Virginia Code 28.2-1107: Warning required
A. Every marine tourism professional shall post and maintain signs that contain the warning notice specified in subsection B. The sign shall be placed in a clearly visible location at the entrance to and the site of the marine tourism activity. The warning notice shall consist of a sign in black letters, with each letter to be a minimum of one inch in height. Every written contract entered into by a marine tourism professional for the providing of professional services, instruction, or the rental of equipment to a participant, whether or not the contract involves marine tourism activities on or off the location or at the site of the marine tourism activity, shall contain in clearly readable print the warning notice specified in subsection B.
Terms Used In Virginia Code 28.2-1107
- Contract: A legal written agreement that becomes binding when signed.
- Inherent risks of a marine tourism activity: means those dangers or conditions that are an integral part of a marine tourism activity, including certain hazards, such as surface and subsurface conditions; natural conditions of water; natural behaviors and dangers of varied marine products; and ordinary dangers of boats, structures, or equipment ordinarily used in commercial fishing operations. See Virginia Code 28.2-1105
- Marine tourism activity: means any activity carried out by a marine tourism professional that allows members of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy marine activities related to the historic and contemporary culture, practice, and industry of commercial fishermen. See Virginia Code 28.2-1105
- Marine tourism professional: means any commercial fisherman, as defined in subsection D of § 28. See Virginia Code 28.2-1105
- Participant: means any person, other than a marine professional, who engages in marine tourism activities. See Virginia Code 28.2-1105
B. The signs and contracts described in subsection A shall contain the following notice of warning:
“WARNING: Under Virginia law, there is no liability for an injury to or death of a participant in a marine tourism activity if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of a marine tourism activity. Inherent risks of a marine tourism activity include, among others, risks of injury to property and the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that may contribute to your injury or death. You are assuming the risk of participating in this marine tourism activity.”
C. Failure to comply with the requirements concerning warning signs and notices provided in this section shall prevent a marine tourism professional from invoking the privileges of immunity provided by this chapter.
2009, c. 329.