1. Introduction

Deep Marine Mind (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our maritime recruitment platform (“Platform”).

By using our Platform, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information You Provide

For All Users:

• Name, email address, phone number
• Account credentials and security information
• Profile photos and professional images
• Communication preferences and settings

For Maritime Professionals (Candidates):

• Professional qualifications and certifications
• Work experience and sea time records
• Educational background and training
• Skills, competencies, and career objectives
• Availability and location preferences
• Identity documents and professional licenses
• CV/resume documents and attachments

For Recruiters:

• Company information and business registration details
• Contact details and role within organization
• Fleet information and vessel details
• Team member information and access permissions Job posting details and requirements

2.2 Information Automatically Collected

Usage Data:

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Pages visited, time spent, and navigation patterns
• Search queries and platform interactions
• Location data (if permitted)
• Session information and access logs

Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

• Essential cookies for platform functionality
• Analytics cookies for usage insights
• Preference cookies for personalized experience
• Marketing cookies for relevant content (with consent)

2.3 Information from Third Parties

• Social media profile information (when you choose to connect accounts)
• Professional network data (LinkedIn integration)
• Payment processor information for transaction processing
• Background verification data (where applicable and consented)

3. How We Use Your Information

3.1 Core Platform Services

• Account Management: Create and maintain user accounts, authenticate users
• Matching Services: Use AI algorithms to match candidates with job opportunities
• Communication: Facilitate messaging between recruiters and candidates Profile
• Management: Store and display professional profiles and credentials
• Job Board: Post positions and manage applications

3.2 AI-Powered Features

• Sea Buddy Assistant: Provide AI-powered career guidance and maritime information
• Smart Matching: Analyze profile data to suggest relevant opportunities
• Recommendations: Offer personalized job and candidate suggestions Content
• Personalization: Customize news and platform content

3.3 Business Operations

• Customer Support: Respond to inquiries and provide technical assistance
• Platform Improvement: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience
• Security: Detect and prevent fraud, abuse, and security threats
• Legal Compliance: Meet regulatory requirements and legal obligations

3.4 Marketing and Communications

• Service Updates: Notify users about platform changes and new features
• Job Alerts: Send relevant job notifications to candidates
• Industry News: Share maritime industry updates and insights
• Promotional Content: Provide information about platform features (with consent)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 With Other Platform Users

Candidate Profiles:

• Basic profile information visible to recruiters
• Detailed information available through paid access
• Contact information shared upon mutual interest
• Application history visible to relevant recruiters

Recruiter Information:

• Company profiles visible to candidates
• Job posting details and requirements
• Contact information for legitimate recruitment purposes

4.2 With Service Providers

We share information with trusted third-party service providers who assist with:

• Cloud hosting and data storage
• Payment processing and billing
• Email delivery and communications
• Analytics and platform monitoring
• Customer support services
• Background verification (where applicable)

4.3 Legal and Safety Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law or to:

• Comply with legal processes and court orders
• Protect our rights, property, or safety
• Investigate fraud or security incidents
• Enforce our Terms and Conditions
• Respond to government requests

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, user information may be transferred as part of the business transaction, subject to continued privacy protection.

5. Data Security

5.1 Security Measures

We implement comprehensive security measures including:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest
• Regular security assessments and audits
• Access controls and authentication systems
• Employee training on data protection
• Incident response and breach notification procedures

5.2 Data Retention

• Active Accounts: Information retained while account remains active
• Inactive Accounts: Data may be retained for up to 10 years after last activity
• Legal Requirements: Some data retained longer to meet regulatory obligations
• User Deletion: Account data deleted within 180 days of user request

6. International Data Transfers

As a global maritime platform, we may transfer information across borders to:

• Provide services to users worldwide
• Utilize international service providers
• Comply with local legal requirements

We ensure appropriate safeguards for international transfers through:

• Standard contractual clauses
• Adequacy decisions by relevant authorities
• Other legally recognized transfer mechanisms

7. Your Rights and Choices

7.1 Access and Control

You have the right to:

• Access: Request copies of your personal information
• Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Portability: Receive your data in a portable format
• Restriction: Limit certain processing of your information
• Objection: Object to processing based on legitimate interests

7.2 Communication Preferences

You can control:

• Email notification settings in your account preferences
• Marketing communication opt-outs
• Cookie preferences through browser settings
• Location data sharing permissions

7.3 Account Management

• Update profile information at any time
• Modify privacy settings and visibility preferences
• Download personal data through account settings
• Delete account and associated data permanently

8. Children’s Privacy

Our Platform is not designed for individuals under 18 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware of data collection from children, we will delete such information promptly.

9. Cookie Policy

9.1 Types of Cookies

Essential Cookies: Required for platform functionality

• User authentication and session management
• Security and fraud prevention
• Load balancing and performance

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand platform usage

• Page view tracking and user behaviour analysis
• Performance monitoring and optimization
• A/B testing for feature improvements

Preference Cookies: Remember your settings

• Language and location preferences
• Display settings and customizations
• Previously viewed content and searches

Marketing Cookies: Provide relevant content (with consent)

• Personalized job recommendations
• Targeted industry news and updates
• Platform feature promotions

9.2 Cookie Management

You can control cookies through:

• Browser settings and preferences
• Third-party opt-out tools
• Platform cookie preference center
• Industry opt-out services

10. Regional Privacy Rights

10.1 European Union (GDPR)

EU residents have additional rights including:

• Lawful basis for processing (consent, legitimate interest, etc.)
• Data Protection Officer contact information
• Right to lodge complaints with supervisory authorities
• Specific consent mechanisms for sensitive data

10.2 California (CCPA)

California residents have rights including:

• Right to know what personal information is collected
• Right to delete personal information
• Right to opt-out of sale of personal information
• Right to non-discrimination for exercising privacy rights

10.3 Other Jurisdictions

We comply with applicable privacy laws in all jurisdictions where we operate and will update this policy to reflect regional requirements.

11. Third-Party Links and Services

Our Platform may contain links to third-party websites, services, or applications. This Privacy Policy does not apply to such third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party services you use.

12. Privacy Policy Updates

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect:

• Changes in our data practices
• New features or services
• Legal or regulatory requirements
• Industry best practices

We will notify users of material changes through:

• Email notifications to registered users
• Prominent notices on the Platform
• Updated effective dates on this policy

13. Data Protection Officer

For privacy-related inquiries, you can contact our Data Protection Officer:

Email: privacy@deepmarinemind.com

14. Contact Information

For questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices:

Deep Marine Mind Privacy Team Email: privacy@deepmarinemind.com

15. Supervisory Authority

If you are located in the EU and believe we have not adequately addressed your privacy concerns, you have the right to lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority.