The Fanatic Freedivers is built on trust, safety, and mutual respect. These rules apply at every session, event, and interaction within the community.
Last updated: May 2025Safety rules are non-negotiable
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Never freedive alone — buddy system is mandatory at all times
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No hyperventilation before a dive under any circumstances
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Do not dive if unwell, tired, or after consuming alcohol or drugs
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Actively watch your buddy — passive observation is not enough
Never dive alone
The buddy system is non-negotiable. Every freediver must have a dedicated, attentive surface buddy at all times. Passively watching is not enough — your buddy must be actively watching and ready to respond.
Hyperventilation is forbidden
Deliberate hyperventilation before a dive suppresses the urge to breathe without reducing hypoxia risk, and is a leading cause of shallow water blackout. It is strictly prohibited.
Know your limits
Do not push beyond your training or current physical condition. If you feel unwell, fatigued, ill, or have consumed alcohol or drugs, you must not dive. No dive is worth your life.
Respect rescue protocols
All members are strongly encouraged to be trained in freediving rescue and CPR. During a session, designated surface safety must be maintained at all times when anyone is in the water.
Honest self-assessment
Be truthful about your certification level, current abilities, and health. Overstating your skills can endanger yourself and your buddy.
Treat everyone with respect
We welcome freedivers of all backgrounds, genders, nationalities, and ability levels. Harassment, discrimination, or exclusionary behaviour of any kind will not be tolerated.
Communicate openly
If you have concerns about another diver's safety or behaviour, raise them calmly and directly, or speak with a session organiser or administrator. Do not dismiss safety concerns.
Support newer divers
More experienced members are encouraged to mentor and support beginners. Share knowledge generously, but never pressure anyone to do more than they're comfortable with.
Respect personal boundaries
Physical contact beyond what is required for safety should always be consensual. Be mindful that everyone is at a different stage of their freediving journey.
Arrive prepared
Check your equipment before the session, be on time, and come rested and hydrated. Late arrivals disrupt the group and can compromise buddy pairings.
Follow the organiser's briefing
Session organisers set the plan for the day based on conditions, group size, and safety considerations. Follow their guidance, especially regarding maximum depths, rotation, and exit procedures.
Respect the dive site
Leave no trace. Do not disturb marine life, remove anything from the environment, or leave litter. We dive to appreciate the underwater world, not to damage it.
Carpool courtesy
If you offer a carpool seat, be reliable. If you book a seat and can no longer attend, let the driver know as early as possible so they can adjust.
Be honest
All information you provide — certification, personal details, session reports — must be accurate. Misrepresentation undermines trust and endangers the community.
Keep community content positive
Dive reports and session discussions should be constructive and community-focused. Criticism should be offered privately and respectfully, not publicly.
WhatsApp group etiquette
Session WhatsApp groups are for coordination. Keep messages relevant, be concise, and maintain the same respectful tone you would in person.
Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in a warning, temporary suspension from sessions, or permanent removal from the community, depending on severity and recurrence. The administration team makes these decisions and their judgement is final.
Report a concern confidentially
dive@fanaticfreedivers.nlDive safe. Dive with a buddy. Be kind. Respect the ocean. Look out for each other. That's what The Fanatic Freedivers is about.