Safety

When meeting in person:

• Choose public locations
• Tell someone where you’re going
• Avoid isolated first meetings
• Bring your own transport when possible

Your safety comes before convenience.

Before departure, confirm:

• Safety equipment is onboard and accessible
• Lifejackets are available
• Emergency procedures are explained
• Radio and communication systems work
• The vessel appears seaworthy

Communicate Early and Clearly

• Speak up if something feels unsafe, unclear, or uncomfortable.
• Confirm instructions and expectations instead of making assumptions.
• Keep communication respectful, calm, and solution-focused.

Respect Roles and Authority

• Follow the skipper’s instructions regarding safety and vessel operations.
• Understand your responsibilities and perform them reliably and consistently.
• Speak up respectfully and promptly if a decision puts safety at risk.

Maintain Situational Awareness

• Stay alert during watches and duties.
• Avoid distractions when safety matters are involved.
• Be aware of changing weather, sea conditions, and crew fatigue.

Manage Fatigue and Wellbeing

• Get adequate rest whenever possible.
• Notify others if you are tired, unwell, injured, or not fit for duty.
• Look after your physical and mental wellbeing – it affects everyone on board.

Alcohol and Substance Awareness

• Clarify if there is alcohol and mind-altering substance use before boarding.
• Avoid alcohol or substances when on watch or performing safety-related tasks.
• Be mindful that impaired judgement at sea can put everyone at risk.

Respect Personal Boundaries

• Maintain professional and respectful behaviour at all times.
• Respect privacy, personal space, and cultural differences.
• Harassment, intimidation, or inappropriate behaviour should never be tolerated.

Handle Conflict Constructively

• Address issues early before they escalate.
• Focus on solving the problem rather than blaming individuals.
• If a situation feels unsafe or unmanageable, prioritise personal safety.

Know Emergency Procedures

• Familiarise yourself with safety equipment and emergency plans.
• Know the locations of lifejackets, radios, and emergency gear.
• Ask questions if procedures are unclear.

Take Shared Responsibility Seriously

• Safety at sea is a team effort.
• Look out for each other and offer support when needed.
• Small actions can prevent big problems.

Avoid blackmail and coercion

• Do not accept jobs without valid work permits or visas.
• Avoid early or pressured intimacy that could lead to manipulation or threats.
• If you feel pressured or unsafe, leave the situation immediately if possible.

In situations involving traumatic experiences, we do not ask for proof of the event itself. However, we do require supporting information to help establish the surrounding context. This may include, for example:

• Reports made to an authority (e.g. police, harbour master, medical professional)
• Travel records confirming dates and locations
• Exchanged communications (such as messages or emails)
• Transaction or booking records
• Contemporaneous notes or diary entries
• Statements from individuals who may not have witnessed the event but can confirm contact or circumstances at the relevant time

This information allows us to understand timelines and context without requiring individuals to relive or substantiate the traumatic event itself.

Our process is not to determine guilt, innocence, liability, or wrongdoing. Instead, we assess whether the information presented forms a coherent and verifiable account that can be objectively understood. This includes reviewing whether timelines, locations, and available details align in a manner that permits reasonable assessment.

We are a platform provider, not an investigative authority, facilitator, court, or enforcement body. Accordingly, our role is limited to applying our processes fairly, consistently, and based on available information.

We will cooperate with relevant authorities and may provide information that assists in the proper examination of allegations where appropriate.

However, we do not assume enforcement or judicial functions. We will not take matters into our own hands, nor will we publicly accuse, shame, or exclude individuals without procedural fairness, including a reasonable opportunity for response.

Our approach is designed to balance:

• Respect for individuals reporting serious concerns
• The need for objective, evidence-based review
• Fairness to all parties involved
• Appropriate referral of matters to competent authorities where necessary

This structured process ensures that concerns are handled responsibly, without speculation, public escalation, or actions beyond our role as a service provider.

Misconduct is not defined by age, gender, or position, and concerns should be assessed based on behaviour and evidence rather than assumptions or stereotypes.

A common allegation or perception is that older captains prey on younger female crew. While misconduct can occur in any setting and should always be taken seriously, it is important to recognise that responsibility on a vessel does not rest with the skipper alone. Many reported incidents involve interactions between crew members where neither party is the owner or the captain.

It is also the case that men can experience exploitation, coercion, or blackmail, including situations where an initially consensual personal interaction later leads to pressure for financial or other benefit.

Common Undisclosed Circumstances

A fair review requires understanding the full context, including circumstances that may not be immediately apparent at the time a report is made.

In some cases, important context is not initially disclosed when concerns are raised. These factors do not invalidate a report, but they can materially affect how a situation is understood and assessed:

• Accepting work arrangements without the required visas or work permits can create vulnerability. Individuals in an irregular legal position may feel unable to refuse demands, report concerns, or leave the vessel, which can expose them to coercion, including pressure for sexual or other personal favours.
• Personal relationships that developed voluntarily and later deteriorated.
• Personality conflicts or incompatibility escalating into allegations after a breakdown in cooperation.
• Failure to follow agreed onboard protocols, duties, or safety expectations.
• Prior disagreements between the parties not disclosed at the time of introduction.
• Reliance on assumptions rather than clearly agreed roles, boundaries, or conduct standards.
• Incidents occurring off-platform or after direct contact moved outside the service environment.
• ...
• ...

Common Allegations

• That the vessel owner or skipper is legally responsible for every interpersonal interaction on board.
• That failure of a personal arrangement constitutes misconduct rather than a private dispute.
• That incidents occurring off-platform fall within the jurisdiction of the platform operator.
• That a lack of immediate platform action implies acceptance of the alleged behaviour.

Common Misconceptions

• That a platform can guarantee the safety, conduct, or intentions of individual members.
• That personality conflicts, regret, or changed expectations are evidence of wrongdoing.
• That online profiles fully reflect real-world experience, compatibility, or conduct.
• That only one demographic group is vulnerable to harm. Risk exposure depends on circumstance, not identity.

Our responbility is to manage the platform in accordance with a structured and fair process. We do not assume powers or responsibilities that belong to law-enforcement authorities, courts, or other competent bodies.

• We will not investigate or act as a law-enforcement authority.
• We will not determine guilt, innocence, criminal or civil liability.
• We will not publish, promote, or amplify unverified claims.
• We will not engage with media in relation to individual allegations.
• We will not act on communications submitted anonymously.
• We will not act on reports by third parties who are not directly involved.
• We will not exclude members without an opportunity to respond.
• We will not substitute formal reporting to appropriate authorities.
• We will not adjudicate allegations that occur outside our platform or beyond credible evidence.

All parties are encouraged to refer concerns to the relevant competent authorities where appropriate.