Heli-fishing is a unique, memorable and an often-exciting experience but the thrill of fishing from rocks in otherwise hard to reach locations comes with some risk. In the interest of your own safety and those fishing with you, Heletranz asks that you please take a few moments to read this document that highlights some of the hazards that may be encountered on your heli-fishing experience.
Your pilot has considerable heli-fishing experience, is aware of likely hazards, is trained in first aid and the helicopter carries a first aid kit for minor injuries.
I accept that this activity inherently involves risks and hazards that could potentially result in harm or injury.
The risks and hazards include, but are not limited to
Uneven Surfaces
All rock surfaces are uneven especially around the water line. Plant material might hide holes that may result in a twisted ankle or create slip hazards resulting in falls.
Slippery Surfaces
Wet surfaces may be slippery and falls can result in cuts, abrasions or in worst case, broken limbs. Please take care when moving about.
Over Balance – especially when casting lines.
Please ensure that your feet are firmly planted and that you remain balance while casting.
Landing Fish
Retrieving and/or netting fish is possibly the most hazardous operation.
Slippery surfaces, over balance and unexpected wave motion can result in falling, falling related injuries or toppling into the water.
Fish Hooks
Hook injuries can occur during baiting, casting or while removing hooks from caught fist. If you become hooked, please call the pilot who is trained in hook extraction (if required) and first aid.
Remote Location
Heli-fishing is operated in remote New Zealand coastal locations and as such passengers may be 1 hour away from the nearest medical centre at any one time. Our staff members are trained in basic first aid.
Exposure to Weather / Fatigue / Dehydration
Our Helicopters can provide shelter from the elements, you will also need to take precautions to manage your sun exposure, and exposure to cold conditions, please bring warm, dry clothing as the weather can change quickly. We will always cancel trips if predicted weather conditions are unfavourable. We supply water to customers during the excursion. Please let your pilot know if you believe you are suffering from fatigue or dehydration during this excursion.
Allergens
We do not carry an Epipen for passengers to use. It is the individual’s responsibility to supply their own and medic themselves, in the event of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction. The pilot is to be notified immediately of any early signs to a reaction.
Loss of Personal Items
All personal items MUST be secured correctly by yourself if you decide to take it, during the excursion they can remain in the helicopter. It is at your own risk to bring any personal items on your tour.
Drowning
Fishing is a water based activity, including possible swell/waves, slippery surfaces & deep pools, and that with water, risks are increased that could result in drowning.
Emergencies
Should an emergency occur that is unable to be dealt with at the scene, the pilot is authorized to cancel the heli-fishing trip and evacuate the injured person to the closest medical care by the fastest means possible.
I am aware that participating in the activities offered by Heletranz can be hazardous if they are not conducted with care, control and responsibility. I acknowledge that these risks could result in my injury (physical or mental) or even death.
Medication/Health Conditions;
- I acknowledge that Heletranz staff are not trained medical professionals and cannot provide advice on whether certain medical conditions may pose additional risks for their activities. Many of Heletranz products include landings in remote areas without immediate access to urgent medical assistance, aside from first aid provided by trained Heletranz staff. In some cases, flights may land up to an hour away from the nearest main airport with access to paramedic assistance.
- I understand that it is my responsibility to evaluate this risk in relation to my health and seek a qualified medical opinion on whether it is suitable for me to participate in a Heletranz activity.
- I confirm I am physically fit and able to participate in the activities and I have not been advised otherwise by a qualified medical person.
- I consent to receive any first aid that may be deemed necessary by Heletranz staff in the event of injury, accident or illness while undertaking the activities.
Conditions of Participating in Activity;
- I agree to conduct this activity with care, and obey the rules set out by Heletranz and instructions given by the guide/pilot/staff (or a representative of Heletranz), at all times.
- I accept that if I do not adhere to the instructions and rules, or if I act dangerously, recklessly or in a way that might endanger myself or others, Heletranz may remove me from the activity. If this occurs, I acknowledge I will not receive a refund. This is necessary to ensure my safety and the safety of others.
- I accept that Heletranz reserves the right to cancel this activity if it becomes concerned for my safety, or the safety of another person.
- I agree to wear appropriate clothing and use/wear all safety clothing and equipment (as required by the Heletranz) at all times when participating.
Limited liability of Heletranz
I understand that if I act recklessly or intentionally, and don’t follow the rules or instructions set out by Heletranz and the pilot/guide/ground staff which I have been made aware of, to the extent permitted by law, Heletranz will not be held responsible for any injury, damage or loss I cause to myself/my property, or another person/their property, resulting from my action (or lack of action).
Liability of landowner
I agree that the owner(s) of the land on which the activity is conducted, to the extent permitted by law, will not be held responsible for any death, injury, misadventure, damage to or loss of property caused in whole or part by these activities.
Damage to property or equipment
In the event that I damage any of the clothing or equipment, or other property owned by Heletranz or a landowner, I agree to pay to Heletranz (or the landowner) all costs associated with repairing the damage.
Drugs/ Alcohol
I confirm I am not under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs (be they legal or illegal) which may in any way impair my ability to undertake the activity.
Marketing
I give Heletranz permission to send me emails and/or post relating to Heletranz events and promotions, as well as the right to use all photos and videos of me taken during the activity for promotional and social media purposes.
Insurance
I acknowledge that Heletranz strongly recommends that I have full insurance covering any personal injury and loss or damage to property that I might suffer, including medical treatment cover.
Participant Acceptance
- I agree that by purchasing this ticket and in undertaking the activities, I accept the risks and hazards associated with the activities and all other terms and conditions outlined in this Risk Disclosure Statement.
- I also confirm that all persons travelling with me on this ticket have been informed about the terms of this Risk Disclosure Statement and in undertaking the activities, have similarly agreed to accept that there are risks and hazards associated with the activities and to accept the terms of this Risk Disclosure Statement.
