Terms and Conditions

About SORCE

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, “SORCE” means:

1. (a) Sustainable Oceanic Research Conservation and Education CIC, a Community Interest Company registered in England and Wales under company number 11363501; and
2. (b) PT Sustainable Oceanic Research Conservation and Education Indonesia, an entity registered in Indonesia, which together collaborate in the planning, administration, delivery and operation of SORCE expeditions, placements, courses, research activities and related services.

Depending on the nature of the booking, administration, invoicing, contracting, payment processing, and/or on-the-ground delivery may be carried out by either entity or by both entities in collaboration.

Participants are responsible for ensuring that they have read all information supplied directly by SORCE and published on the SORCE website before booking, and that they understand the nature of the Expedition, destination, inclusions, exclusions, likely conditions, and expectations of participation.

All descriptions of projects, itineraries, accommodation, activities, staffing, schedules, transport and facilities are provided in good faith as a guide only. Due to the nature of conservation expeditions and remote field operations, changes may occur before or during the Expedition.

By making an application for a SORCE Expedition, the Participant confirms that they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.

These Terms and Conditions and any dispute or claim arising out of them shall be governed by the laws of England and Wales, save that nothing in these Terms and Conditions shall deprive a consumer of any mandatory protections that apply under the law of their country of habitual residence where such protections cannot lawfully be excluded.

1. Placement / Expedition Fees

1.1 SORCE reserves the right to correct pricing errors and to amend published prices at any time before a booking is confirmed.

1.2 Where fees are quoted in one currency but costs are materially affected by exchange-rate movement, taxes, banking costs, or mandatory local charges before final payment is made, SORCE reserves the right to make a reasonable adjustment to the balance payable, provided that the Participant is notified before payment is due.

1.3 Once a booking is confirmed and the applicable payment has been received, the agreed Expedition fee will remain fixed except where changes are required by law, taxation, exchange control, banking costs, or other factors outside SORCE’s reasonable control and clearly communicated to the Participant.

2. Payment and Booking Terms

2.1 A non-refundable deposit of 20% of the Expedition fee is required within 7 days of acceptance of the Participant’s application, unless a different payment timetable is agreed in writing.

2.2 The balance of the Expedition fee must be paid no later than 10 weeks before the Expedition start date.

If full payment is not received by that date, SORCE may treat the booking as cancelled by the Participant and retain the deposit.

2.3 If the Expedition start date is less than 10 weeks from the date of booking, full payment is due within 7 days of acceptance of the application, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

2.4 SORCE may charge interest on overdue sums at a rate of 3% above the base rate of HSBC plc from the due date until payment is received in cleared funds.

2.5 Payment shall only be deemed received when cleared funds have been received into the bank account of either:

1. (a) Sustainable Oceanic Research Conservation and Education CIC; or
2. (b) PT Sustainable Oceanic Research Conservation and Education Indonesia; or into such other account as SORCE may notify in writing.

2.6 A booking is not confirmed until SORCE has issued written confirmation of acceptance.

2.7 Expedition fee inclusions and exclusions are set out in the applicable Expedition Guide or programme materials published by SORCE and form part of the booking contract.

3. Cancellation by the Participant

3.1 Any request to cancel a booking must be made in writing by email.

3.2 The booking deposit is non-refundable.

3.3 If a Participant cancels their booking, SORCE is not obliged to provide any cash refund of amounts paid.

3.4 Where a cancellation request is received in writing at least 30 days before the Expedition start date, SORCE may, at its sole discretion and subject to operational feasibility, consider one or more of the following:

1. (a) transfer to an alternative available Expedition date;
2. (b) credit toward a future Expedition;
3. (c) substitution of another eligible Participant nominated by the original Participant, subject to SORCE’s prior written approval.

3.5 A partial refund will only be considered in exceptional circumstances, at SORCE’s sole discretion, where:

1. (a) the request for cancellation is received in writing at least 10 weeks before the Expedition start date; and
2. (b) SORCE is able to mitigate its loss, including by filling the cancelled place.

3.6 No transfer, credit, substitution, postponement, or refund shall be offered where the Participant cancels less than 30 days before the Expedition start date, except where required by applicable law.

3.7 Once the Expedition has started, no refund, credit, transfer, postponement, or reimbursement shall be available in the event of cancellation, non-attendance, late arrival, missed activities, non-participation in part of the Expedition, or early departure, except where required by applicable law.

3.8 In deciding whether to offer any transfer, credit, substitution, or partial refund, SORCE may take into account the notice given, costs already incurred, accommodation and staffing commitments, project budgeting, third-party supplier commitments, whether the cancelled place can be rebooked, and whether the Participant had completed payment at the time of cancellation.

4. Date Changes / Deferrals

4.1 Requests to change Expedition dates must be made in writing by email at least 30 days before the original start date.

4.2 Date changes are not guaranteed and will be considered only at SORCE’s sole discretion, subject to availability, staffing, operational requirements, and any price differences applicable to the new date or programme.

4.3 Where SORCE agrees to a date change or deferral, the Participant must pay any difference between the original Expedition fee and the fee applicable to the new Expedition date or programme, including any increase resulting from updated prices, exchange-rate movement, taxes, banking costs, third-party supplier costs, or mandatory local charges.

4.4 Any additional amount due under clause 4.3 must be paid no later than 10 weeks before the new Expedition start date, or immediately if that date is less than 10 weeks away at the time the change is agreed.

4.5 SORCE may charge a reasonable administration fee for date changes, together with any additional third- party or operational costs resulting from the change.

4.6 Requests made within 30 days of the original start date may be treated by SORCE as a cancellation under clause 3.

4.7 Where SORCE agrees to defer a booking, the deferred booking must usually be taken within 12 months of the original start date unless otherwise agreed in writing.

4.8 A deferred booking has no cash value and is not redeemable for a refund unless required by law.

5. Cancellation or Significant Change by SORCE (other than Force Majeure)

5.1 If SORCE cancels an Expedition before the start date for reasons within SORCE’s control, SORCE may, at its option, offer:

1. (a) a transfer to an alternative Expedition of comparable value;
2. (b) a credit for future use; or
3. (c) a refund of sums paid for services not to be provided, where required by law or where SORCE elects to do so.

5.2 SORCE shall not be liable for flights, visas, insurance premiums, equipment purchases, loss of earnings, or any other consequential or incidental costs unless such liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

5.3 If, after commencement, SORCE is unable to continue part of the Expedition for reasons within its control, SORCE may provide a reasonable alternative, credit, or partial refund for the unprovided portion, as SORCE considers appropriate and subject to applicable law.

5.4 A provisional reservation does not guarantee a place. A place is only secured once the required payment has been received and written confirmation has been issued by SORCE.

5.5 Any refund made by SORCE may be paid to the original payment method where possible, or otherwise by bank transfer to an account nominated by the Participant.

6. Force Majeure / Events Outside SORCE’s Control

6.1 SORCE shall not be in breach of these Terms and Conditions, nor liable for delay, alteration, suspension, curtailment, or cancellation of an Expedition, where this results from an event beyond SORCE’s reasonable control.

6.2 Such events include, but are not limited to, war, threat of war, civil unrest, riot, terrorism or threat of terrorism, epidemic, pandemic, infectious disease outbreak, quarantine, natural disaster, severe weather, flooding, landslide, earthquake, fire, explosion, government action, regulatory restriction, border closure, transport disruption, fuel shortage, utility interruption, equipment loss or damage, marine conditions, or any other circumstance beyond SORCE’s reasonable control.

6.3 In such circumstances, SORCE may, at its discretion, alter the Expedition, suspend services, substitute activities, offer a transfer, offer credit, or terminate the booking. SORCE shall not be obliged to provide a cash refund except where required by law.

6.4 Where a Force Majeure event affects only part of the Expedition, SORCE may make reasonable substitutions or amendments without liability for compensation.

7. Acknowledgement of the Nature of the Expedition

7.1 The Participant acknowledges and accepts that the Expedition is designed primarily to support environmental, scientific, educational and community objectives and is not a traditional package holiday where timetables, itineraries and arrangements are clearly defined in advance. The Expedition may involve remote locations, changing field conditions, variable weather, marine conditions, operational constraints, safety-led alterations, and collaboration with local communities and partner organisations. Flexibility of expedition timetables, itineraries and arrangements should not only be anticipated but expected. In agreeing to join and participate in the Expedition, the Participant agrees to accept this flexibility and to be prepared for variation which may arise with little or no prior notice, and acknowledges the right of SORCE to make alterations and variations which shall not be regarded as a cancellation for the purposes of clause 5.

7.2 The Participant acknowledges that participation may involve inherent risks associated with travel, marine activities, scientific fieldwork, boat travel, remote environments, wildlife, weather, transport, physical activity, and developing-country field conditions. While SORCE takes reasonable steps to promote health and safety, risks cannot be eliminated entirely.

7.3 SORCE shall not be liable for disappointment, discomfort, inconvenience, or subjective dissatisfaction arising from the nature of the Expedition, provided that SORCE has delivered the services with reasonable care and skill and subject always to any rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

7.4 The Participant warrants that he/she has read the relevant SORCE Expedition Guide and agrees that it shall form part of any contract between SORCE and the Participant and that he/she will comply with all obligations referred to in those documents.

7.5 Due to the nature of the Expedition, the Participant acknowledges that SORCE may need to make certain alterations to the Expedition, itinerary, services, training, meals, accommodation and other arrangements.

SORCE may make such alterations as reasonably required at any time.

7.6 Where any alteration referred to in clause 7.5 significantly alters the content of the Expedition as originally described to the Participant:

1. (a) if the alteration is made prior to departure, SORCE shall notify the Participant as soon as reasonably practicable;
2. (b) if made after departure, SORCE shall notify the Participant as soon as reasonably practicable and may, where appropriate, offer a reasonable substitute service, transfer, credit, or such other remedy as may be required by law.

7.7 SORCE shall not be obliged to pay compensation or refund where diving, marine activities, species encounters, training opportunities, survey opportunities, or field activities are reduced, delayed, modified, or cancelled due to safety requirements, weather, sea state, operational needs, participant skill level, equipment issues, legal or regulatory requirements, or events outside SORCE’s reasonable control.

8. Accommodation and Transport

8.1 Due to the remote nature of the locations in which SORCE operates, standards of accommodation, utilities, internet connectivity, infrastructure, food service, and hygiene may differ significantly from those in a Participant’s home country. Accommodation may be simple and may change at short notice for operational, maintenance, weather, safety, or logistical reasons. Where reasonably possible, SORCE will provide alternative accommodation of a broadly similar standard.

8.2 Transport used during an Expedition may include SORCE-operated vehicles and vessels as well as local transport providers. Such transport may differ significantly from what Participants are accustomed to in their home countries. By joining the Expedition, Participants accept this and agree to comply with all safety instructions given by SORCE staff and transport operators.

9. Participation and Behaviour

9.1 The Participant acknowledges that the Expedition aims to obtain useful information and deliver meaningful conservation, scientific, educational or community outcomes and that therefore the Participant is expected to work under the supervision of expedition leaders and staff in a conscientious and cooperative manner.

9.2 The Participant agrees to fully abide by all reasonable rules, regulations and instructions issued by SORCE, including but not limited to those stated in the SORCE Code of Conduct and those given by expedition leaders, instructors, scientists, skippers and project staff.

9.3 The Participant agrees to abide by the authority of the expedition leader and to follow all reasonable instructions given in relation to conduct, safety, logistics, training and participation.

9.4 The Participant shall be responsible for any loss, damage, cost, claim, or liability suffered by SORCE or third parties arising from the Participant’s negligent, reckless, unlawful, or wilfully wrongful act or omission.

10. Code of Conduct

10.1 The SORCE Code of Conduct requires that all Participants and staff must:

• behave honestly and with integrity, act with care and due diligence and treat everyone with respect and courtesy, and without harassment, bullying or discrimination;
• comply with the SORCE Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy where applicable and comply with any lawful and reasonable direction given by SORCE or project staff;
• maintain appropriate confidentiality in dealings with staff, Participants, partners, and representatives of SORCE, and in regard to any information shared in the course of work with SORCE or its partners;
• disclose to SORCE management any involvement, formal or informal, with any other professional, charitable, research or non-governmental organisation whilst participating in or working with SORCE, and take reasonable steps to avoid any conflict of interest, real or apparent;
• not provide false or misleading information in an application or during participation with SORCE;
• use provided resources in a proper manner and not make improper use of information gained whilst working with SORCE or a SORCE partner;
• not misuse duties, status, power or authority in order to gain or seek to gain a benefit or advantage for themselves or for any other person;
• behave at all times in a way that upholds the SORCE values, integrity and good name of SORCE and its partner organisations, and not behave in any manner that may bring the SORCE name into disrepute;
• comply with all rules of any SORCE partner organisation they work with as part of their role with SORCE;
• pay for any damage they may cause to facilities, accommodation, boats, vehicles, equipment or other property of SORCE or its partners;
• respect the culture of the country in which they are based, refrain from engaging in religious or political preaching, proselytising, or demonstrating, and respect locally acceptable standards of dress code and public personal conduct;
• respect all local laws and regulations of the country in which they are based;
• comply with the SORCE Dive Standards Policy and Procedure, all dive safety rules, water safety instructions, training standards and marine activity briefings issued by SORCE, its instructors, divemasters, skippers, scientists and partner staff;
• not engage in harassment, intimidation, unwanted sexual behaviour, discriminatory conduct, or behaviour that compromises the safety, dignity or wellbeing of others.

10.2 Gross misconduct shall include, but not be limited to:

1. (a) physical violence;
2. (b) excessive alcohol consumption where it impacts safety, conduct, project operations or the wellbeing of others;
3. (c) drug abuse;
4. (d) deliberate damage to property;
5. (e) theft or fraud;
6. (f) negligence causing serious consequences for SORCE or partner organisations;
7. (g) breaking the laws of the country in which the Participant is based whilst working with or for SORCE, even if it is not an offence in the Participant’s country of origin;
8. (h) serious breaches of safeguarding, safety or conduct instructions.

11. Participant Dismissal

11.1 If a Participant commits gross misconduct, acts unlawfully, behaves abusively or unsafely, seriously breaches the Code of Conduct, refuses to follow reasonable safety instructions, or otherwise poses a risk to themselves, other participants, staff, partners, or the project, SORCE may remove that Participant from the Expedition with immediate effect. In such circumstances no refund, compensation, or reimbursement shall be due.

12. Flights, Visas and Vaccinations

12.1 Participants are solely responsible for arranging and paying for all required visas, permits, passports, transportation, transit permissions and travel documentation needed to reach and participate in the Expedition. Participants are solely responsible for ensuring that passports, visas, permits, vaccination records, dive certifications, and other travel documentation are valid and sufficient for all countries of travel, transit and participation. SORCE may provide general guidance in good faith, but such guidance is for information only and the Participant remains solely responsible for verifying current requirements with the relevant authorities.

12.2 SORCE will not be held liable for any Participant being refused access to any country, transport service, or activity due to failure by the Participant to obtain or carry the correct documentation.

12.3 SORCE will not be responsible for any extra costs incurred due to flight cancellations, delays, re-routing, missed connections, border issues, or visa-related issues.

12.4 Participants are solely responsible for obtaining the correct vaccinations and taking appropriate medical advice for the country and region where the Expedition is located, any countries through which travel is required in order to reach the Expedition site, and for any activities involving work with children and/or animals.

13. Health and Medical Consent

13.1 The Participant must submit any medical, fitness-to-dive, health declaration, and consent forms reasonably required by SORCE within the timeframes notified by SORCE before the Expedition start date.

The information provided must be correct and complete and must include details of all pre-existing medical conditions.

13.2 If, at any time after completing the required medical or health forms and before departure, the Participant’s medical condition changes, the Participant must notify SORCE immediately and provide full details of the relevant changes. If the Participant’s medical condition changes after departure, the Participant must notify SORCE immediately and provide full details.

13.3 SORCE reserves the right to refuse, restrict, or modify a Participant’s activities where, in SORCE’s reasonable opinion or in the opinion of a relevant medical or dive professional, participation would present an unacceptable risk.

13.4 The Participant agrees that SORCE staff may arrange necessary emergency medical or surgical treatment and may give consent on the Participant’s behalf if the Participant is unable to do so due to their medical condition or circumstances. SORCE shall not be liable for any medical or surgical treatment arranged or consented to under this clause.

13.5 It is each Participant’s responsibility to ensure that they are fully informed about any possible health risks associated with participation in a SORCE Expedition.

14. Insurance

14.1 Comprehensive travel and medical insurance is mandatory for all Participants unless SORCE confirms otherwise in writing. Such insurance must be valid for the destination, the full period of travel, and the nature of the Expedition activities.

14.2 Where applicable, insurance must include cover for scuba diving, marine activities, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, cancellation, curtailment, and repatriation.

14.3 Participants must provide documentary evidence of insurance cover if requested by SORCE.

14.4 If a Participant fails to obtain or provide evidence of adequate insurance before departure or on arrival, SORCE may refuse participation, restrict activities, or cancel the booking without refund.

15. In-Country Safety

15.1 Participants are responsible for monitoring official travel and safety advice issued by their own government and for deciding whether they are willing to travel.

15.2 Unless required by law, SORCE shall not be liable for refunds, compensation, or losses arising solely because a Participant chooses not to travel due to general travel concerns, geopolitical developments, or government travel advice, where the Expedition remains capable of operating.

16. Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection

16.1 Where a placement or activity involves work with children or vulnerable adults, SORCE may require the Participant to provide a satisfactory background check or equivalent safeguarding documentation.

16.2 If a Participant fails or is unable to provide the required documentation, SORCE may cancel or restrict that Participant’s booking. Any refund in such circumstances shall be at SORCE’s discretion, unless otherwise required by law.

16.3 For further information, Participants should refer to the SORCE Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy.

17. Working with Children and Animals

17.1 SORCE only operates and partners with responsible organisations and with partners that align with its environmental, scientific, educational and community objectives.

17.2 At SORCE, long-term environmental and community objectives always come first and all Participants assist in achieving those objectives.

17.3 Activities vary depending upon the time that a Participant is present at the project but will always form part of the long-term objectives of the project.

17.4 SORCE does not partner with irresponsible projects that encourage improper contact with wild animals or use animals as photo opportunities for tourists.

17.5 SORCE does not partner with irresponsible children’s organisations and only works with organisations that align with its objectives and have appropriate safeguarding standards.

17.6 Participants must comply with all safeguarding, animal welfare, handling, observation-distance, photography and interaction rules notified by SORCE or its partners.

18. Diving and Swimming Requirements

18.1 If the Participant already holds a diving certificate or will obtain one before departure, he/she must submit a copy of it to SORCE before departure if requested.

18.2 If the Participant does not submit his/her diving certificate in accordance with clause 18.1, or if the Participant’s diving qualifications are, in the reasonable opinion of SORCE, of a lower standard than stated in the Participant’s application form, SORCE may require additional scuba training at the Participant’s expense.

18.3 If the Participant does not have a diving certificate and will not acquire one before departure, or where clause 18.2 applies, the Participant may be required to take part in scuba training organised by SORCE whilst on the Expedition. The Participant may not take part in diving activities until he/she has successfully obtained the required standard of qualification.

18.4 Participants must pass any on-site swimming test or water safety assessment required by SORCE before taking part in any diving or in-water activities.

18.5 All qualified divers joining an Expedition may be required to undertake a review dive to demonstrate dive skills, buoyancy control, confidence, awareness and safety.

18.6 Qualified divers will not be allowed to take part in survey, conservation, research or other expedition diving until they have passed any required review dive or safety assessment to the satisfaction of SORCE.

18.7 SORCE retains the right to refuse permission for a Participant to undertake survey dives, conservation dives, snorkelling, swimming, boating, or other water-based activities if they have not met the required safety, fitness, conduct, confidence, buoyancy, medical or competency standards.

18.8 All Participants undertaking any diving, snorkelling, swimming, boat-based, or other in-water activities with SORCE must comply at all times with the SORCE Dive Standards Policy and Procedure, together with any related safety briefings, operational protocols, and reasonable instructions issued by SORCE staff, instructors, divemasters, skippers, scientists, or partner staff.

19. Published Information

19.1 All information published by SORCE represents SORCE’s honest belief at the time of publication.

19.2 Every reasonable effort is made to ensure that descriptions are accurate, but SORCE does not guarantee that all information will remain unchanged and reserves the right to correct errors and make reasonable updates at any time.

19.3 Any information given by SORCE about visas, healthcare, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment and other matters is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of SORCE.

Participants remain responsible for verifying all such matters independently.

20. Compliance with Legal Requirements

20.1 The Participant agrees to comply with all legislation, visas, immigration, customs, marine, conservation, health and safety, and foreign exchange regulations of the countries visited or transited during the Expedition.

20.2 In the event of a contravention by the Participant of the laws or regulations of any country through which the Expedition travels or in which it is based, the expedition leader shall have the right to require the Participant to leave the Expedition, and SORCE may terminate the Participant’s involvement without refund.

20.3 If the Participant fails to comply with clause 20.1, SORCE shall have no liability for resulting losses except where such liability cannot lawfully be excluded.

21. Complaints Procedure

21.1 The nature of field expeditions in developing and remote locations means that occasionally things may not go as planned. SORCE and its in-country teams and partners will always do their best to mitigate adverse circumstances.

21.2 If a Participant has a complaint during the Expedition, they must notify SORCE staff as soon as reasonably possible so that SORCE has an opportunity to address the issue during the Expedition.

21.3 Failure to raise a complaint promptly may affect SORCE’s ability to investigate or resolve it.

21.4 Formal complaints should be submitted in writing in accordance with the SORCE Complaints Procedure.

22. Donations

22.1 By confirming that you wish to make a donation, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions in relation to that donation.

22.2 SORCE will use donations at its discretion but within its stated environmental, scientific, educational and community objectives. A donation will only be used for a specific purpose if agreed by both parties in writing beforehand.

22.3 Contact SORCE for any donation refund request within 14 days of making the donation and SORCE will consider the request in accordance with applicable law and its internal donation procedures.

22.4 When you set up a regular donation you are scheduling a series of donations to be made on the day of the month that you choose until further notice. These Terms and Conditions apply to each donation in that series.

22.5 By confirming that you wish to proceed with a regular donation you authorise the relevant payment service provider to request funds from your payment card, bank account or PayPal account on the agreed date.

22.6 To cancel a regular donation please contact SORCE or your own bank or payment provider.

22.7 SORCE reserves the right to amend donation payment terms at any time. These donation terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales and are subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

23. Financial Transparency

23.1 SORCE is committed to transparency in how funds are used to support its environmental, educational, research and operational objectives.

23.2 Financial records are maintained in accordance with the legal and accounting requirements applicable to the relevant SORCE entity.

23.3 Where accounts are publicly filed or published, links may be made available on the SORCE website.

23.4 Unless expressly agreed otherwise in writing, payments made by Participants are not held on trust and are applied at SORCE’s discretion toward the delivery of Expeditions, project operations, staffing, logistics, facilities, conservation activity, administration, and related organisational purposes consistent with SORCE’s stated objectives.

23.5 SORCE does not provide individual tracing or ring-fencing of participant fees or general donations unless specifically agreed in writing in advance.

24. Media and Photography

24.1 SORCE and its partners may photograph, film, or otherwise record Expeditions for operational, safeguarding, training, research, documentary, educational and promotional purposes.

24.2 By participating, the Participant agrees that images or recordings in which they incidentally appear may be used by SORCE unless the Participant notifies SORCE in writing before the Expedition that they object to such use.

24.3 SORCE will use reasonable efforts to respect such requests but cannot guarantee exclusion from all group, candid or background imagery.

25. Data Sharing for Operational Purposes

25.1 The Participant agrees that SORCE may share personal data with its related entities, insurers, accommodation providers, transport providers, instructors, medical providers, partner organisations, safeguarding leads and authorities where reasonably necessary for booking administration, expedition delivery, safety, safeguarding, legal compliance or emergency response.

25.2 Any such data sharing shall be undertaken in accordance with SORCE’s Privacy Policy and applicable data protection law.

26. Privacy

26.1 If you would like to read our Privacy Policy, please visit the SORCE website or request a copy in writing or by email.

27. Data, Intellectual Property and Publication

27.1 All data, datasets, field records, survey records, metadata, photographs, video, audio, maps, coordinates, logs, training materials, project materials, analyses, reports, draft manuscripts, and any other information or materials collected, generated, compiled, accessed, or provided during or in connection with a SORCE Expedition or project, whether collected by the Participant individually or jointly with others, shall remain the confidential information of SORCE and, to the extent capable of ownership, shall remain the property of SORCE or the relevant SORCE entity or partner that supplied it.

27.2 Participants may use such data or materials only for the specific project, thesis, placement, research task, educational purpose, or internal purpose expressly approved in writing by SORCE.

27.3 Participants must not copy, retain, remove, distribute, disclose, upload, share, licence, publish, present, sell, re-use, or otherwise exploit any such data or materials, in whole or in part, for any purpose not expressly authorised in writing by SORCE.

27.4 Participants must not publish, submit for publication, publicly present, deposit in a repository, include in a dissertation or thesis, or otherwise disseminate any work based on SORCE data or materials without SORCE’s prior written approval.

27.5 Where SORCE permits publication, presentation, dissertation submission, or other dissemination, authorship order, acknowledgements, institutional affiliation, data access, and publication conditions shall be determined by SORCE in consultation with the relevant supervisors, scientists, or partners. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, SORCE personnel shall be entitled to be included as authors where they have made a qualifying contribution, and SORCE may require designated SORCE personnel to be listed as lead, corresponding, or senior authors where appropriate to the project.

27.6 Participants must promptly return or permanently delete any SORCE data or materials on request and, where requested, confirm in writing that they have done so.

27.7 This clause shall continue to apply after the Participant’s Expedition or placement has ended.

28. General

28.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

28.2 These Terms and Conditions, together with the applicable Expedition Guide and any documents expressly incorporated by reference, form the entire agreement between SORCE and the Participant in relation to the booking.

28.3 No person other than SORCE and the Participant shall have any right to enforce these Terms except where expressly stated.

28.4 Any waiver by SORCE of a breach of these Terms and Conditions shall not be treated as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

28.5 SORCE may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time, but the version applicable to a Participant’s booking shall be the version in force at the date of booking unless a change is required by law.

Registered in England and Wales: 11363501. Version 3.0. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.