Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of terms

By accessing or using HotDocks (the "Platform"), operated by HotDocks ("we", "us" or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you use the Platform on behalf of a company or organisation, you confirm that you are authorised to bind that entity to these Terms.

If you do not agree with these Terms, you must not access or use the Platform.

2. Eligibility

HotDocks is a business-to-business platform intended for companies and professionals operating in the maritime industry. To use the Platform you must be at least 18 years old and able to enter into a legally binding contract.

Accounts are intended for business use. The Platform is not directed to consumers and should not be used for personal, family or household purposes.

3. Our role as a marketplace

HotDocks provides an online marketplace that connects shipowners and managers ("Buyers") with shipyards, workshops, repair contractors and parts suppliers ("Suppliers").

We are not a party to any contract, quotation, sale or service agreement formed between users. We do not perform repair services, sell parts, or act as an agent, broker or insurer for any user. We do not guarantee the quality, safety, legality, availability or delivery of any service, part or listing offered through the Platform.

4. Accounts and registration

You are responsible for providing accurate, current and complete information when you register, and for keeping it up to date. You are responsible for safeguarding your login credentials and for all activity that occurs under your account. Notify us promptly of any unauthorised use.

We may offer company verification. A "verified" status is an indicator based on information available to us; it is not a guarantee and does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by us.

5. Buyers, Suppliers and transactions

Buyers are responsible for describing their requirements accurately. Suppliers are responsible for the accuracy of their listings, quotations, capabilities and any representations they make.

Any transaction, negotiation, payment, delivery, warranty, performance and dispute is solely between the Buyer and the Supplier. You agree to deal with other users in good faith and, where your plan requires it, to keep initial contact and negotiation on the Platform.

6. Listings, RFQs and content

You retain ownership of the content you submit, including listings, requests for quotation (RFQs), messages and images ("User Content"). You grant us a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to host, store, reproduce, display and use your User Content as needed to operate, improve and promote the Platform.

You are solely responsible for your User Content and confirm that you have all rights necessary to submit it and that it does not infringe any third-party rights or violate any law. We may review, moderate or remove content that we believe violates these Terms or applicable law.

7. Fees, plans and billing

Access to certain features is offered through paid subscription plans as described on our pricing page. During the current open test period, the Platform is provided free of charge and all accounts are placed on the Pro plan. We will give reasonable notice before any charges begin.

When plans become chargeable, fees are billed in advance for the selected billing period. Plan changes may be prorated as shown at checkout. Fees are exclusive of taxes unless stated otherwise, and you are responsible for any applicable taxes.

8. Prohibited use

When using the Platform, you agree not to:

• interfere with, disrupt or attempt to gain unauthorised access to the Platform or its systems;
• scrape, harvest or bulk-export data, content or other users' information;
• circumvent identity, contact or messaging protections in order to solicit users off-platform in breach of your plan;
• post false, misleading, fraudulent, infringing or unlawful content;
• upload malware or engage in any activity that harms users or the Platform; or
• use the Platform for any unlawful purpose, including breaches of sanctions or export-control laws.

9. Intellectual property

The Platform, including its software, design, text, graphics, logos and trademarks (excluding User Content), is owned by or licensed to HotDocks and is protected by intellectual-property laws. Except as expressly permitted, you may not copy, modify, distribute, sell, lease or create derivative works from any part of the Platform.

10. Third-party links and services

The Platform may contain links to, or integrations with, third-party websites and services that we do not control. We are not responsible for the content, products, practices or policies of any third party, and your use of them is at your own risk and subject to their own terms.

11. Disclaimers

The Platform is provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.

We do not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, secure or error-free, or that any user, listing, quotation or piece of information is accurate, reliable, complete or suitable for your needs.

12. Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, HotDocks and its officers, employees and agents will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential or punitive damages, or for any loss of profits, revenue, data, goodwill or business, arising out of or in connection with your use of the Platform or any transaction between users.

To the maximum extent permitted by law, our total aggregate liability for any claim relating to the Platform will not exceed the total amount you paid to us in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless HotDocks and its officers, employees and agents from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising out of or related to your use of the Platform, your User Content, your transactions with other users, or your breach of these Terms.

14. Termination

You may stop using the Platform and close your account at any time. We may suspend or terminate your access, with or without notice, if you breach these Terms or if we believe your use may cause harm or legal risk to us or others.

Provisions that by their nature should survive termination will survive, including those relating to intellectual property, disclaimers, limitation of liability and indemnification.

15. Governing law and disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of [jurisdiction to be confirmed], without regard to its conflict-of-laws rules. The parties will first attempt to resolve any dispute in good faith. Any unresolved dispute will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [venue to be confirmed].

[This section is a placeholder to be finalised with legal counsel based on where HotDocks is incorporated and operates.]

16. Changes to these terms

We may modify, update or replace these Terms at any time, in our sole discretion, with or without prior notice. Where changes are material, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you through the Platform or by email; however, we are not obligated to provide advance notice of every change, and it is your responsibility to review these Terms periodically.

Any changes are effective when posted on the Platform, unless stated otherwise, and are reflected by an updated "Last updated" date. Your continued use of the Platform after changes take effect constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Platform.

17. Contact

If you have questions about these Terms, contact us at legal@hotdocks.com or through our contact page.