LEGAL DISCLAIMER AND TERMS OF USE

1. General Information & Definitions The information provided on seaoc.co.uk, seaofcompetency.com, seaofcompetency.co.uk, and fernsmaritime.com (collectively "the Websites") is operated by Sea of Competency ("the Business", "we", "us").

By accessing these Websites, you agree to the terms below.

• "Customer/Student": Any individual purchasing products, tuition, or educational services from us.

• "Proprietor": The owner of Sea of Competency (Sole Trader).

• "Sub-Contractor": Any third-party engineer or tutor engaged to provide services.

2. Business Structure (Non-Limited Status) Sea of Competency operates as a sole proprietorship.

• Not a Recruitment Agency: SeaOC.co.uk operates solely as a conduit connecting job seekers and employers. We are not a registered recruitment agency. We do not engage in hiring processes, background checks, or contract negotiation.

• Sub-Contractors: Tutors and contributors are independent sub-contractors. They are individually responsible for their own tax affairs (IR35/NI/Pension). The Proprietor assumes no liability for the tax affairs of third parties.

3. Educational Purpose & Non-Operational Warning CRITICAL SAFETY NOTICE: Content on these Websites is for educational purposes only.

• No Affiliation: We maintain no affiliation with the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA). All MCA-related materials are for study purposes only.

• Not for Operational Use: Nothing here overrides a vessel’s Safety Management System (SMS) or manufacturer manuals. We accept no liability for operational incidents, machinery failure, or injury resulting from the use of our materials.

4. Strict Refund & Cancellation Policy By booking our services, you acknowledge that all transactions are final.

• Tuition: Payments for tuition and oral prep sessions are non-refundable, regardless of exam results.

• Scheduling: Time is scheduled in 1-hour increments. Unused time is non-refundable and non-transferable without explicit written authorization from the Proprietor.

• Cancellations: We reserve the right to reschedule bookings. Refunds in such rare instances are at the sole discretion of the Business.

5. The Crew Network & Discord Server We provide networking opportunities via "The Crew Network" and associated Discord servers.

• User-Generated Content: We do not guarantee the accuracy of information shared by other users on these platforms.

• Conduct: We strive to moderate these communities but cannot guarantee the absence of offensive material. You release Sea of Competency from any liability regarding disputes, scams, or interactions arising between users on our Discord or Job Board.

6. Limitation of Liability

• Exam Results: Students bear full responsibility for their academic achievements. We disclaim all liability for exam failure or unsuccessful CoC applications.

• Job Listings: We do not verify the authenticity of job postings or the credentials of job seekers. Users must exercise their own due diligence ("Buyer Beware").

• Technical Issues: We are not liable for business losses due to website downtime or technical faults.

7. External Links & Copyright

• Third-Party Sites: Links to external sites (e.g., manufacturers, regulators) are for convenience only. We do not endorse their content.

• Intellectual Property: All original content is the copyright of the Proprietor. Unauthorized reproduction or uploading to file-sharing sites is prohibited.

8. Business Information (UK Trading Disclosures)

• Trading Name: Sea of Competency

• Proprietor: Benjamin Ferns

• Business Address: Glasgow, UK

• Contact Email: ben@seaofcompetency.com

Last Updated: January 2026.

By using our websites and services, you agree to the terms of this disclaimer.

Updates: This disclaimer may be updated at any time. Changes will be posted on our website.