Terms & Conditions

These Terms & Conditions govern loans of equipment from Equipment Library, operating in Victoria, Australia. By submitting a loan request you agree to these terms.

1. Eligibility

• You must be a verified member of an approved spearfishing or freediving organisation.
• Loans are at the sole discretion of the library administrator, who may approve or deny any request without giving reasons.
• You must provide accurate contact details, a residential address, emergency contact information, and proof of membership. Your profile address must match the address shown on your photo ID.

2. Equipment collection and identification

• You must present valid photo identification (for example, a driver licence or passport) when collecting loan equipment from the library.
• The library may take a copy of your photo ID at collection for its records and to verify your identity.
• The residential address on your profile must match the address on your photo ID. If they do not match, equipment will not be released until the discrepancy is resolved.

3. Loan period

• The default loan period is 3 days unless otherwise approved.
• Extended loans require a stated reason and explicit approval.
• Equipment loaned for overseas trips remains subject to these terms. You are responsible for safe transport, customs compliance, and timely return.

4. Holding deposit

• A holding deposit is required before equipment is released. The amount is calculated from the items approved for your loan (per-item deposit hold set by the library).
• Deposits are paid by cash in person or bank transfer only. Card payments are not accepted.
• An administrator will verify your deposit before equipment is released. Verification may take some time.
• If equipment is returned on time and in acceptable condition, your deposit is refunded.
• The deposit may be partially or fully retained for loss, theft, intentional damage, or failure to return equipment.

5. Late returns

• A grace period of 24 hours applies after the due date.
• After the grace period, late fees of $25.00 per day may apply and may be deducted from the deposit.
• Persistent failure to return equipment will be treated as non-return and may result in deposit capture and further action.

6. Condition and damage

• Normal wear from reasonable use is expected. Damage beyond normal wear, loss, or malicious damage may result in deposit retention up to replacement value.
• Replacement value for each item is recorded in the equipment catalogue.

7. Non-return and theft

If equipment is not returned by the agreed due date (including any approved extension) and reasonable attempts to recover it fail, the library reserves the right to:

• Capture the full holding deposit;
• Treat the non-return as theft or misappropriation under applicable Victorian and Australian law;
• Report the matter to Victoria Police and pursue recovery through civil and criminal channels.

This does not limit any other legal remedies available to the library.

8. Club loans

Where equipment is loaned on behalf of a club, the nominated club contact accepts joint responsibility for the equipment and compliance with these terms.

9. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia. The parties submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Victoria.

This document is provided for operational purposes and should be reviewed by a qualified solicitor before reliance in legal proceedings.