Caves Coastal is a community forum for divers and snorkelers. This page explains what information we collect when you use the site, why we collect it, and how you can control it. We keep things straightforward and do not sell personal data.
Last updated: 15 January 2025
When you register for an account, post a dive report, or send us a message, we collect the details you provide. This includes your display name, email address, and any content you submit such as visibility logs, site conditions, or safety observations. If you contact us directly, we keep a record of your message and the contact details you include.
We also collect limited technical data automatically, such as your browser type, device information, and pages you visit. This helps us understand how the forum is used and keep the site running reliably.
We use cookies to remember your login session and preferences, such as your preferred dive site or notification settings. These are necessary for the forum to function properly. We do not use advertising cookies or third-party trackers for marketing purposes.
Our hosting provider and analytics tools may process aggregated usage data to help us improve the forum. This data does not identify you personally and is not shared with outside parties for their own use.
The information we collect is used to operate the forum, moderate discussions, and connect members with dive buddies or equipment swaps. Your email address is used only for account-related notices, such as password resets or replies to your posts. We do not send unsolicited marketing messages.
Dive reports and forum posts are visible to other members. Please avoid sharing personal contact details in public threads. If you need to arrange a dive, use the private messaging feature instead.
Your data is stored on secure servers managed by our hosting provider. We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. In limited cases, we may share data with service providers who help us run the site, such as email delivery or server maintenance. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and only process data on our behalf.
We may disclose information if required by law or to protect the safety of our members and the integrity of the forum.
You have the right to access the personal data we hold about you, request corrections, or ask for deletion of your account and associated content. You can also withdraw consent for any non-essential processing at any time. To exercise these rights, contact us using the details below and we will respond within a reasonable timeframe.
If you are located in the EU or California, applicable laws such as GDPR and CCPA provide additional protections. We honour these rights for all users regardless of location.
Caves Coastal does not make misleading claims, create fake urgency, or publish false endorsements. Dive reports reflect the personal observations of members and are not guarantees of conditions. Always assess your own skill level and check current weather and sea state before entering the water.
For privacy questions, data requests, or concerns about how your information is handled, reach out to us: