Privacy Policy & Cookie Notice

1. Data Controller

International Association of Dive Professionals (IADP)
Non-profit association (ASBL / VZW)
Registered in Belgium

IADP acts as the data controller for all personal data processed through this website.

2. Personal Data We Collect

IADP follows a data minimisation principle. Only data that is necessary for legitimate nonprofit operations is collected.

Depending on your interaction with the site, this may include:

• Name and surname
• Email address
• Country or region (if provided)
• Professional role or affiliation (if voluntarily submitted)
• IP address and basic technical data (browser type, operating system)
• Content you voluntarily submit via contact forms or email

IADP does not intentionally collect special category (sensitive) personal data as defined under GDPR Article 9.

3. How Data Is Collected

Personal data may be collected through:

• Contact and inquiry forms
• Newsletter subscriptions
• Membership or affiliation applications (where applicable)
• Direct email communication
• Server logs and basic technical analytics

4. Legal Basis for Processing

Personal data is processed only where a lawful basis exists:

• Consent – when you explicitly provide information (e.g. subscribing to updates)
• Legitimate interest – nonprofit operations, communication, security, and site integrity
• Legal obligation – where processing is required by law
• Contractual necessity – where data is required to manage a membership or formal relationship

5. How We Use Personal Data

Personal data may be used for:

• Responding to inquiries and correspondence
• Managing nonprofit activities, projects, and governance
• Sending relevant organizational communications
• Ensuring website security and performance
• Fulfilling legal and regulatory obligations

IADP does not sell, rent, or trade personal data under any circumstances.

6. Data Sharing and Processors

Personal data may be processed by carefully selected service providers strictly for operational purposes, such as:

• Website hosting and infrastructure providers
• Email and newsletter distribution services
• Backup and security services

All processors act under contractual obligations and GDPR-compliant safeguards.

Data is not transferred outside the European Union unless adequate legal protections are in place.

7. Data Retention

Personal data is retained only as long as necessary:

• Communication data: for the duration required to respond or follow up
• Newsletter subscriptions: until you unsubscribe
• Governance or legal records: according to statutory retention requirements

Data no longer required is securely deleted or anonymised.

8. Cookies and Technical Data

8.1 Cookie Policy

The IADP website uses minimal and strictly necessary cookies to ensure proper operation, security, and performance.

IADP does not use cookies for advertising, profiling, or behavioural tracking.

Cookies in use may include:

• Essential cookies – required for core site functionality (sessions, security, form protection)
• Technical cookies – ensuring correct display and performance across devices
• Anonymous analytics cookies (if enabled) – aggregated, non-identifiable usage statistics

No cookies are used to personally identify visitors.

8.2 Consent

Because only essential and low-impact technical cookies are used, explicit opt-in consent is not required under GDPR and EU ePrivacy rules.

By continuing to use this website, you acknowledge the use of these limited cookies.

You may disable cookies via your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site functionality.

8.3 Third-Party Cookies

The IADP website does not intentionally deploy third-party advertising or tracking cookies.

If third-party services (such as embedded media or maps) are introduced in the future, they may set their own cookies. Such services will only be used where appropriate legal safeguards apply.

9. Your Rights Under GDPR

You have the right to:

• Access your personal data
• Rectify inaccurate or incomplete data
• Request deletion (right to be forgotten)
• Restrict or object to processing
• Withdraw consent at any time
• Request data portability

Requests may be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We respond within legally mandated timeframes.

You also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority.

10. Data Security

IADP applies appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data, including:

• Secure hosting infrastructure
• Access control and least-privilege policies
• Regular monitoring and backups
• Restricted internal access to personal data

While no system is entirely risk-free, IADP actively works to minimise exposure.

11. External Links

The website may contain links to third-party websites. IADP is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external sites.

12. Policy Updates

This policy may be updated to reflect legal, technical, or organisational changes. The last updated date indicates the current version.

Material changes will be communicated where appropriate.

13. Contact

For any questions regarding this Privacy Policy or data protection practices:

International Association of Dive Professionals (IADP)
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.