Voyages

Inspiration Voyages

Inspiration Voyage medical criteria

The ship operates around the New Zealand coast throughout the year and may sometimes be away from immediate medical support (the ship’s crew are fully trained in marine first aid). The 5 Day programme can at times be mentally and physically demanding with activities including sailing, swimming and some shore-based activities.

Applicants should:

• be mobile and able to negotiate stairs (with a little help required)
• have reasonable balance and hand capability to enable them to participate in sailing the ship
• be fairly robust and not easily prone to pressure sores
• be able to understand and respond quickly to safety instructions
• be able to stay focused on a job and be prepared to be a part of a team
• process and follow multiple instructions.

The voyage is not suitable for applicants:

• who require full time, one-on-one assistance
• who are epileptic, unless they have been off medication and free of seizures for two years
• who have incontinence problem of any degree, because of the close sleeping quarters, restricted toilet and shower areas, and a lack of laundry facilities
• who use a wheelchair, unless they are able to stand and walk a little (with assistance if necessary) and climb into a small toilet with a six-inch step.
  
  Note: this voyage is not suitable for young people who are mentally impaired.

If any of the above raise concerns or you would like to discuss private details, please call the Spirit office on 09-373 2060.

Inspiration Voyage Code of Conduct

Your Voyage should be a wonderful and memorable experience. To ensure safety and harmony for all on board we require the following standard of behaviour to be observed. You accept that Spirit of Adventure Trust reserves the right to remove you from the Ship should any of the below not be complied with. Note: as a result, any costs you incur will not be covered.

You will:

• Maintain a high standard of behaviour when travelling to or from the Ship – the consumption of alcohol or drug use by any participant when travelling to or from the Ship is strictly prohibited
• Upon joining the Ship, inform the Master of any changes of any details; and/or any medication that is not on my medical form held by SoAT
• Not bring or use alcohol, illegal drugs, cigarettes (including e-cigarettes, vaping) and weapons (such as knives) on board
• Comply with all instructions given by the Crew
• Respect the Crew and other participants - not use offensive language or threatening behaviour to anyone at any time – and agree to comply with the Trusts’ non-negotiable behaviours (verbal, physical or emotional)
• Not post any images, videos or comments on any social media site that may give a negative impression of the Spirit of Adventure Trust, Trust Crew or fellow participants.

Inspiration Voyage Terms & Conditions

Please note: Your Voyage application form (signed by you) states that you have read, understood and will comply with all the following details.

Photo / Video Consent

During your Voyage, photographic images and video footage may be taken of any of the activities or participants. Spirit of Adventure Trust, and their official partners, may use these by way of publication in print, online and general media and your consent is given. Please note this does not include general photos taken by other participants or the official group voyage photo (where applicable). If you are a participant under 16 years, we also require your parent(s)/guardian(s) permission.

Health, Fitness, Age and Medical Information

All participants must complete our confidential medical questionnaire in full. All medical issues and medications taken must be declared on the form and your chosen medical practitioner (or specialist) must confirm the information is correct by signing your medical form. All information is treated with total confidentiality. Please note that the Trust reserve the right to refuse a booking on the grounds of your medical information and a full refund will be provided. If you fail to declare a medical condition or medication that then results in you being refused boarding or being off-loaded from the Ship, the Trust will then determine what, if any, refund is provided. All participants must declare if they have been in contact with an infectious disease. Where required and if needed for medical advice on the participant, all participants give permission for Spirit of Adventure Trust to contact the GP/medical specialist who signed the participants’ medical forms,

Privacy Policy

The information we collect on your application, medical and other official forms is used to assess your suitability for the voyage and for organising and administering the operation of the Ship. The information is also used to send you further information about your voyage, any future Trust activities, and provide selected information back to our Scholarship Funders as requested by them (i.e. Ministry of Youth). Please note, all your information is treated in the strictness of confidence and held with the utmost care; we value your privacy and never give, lease, sell or otherwise disclose your personal information except as above, required by law or in the case of an emergency where you may need medical treatment.

Personal Items and Insurance

The Spirit of Adventure Trust cannot be held responsible for any damage to property or belongings taken aboard the vessel and we strongly advise you arrange your own insurance for these items. You may wish to label your belongings/clothing.

Alcohol and Smoking Policy

Spirit of Adventure Trust operates a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment. No smoking (including e-cigarettes or vaping) or drinking is permitted in our office or on the Ship throughout the entire voyage (anywhere on the Ship).

Voyage Safety

Participation will involve physical effort and exposure to greater than usual risk. The Trust attempts to minimise all risks by being a responsible and professional organisation with high standards of safety and discipline. This is especially so and managed very carefully for the Inspiration Voyage. The voyage contents and actual sailing schedule are planned around the abilities of all on board.

Participants must agree to abide by all instructions given to them by the Spirit Crew. There are statutory safety briefs given on board about Fire, Abandon Ship and Man Overboard amongst others. However, some immediate tips for you are:

• Sitting on the life rafts, stowed on deck, is forbidden – it can damage the white fibreglass casing and seals and let rainwater into the raft. This may cause rot, rust or otherwise prevent the raft from operating properly
• Sitting on the handrail is forbidden – it appears comfortable and convenient, however unexpected/ sudden movement of the Ship can cause you to overbalance and fall overboard
• Do not climb the rigging until you have had the appropriate safety briefing – you must be accompanied by a crew member and wear the correct safety harness - rigging is a place of work on a sailing vessel and you will have ample opportunity to explore this domain
• Red night lights are left on at all times for night vision
• Moving around the Ship can be a hazard if you are not used to it - move purposefully and carefully on stairs and do not swing on doors or overhead ledges
• Watch your head as ceilings are at different heights and be aware of all doors as some open from the inside without warning. All doors should be opened and closed or held ajar in your hand to prevent swinging/accidents.

Payment of Fees

• The Deposit for your Voyage MUST be submitted at the same time as your Application Form.
• The balance of monies owed MUST be paid 12 weeks prior to your Voyage (unless applying for a full funding scholarship).
• Please refer to your joining instructions.
• If parents or caregivers are eligible for Care Support, please enclose a signed Carer Support Form, for the 5 days care, from the paying agency.

Itinerary Changes

Spirit of Adventure Trust has the right to cancel, advance, postpone or substitute any scheduled sailing at any time – hence our recommendation to take out travel insurance.

Refunds/Cancellations/Bookings - applies to all individuals

• If you cancel your booking within 6 weeks of the Voyage, for any reason whatsoever (not including injury or illness as below*), your monies are not refundable. We endeavour to fill every berth on every Voyage so if we reallocate your Berth, we may make a refund but the refund given is at the discretion of the Trust, less a $200 administration fee.
• If you cancel your booking within 6 weeks of the Voyage due to your illness or injury* (medical certificate is required), firstly you will be offered another Voyage as an alternative to a refund.
• If you cancel your booking greater than 6 weeks before the Voyage your monies are refundable, less a $200 administration fee.
• If the Spirit of Adventure Trust cancels the voyage due for example to Ship mechanical faults, all payments less $200 administration fee will be refunded in full.
• If Voyage or weather conditions cause the Voyage to be cancelled or varied (during the sailing) a refund will not apply.

As noted on your application/booking form which you have signed, you and/or your parents or guardians agree to these terms and conditions and acknowledge you have read them. You are also agreeing:

• There are numerous risks inherent with the Voyage and you accept the potential risks to yourself/the Participant
• To comply with the safety standards and directions given to you at any time by the Crew
• That the Trust, its servants and agents (whether negligent or not) shall not be responsible for any injury, accident, loss, damage or expense suffered by you on a voyage.