The activities undertaken by the UNSWOC are inherently dangerous and there is always a risk of serious injury and/or death. Activities are usually run by other members who usually have no professional qualifications!
Club members belong to the UNSW Sports association which provides comprehensive medical and accident insurance on club trips.
This is a no fault policy. This means that if you are injured, you do not need to prove that anyone was negligent in order to claim compensation. You merely need to prove that you were injured.
In order to protect trip leaders from lawsuits, it is a general rule that only club members may attend club trips.
Some leaders are willing to take non-members but keep in mind that they may be held personally responsible if something goes wrong and they are placing themselves at risk of being sued. To find out if a leader is willing to take tihs risk, you MUST contact them and let them know you are not a member and would like to attend. If they decide to let you come it will be AT YOUR OWN RISK. You may be required to sign a waiver.
If the trip leader declines to take non club members and you really want to come along, your only option is to join the UNSW Sports association. See the details on the "joining us" page.
Some trip leaders may require that you sign a waiver or risk warning prior to a trip. This may affect your ability to obtain compensation from them in the event of negligence. Make sure you read it carefully and ask them to explain the implications.
Note. The above does not constitute legal advice.