause 9.1 above the following will result in automatic expulsion :

9.2.1

Possession / taking / supplying of illegal or illicit substances. The question of whether the substances are illegal or illicit is to be governed by the jurisdiction of the state where the acts take place;

9.2.2

Displaying cruel, thoughtless or rude behaviour or committing acts which could injure or harm a member of the Program (including a staff member), or any other person;

9.2.3

Disobeying GVI's, the Program Leader's or the representative in the host country's instructions in relation to health and safety;

9.2.4

Committing an act or displaying behaviour which could jeopardise future GVI Programs within the host country or lead to the souring of relations between GVI and the host communities or country; and

9.2.5

Breaking local laws. Please note this list is not exhaustive.

9.3

Expulsion will be carried out by the Program Leader at GVI's own discretion and is not subject to appeal.

9.4

In all such cases the Participant will not be entitled to any reimbursement from GVI, nor will GVI be responsible for any additional costs incurred by the Participant as a result of expulsion.

10

Currency of Agreement and Cancellation

10.1

For Programs with a deposit of £250.00 or equivalent the Participant will be entitled to cancel this Agreement at any time up until 16 weeks before departure. For Programs with a deposit of £750 or equivalent , the Participant will be entitled to cancel this Agreement at any time up until 20 weeks before departure. In the event of timely cancellation, the Participant shall not be entitled to a refund of the deposit, but will be entitled to a refund of any other monies paid. In the event of cancellation after the deadlines above, the Participant shall not be entitled to a refund of any monies paid.

10.2

Transfers to different Programs, durations or dates will not be permitted following the first balance payment deadline.

10.3

GVI reserves the right to cancel or curtail the Program if, in its sole discretion, it believes that circumstances warrant it. This shall include cancellation because of Force Majeure (as described below). In the event of cancellation of the Program, the Participant shall be entitled to any monies paid less any irrecoverable expenditure on the part of GVI which has already been spent in relation to the preparation of the Program.

10.4

If GVI cancels the Program, the Participant will be entitled to a refund:

10.4.1

In the case of cancellation by GVI before departure, whether within or beyond GVI's control, the Participant shall be entitled to their deposit and any monies paid less £100.00 to cover GVI's costs, and less any other irrecoverable expenditure on the part of GVI which has already been spent. GVI shall not be held liable for any incidental expenses incurred by Participant as a result of any other arrangements that the Participant may have made; and

10.4.2

In the case of curtailment, the Participant shall be entitled to a reasonable proportion of the total charge from which any irrecoverable expenditure is deducted.

10.5

In all of the above cases where there is a cancellation, GVI's first recourse shall be to place the Participant on an alternative Program. GVI shall use reasonable efforts to match any alternative Program in accordance with the Participant's preferences.

10.6

In all of the above cases, either party shall give written notice to the other of cancellation, and any refund or alternative placement given to the Participant shall be considered to be in full and final settlement of all and any liability owed by GVI to the Participant.

11

Long-Term Course and Internship Specific Information

11.1

If students do not complete relevant ongoing assessments at or above the required pass mark they will not be offered a placement or continuation of their current placement (these assessments include but are not limited to FGASA, BUSHWISE, PADI and GVI assessments). These assessments are academic, practical, on general performance and behaviour all of which will be marked through continuous assessment and performance reviews.

11.2

If situations arise limiting placement opportunities available for Participants, due to changes in immigration regulations or general laws, both nationally and internationally, or for any other reason, then a refund of the remaining fee will be given under these circumstances only. If due to the issues above a limited number of placements are available at any time the highest performers will be given priority and Participants will be placed at the discretion of the Program Leaders.

12

Force Majeure

12.1

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, GVI shall not be deemed to be in breach of this Agreement or otherwise be liable for any delay in performance or non-performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement to the extent that the delay or non-performance is due to any circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to Acts of God, war, acts of terrorism, riot or civil commotion, fire, strike and government or other official intervention.

13

Family Volunteering and Groups Containing Under 18s.

13.1

If travelling with your legal guardian, they will be entering into this agreement on your behalf by completing their application.

13.2

If you are under 18 and travelling as part of a group that does not include your legal guardian, this document must be printed and signed by your legal guardian, who will be entering into the agreement on your behalf.

14

Under 18

14.1

If you will be under 18 at the time of travel, this form must be printed and signed by your legal guardian,

15

General

15.1

This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties and shall apply to all Programs and/or other courses provided by GVI and undertaken by the Participant. The invalidity or unenforceability of any particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions of this Agreement.

15.2

Any notice required or permitted to be given by one party to this Agreement to the other shall be in writing addressed to that other party: in the case of GVI, its registered office or principal place of business, in the Participant's case to the Participant's address as stated in this Agreement or being given to the Participant in person or by delivery to the Participant's last known place of residence outside the jurisdiction of the UK.

15.3

No waiver by either party of any breach of contract by the other shall be considered as constituting the waiver of any subsequent breach of contract or any other provision of this Agreement.

15.4

A person who is not a party to this Agreement has no rights under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any term of this Agreement but this does not affect any right or remedy of a third party which exists or is available apart from the Act.

15.5

English Law shall apply to this Agreement and the parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.