Last Updated: December 22, 2025
1. Introduction
Welcome to Scubair.org. We know reading legal text is about as exciting as a mask squeeze, but it is important. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our community members, divers, and citizen scientists. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your information.
For the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Controller is Scubair.org.
Contact Information:
If you have any questions about this policy, please contact us at:
2. Information We Collect
We collect different types of information to provide our dive planning and logging features. (We collect data, not just seashells).
A. Personal Data
When you register an account, we collect basic info so we know it's you and not a giant squid logging in:
- Identity Data: Name, username.
- Contact Data: Email address.
- Diving Credentials: Certification level, agency numbers, and diving experience.
B. Special Category Data (Sensitive Information)
Due to the nature of scuba diving as a hazardous activity, we may collect sensitive health information. We know this is personal, so we treat it with the utmost respect:
- Medical Data: Information relevant to your fitness to dive (e.g., medical self-declarations).
- Who sees this: Medical data is only disclosed to the people responsible for your safety and the safety of other divers (e.g., the Captain of the boat, Branch Diving Officer, your specific Instructor, or dive buddy).
- Why we collect this: We process this data solely for safety and risk management purposes. By providing this data, you give your explicit consent for us to store it securely.
C. Emergency Contact Information
We ask for an emergency contact. This is the person we call if things get a little too interesting.
Important: You must ensure that you have obtained permission from your emergency contact to share their details with us.
D. Technical Data
We automatically collect technical data when you use the site (IP address, browser type, etc.) to ensure the site runs as smooth as a well-serviced regulator.
3. How We Use Your Data
We use your data for the following specific purposes:
- Service Provision: To operate the dive logbook and planner.
- Safety: To display critical medical or emergency info to authorized users (like your Instructor or Dive Manager) to ensure safety during dive operations.
- Community & Science: To facilitate your contributions to citizen science projects.
- Communication: To send you important account updates (no spam, we promise).
4. Sharing Your Data
We do not sell your personal data. We are divers, not pirates. We only share data in the specific scenarios listed below:
A. Citizen Science (SeaSearch)
Scubair.org allows you to contribute to marine conservation databases, such as SeaSearch.
- User Control: Your dive data is only sent to scientific bodies when you explicitly choose to submit a report. We don't share your best dive sites automatically.
B. BSAC (British Sub-Aqua Club)
While Scubair.org supports BSAC training pathways:
- We do not automatically share your personal data with BSAC Headquarters.
- Your training progress is visible only to you and your specific club if you affiliate.
C. Service Providers (Data Processors)
We use trusted third-party providers to help run our technical infrastructure (hosting, analytics, maps). They are contractually bound to keep your data secure.
5. Children's Privacy
Scubair.org welcomes aspiring divers, but safety is our priority.
- Under 16s: Users under the age of 16 may only use this website under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
- If we learn that we have collected personal data from a child under 16 without verification of parental consent, we will delete that information immediately.
6. Cookies
Sadly, these aren't the chocolate kind suitable for a surface interval.
- Essential Cookies: Necessary for the site to function (e.g., keeping you logged in).
- Analytics Cookies: Helps us see which pages and dive buddies are the most popular.
You can control cookies through your browser settings, though some features of the logbook may not function correctly without them.
7. Data Security
We keep your data watertight. We implement appropriate security measures (like SSL encryption) to prevent your personal data from being accidentally lost or accessed. Access to your medical data is restricted strictly to necessary functionality.
8. Your Legal Rights (UK GDPR)
Under the UK Data Protection Act and GDPR, you have rights including:
- Right of Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
- Right to Erasure: Request that we delete your data (the "Right to be Forgotten").
- Right to Rectification: Request that we correct incomplete or inaccurate data.
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Where we rely on consent to process your data (e.g., medical info), you may withdraw this consent at any time.
Consequence of Withdrawal:
If you decide to exercise your Right to Erasure or Withdraw Consent, we'll be very sad to see you go! However, because Scubair relies on your data to safely plan dives and track certifications, we won't be able to provide the service to you anymore. Your account will be closed once your request is processed.
To exercise any of these rights, please email:
Scubair - Ready when you are!