PRIVACY POLICY

Effective Date: January 2026

1. Introduction Sea of Competency ("we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy. We operate as a sole proprietorship based in Scotland. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you visit seaoc.co.uk, seaofcompetency.com, https://www.google.com/search?q=fernsmaritime.com, or use our services (including The Crew Network Discord server).

Data Controller: For the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR), the Data Controller is the Proprietor of Sea of Competency.

2. Information We Collect We collect minimal information necessary to provide tuition and career resources.

• Identity & Contact: Name, email address, and phone number (saved strictly for communication via WhatsApp/Phone).

• Payment Data: We do not store credit card details. Payment processing is handled by third parties (e.g., Stripe/PayPal/Bank Transfer).

• Video & Audio Recordings: We do not record sessions by default.

  • Consent: We only record video/audio of tuition sessions with your express verbal or written permission.

• Testimonials: We may collect your name, rank, and current company if you provide a testimonial or review.

3. How We Use Your Information We use your data strictly to deliver our services:

• Service Delivery: To schedule and conduct 1-on-1 tuition via Google Meet.

• Communication: To share study files via Google Drive or communicate regarding bookings via WhatsApp/Email.

• Tuition Materials (Anonymized): With your permission, we may use elements of recorded sessions to develop future study materials or promotional content. In such cases, all personal identifiers (names, specific vessel details) will be removed unless you have explicitly authorised us to use your identity.

• Testimonials: If you post a public review on external sites (e.g., LinkedIn, Trustpilot, Google), we may republish this on our website, including your name and company, to demonstrate our service quality.

4. Data Storage & "No-Database" Policy We do not harvest data and we do not maintain a commercial marketing database (CRM).

• Functional Storage Only: Your data is stored solely within the functional tools required to operate the business:

  • Email: Correspondence stored in our Gmail inbox.

  • Cloud: Study notes shared via Google Drive.

  • Phone: Numbers saved in a mobile contact list for WhatsApp communication.

• No Selling: We never sell, lease, or distribute your contact details to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Sharing Your Information We only share data with trusted third parties essential to our operations:

• Service Providers:

  • Google: Google Workspace (Email, Drive, Meet).

  • WhatsApp (Meta): For instant messaging communication.

• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law (e.g., to HMRC for tax audit purposes).

6. International Data Transfers Our primary service providers (Google, WhatsApp, Discord) are based outside the UK. Whenever we transfer your personal data out of the UK via these tools, we rely on their adherence to the UK-US Data Bridge or standard contractual clauses approved for use in the UK to ensure your data remains protected.

7. Data Retention We will only retain your personal information for as long as necessary.

• Communication: Emails and WhatsApp chats are retained for business continuity.

• Recordings: Tuition recordings are deleted upon student request.

• Financial Records: Invoices (containing your name/address) are retained for 6 years as required by UK Tax Law (HMRC).

8. Your Legal Rights Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

• Request access to your personal data.

• Request erasure of your personal data (e.g., "Delete my number from your phone").

• Withdraw Consent: You may revoke permission for us to use your testimonial or recording at any time.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at fernsmaritime@gmail.com.

9. Cookies We use essential cookies to ensure the website functions securely. We may use anonymous analytics cookies (Google Analytics) to monitor site traffic. You can disable cookies in your browser settings.

10. Contact & Complaints If you have any questions about this privacy policy, please contact:

• Email: fernsmaritime@gmail.com

• Address: Glasgow, UK

Right to Complain: You have the right to make a complaint at any time to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) (www.ico.org.uk). We would, however, appreciate the chance to deal with your concerns before you approach the ICO.