Forums Rules

DeeperBlue Forums – Community Rules & Guidelines

Last updated: 19th January, 2026

Welcome to the DeeperBlue Forums. These rules exist to keep the community informative, respectful, and safe for everyone — from new divers to seasoned professionals.

The forums are part of the wider DeeperBlue platform. By using them, you agree to follow these Rules as well as the DeeperBlue User Agreement.

1. Who These Rules Apply To

These Rules apply to all users of the DeeperBlue Forums, including registered members, moderators, and anyone posting, replying, or sending private messages.

The forums are intended for users aged 13 and over. If you are under 18, you must have permission from a parent or guardian.

2. Community Standards

DeeperBlue is a global diving community. We expect discussion to be respectful, constructive, inclusive, and focused on diving, freediving, and the underwater world.

Disagreement is welcome. Personal attacks, harassment, or hostile behaviour are not.

Be civil. Be helpful. Assume good intent.

3. Prohibited Content (Legal & Safety Rules)

You must not post, share, or link to content that is unlawful or harmful, including but not limited to:

• hate speech or discrimination
• threats, harassment, or intimidation
• incitement to violence or illegal activity
• sexually explicit or exploitative material
• content that promotes self-harm or suicide
• defamatory or knowingly false statements
• material that infringes copyright or intellectual property rights
• content that violates privacy or shares personal data without consent
• malware, phishing, or harmful code

Content that violates UK law may be removed immediately and, where appropriate, reported to relevant authorities.

4. Posting Content & Copyright

Please keep posts relevant and useful to the community.

Copyright and attribution:

• Do not copy full articles, books, or paid content
• Short quotations are allowed with proper attribution and a link to the original source
• You must own or have permission to share images, videos, or other media

If you believe content infringes copyright, please report it using the process outlined below.

5. Privacy & Personal Information

For your safety and the safety of others:

• Do not post private or personal information about yourself or others
• Do not share addresses, phone numbers, private messages, or login details
• Do not attempt to identify anonymous individuals

This includes information about forum members, industry professionals, and third parties.

6. Commercial Content, Spam & Self-Promotion

The forums are not an advertising platform.

• Spam, affiliate links, or unsolicited promotions are not allowed
• Self-promotion or commercial posts require prior permission
• Repeated promotional posting may result in account restrictions

Industry professionals are welcome, but transparency is expected.

7. Moderation & Enforcement

The forums are moderated to protect the community and comply with legal obligations.

Moderators may, at their discretion:

• edit or remove posts
• issue warnings
• restrict posting privileges
• suspend or permanently ban accounts

Moderation decisions are made in good faith, proportionately, and in line with these Rules and the DeeperBlue User Agreement.

Moderators are not required to provide advance notice before taking action.

8. Reporting Content & Safety Concerns

If you see content you believe is illegal, unsafe, or in breach of these Rules:

• use the forum’s reporting function, or
• contact us at hello@deeperblue.com

Reports are reviewed by moderators and appropriate action will be taken.

Misuse of reporting tools may itself result in moderation.

9. Appeals & Reviews

If you believe a moderation decision has been made in error, you may request a review by contacting hello@deeperblue.com.

All decisions are subject to internal review. Repeated or abusive challenges may be ignored.

10. Children & Age-Appropriate Content

The forums are not directed at children under 13.

Users should avoid posting content that is unsuitable for minors. Additional moderation may be applied in areas where younger users are likely to participate.

11. Relationship to DeeperBlue User Agreement

These Forum Rules form part of the DeeperBlue User Agreement and are incorporated by reference.

If there is any conflict between these Rules and the User Agreement, the User Agreement takes precedence.

12. Changes to These Rules

We may update these Rules from time to time to reflect changes in the community, technology, or legal requirements.

Continued use of the forums after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the updated Rules.

13. Final Note

The DeeperBlue Forums exist to support divers at every stage of their journey.

Dive safe. Respect others. Protect the ocean.