Overview

Operator Code of Conduct Last Updated: August 2, 2022

Each Operator (“Operator”) of services, pervices, activities, tours, charters, excursions, venues, accommodations and ancillary services (“Services”) to WildVoice are required to comply with this Operator Code of Conduct for the duration of the Operator’s relationship with WildVoice. WildVoice may update this Operator Code of Conduct from time to time in WildVoice’ sole discretion and, in such event, WildVoice shall provide Operator with an updated copy of this Operator Code of Conduct.

General

In addition to the other obligations set forth herein, Operator is responsible for and shall:

• comply with all laws, rules, regulations and guidelines relating to Operator’s business, including without limitation fire safety, public health and personal security and maintain all required licenses, certifications, permits and other registrations required for the conduct of Operator’s business;
• ensure the safety of participants by implementing best industry standard safety and emergency practices and procedures and requiring that all risks and potential hazards of a Service are clearly advised to participants; all participants must be fully briefed and must sign appropriate acknowledgements and releases before any activities are commenced, and such briefings shall disclose and highlight any special risks or hazards posed by pre-existing medical conditions as well as highlight the level of physical fitness required to undertake an activity;
• ensure that all Services are provided to participants in accordance with best industry practices and standards and that all staff used by Operator are properly trained and possess the necessary licenses, certifications, skills and experience required to perform their position, including, if applicable, possessing first aid and lifesaving certifications.

WildVoice also requires Operator to comply with the ABTA Code of Conduct published and issued by ABTA, Ltd. at www.abta.com

Services and Operation of Operator’s Business

Boat Excursions, Watersports, Scuba Diving

If any part of the Service involves a boat excursion, watersports, or scuba diving, Operator will also ensure that:

• Operator has a valid current insurance policy for each of the vessels used and a general liability policy covering Operator’s operations.
• Each vessel is registered with the relevant authorities, including maximum number of passengers and crew, and is licensed to operate for the purpose of the Service.
• Boats and water sport equipment should be maintained in a seaworthy condition at all times to ensure that it would pass a safety inspection, which could take place at any time.
• Participants hold the required or appropriate certifications to participate in the activity and are not are not intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• For boats:
  • Checks on items such as emergency equipment are made before every trip
  • Radio and navigational equipment checks are made when a vessel leaves the port/mooring area
  • Records are kept of all checks that take place Evidence
  • Evidence is provided that routine vessel inspections e.g. servicing engines/equipment /lifeboats/life saving equipment, are being carried out
• Watersports are carried out in an appropriate area and all equipment must be in good condition and fit for purpose.
• Operator delivers an appropriate safety briefing to all participants at the start of the activity.
• Emergency procedures are documented and Operator staff is trained in emergency procedures.
• Where there are life boats/life rafts there are sufficient spaces to accommodate all passengers and crew, such that if one raft is lost or rendered unserviceable, there is still sufficient capacity in the remaining rafts.
• There are sufficient lifejackets on board for the total capacity of the boat including the crew and are of a type which has been tested and approved by a safety authority within the country.
• Lifejackets are stowed in positions where they are easily located, within a store and protected from the elements.
• There is a supply of distress flares and rockets, which are within their expiry date in accordance with local regulations.
• There is a ship to shore/ship to ship communication system i.e., radio/telephone. Ideally there should be two (although one will suffice) independent means of transmitting and receiving emergency radio messages and at least one crewmember should be trained how to use it.
• A Global Positioning System or other means of establishing the position of the vessel should be fitted and EPIRB (emergency position-indicating radio beacon) present if applicable.
• All staff should have valid lifesaving certification.

Transportation

If any part of a Service involves participants traveling by motorized vehicle, Operator shall also ensure that:

• Operator has a valid current motor vehicle insurance policy for each of the vehicles used and a general liability policy covering Operator’s operations.
• All operators of vehicles should have valid licenses for the category of vehicle that they are driving and all vehicles shall be registered as required under applicable law.
• Operators of vehicles are prohibited from using cell phones or other mobile devices while operating the vehicle.
• Records of maintenance checks are kept and show that each vehicle undergoes checks as required under local laws, rules and/or regulations.
• Drivers are trained in the following:
  • Emergency procedures
  • Fire prevention and first aid provision
  • Emergency procedures are documented and all drivers, and relevant office-based personnel, have been trained in and/or have access to documented emergency procedures. These procedures should detail action to be taken in the event of a vehicle breakdown, road traffic accident and other emergencies.

Motorized Vehicles

any part of the tour or activity involves a motorized vehicle such as a motor vehicle, ATVs, moped, quad bikes, or similar, the Operator shall also ensure that:

• Operator has a valid current motor vehicle insurance policy for each of the vehicles used and a general liability policy covering Operator’s operations.
• Participants driving the vehicle have valid licenses and/or permits as are required to operate the vehicle.
• Participants are not intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• Safety briefings are given to participants before each excursion.
• A vehicle operation briefing is given to participants before each excursion.
• Safety equipment should comply with applicable law and best industry standards, for example, helmets provided, seat belts, seats securely fixed in good condition and other safety measures as applicable.

Excursions with Animals and Wildlife

If any part of the Service involves viewing or otherwise interacting with animals, Operator will also ensure that:

• Operator has a valid current general liability insurance policy covering Operator’s operations.
• The animals do not have a prior history of injuring participants.
• All animals will be treated according to local law.
• The activity does not involve physical contact between participants and wild animals, whether the animals are in captivity or in their natural habitat.
  • Wild animals are defined as those that are not normally bred for domestic purposes.
  • Certain exceptions may include feeding animals in captivity, touch pools in aquariums, and participating in the essential care of endangered animals in a volunteer or educational setting.
  • Supervision or official oversight of these activities is required.

Venues

If any part of the Service requires the use of a venue, Operator shall also ensure that:

• Operator has a valid current general liability policy covering Operator’s operations.
• The premises has a valid fire certificate issued by the local fire authority.
• Operator regularly checks all equipment, including all fire extinguishers and equipment and all gas, electrical, sound, lighting, security and other equipment as required by local laws or regulations.
• Personnel are provided to control unauthorized access, to ensure that maximum occupation limits are not exceeded, assist in emergency evacuation procedures, and to deal with unruly behavior and general people management.
• Operator and the venue complies with all applicable laws regarding disabled persons and consideration should be given to the access in all areas for the disabled visitor.