Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Boat Wizards ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our mobile application and services.

By using the Boat Wizards app, you agree to the collection and use of information in accordance with this policy.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Account Information: Name, email address, phone number, and user type (customer or expert)
• Boat Information: Details about your boat(s) for consultation purposes
• Expert Information: Professional qualifications, certifications, experience, and payment information (for experts)
• Profile Information: Profile photos, bio, and other information you choose to provide

2.2 Payment Information

Payment information is processed securely through Stripe, a PCI-compliant payment processor. We do not store your full credit card details on our servers. Stripe handles all payment data in accordance with their privacy policy: https://stripe.com/privacy

2.3 Usage Data

We automatically collect information about how you use our app, including:

• App usage statistics and analytics
• Session data and interaction logs
• Device information (device type, operating system, unique device identifiers)
• IP address and network information

2.4 Video and Audio Data

During video consultations:

• Video: Video content is transmitted in real-time through Agora's encrypted video service. Video content is not recorded or stored.
• Audio: Audio from video consultations may be recorded for quality assurance and dispute resolution purposes. Recordings are stored securely and accessed only when needed for customer support or legal compliance.

2.5 Device Tokens

We collect device tokens to send you push notifications about appointments, messages, and important updates.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Facilitate connections between boat owners and marine experts
• Process payments and manage subscriptions
• Send you notifications about appointments, messages, and account updates
• Improve our services and develop new features
• Provide customer support and respond to your inquiries
• Ensure platform security and prevent fraud
• Comply with legal obligations
• Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

4.1 Service Providers

We share necessary information with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our app:

• Firebase (Google): Data storage, authentication, and analytics. Privacy Policy: https://firebase.google.com/support/privacy
• Stripe: Payment processing. Privacy Policy: https://stripe.com/privacy
• Agora: Video call services. Privacy Policy: https://www.agora.io/en/privacy-policy/

4.2 User-to-Expert Sharing

We share necessary information between users and experts to facilitate consultations, including:

• User contact information and boat details (shared with experts)
• Expert profiles and qualifications (shared with users)
• Consultation history and messages

4.3 Legal Requirements

We may disclose your information if required by law or in response to valid legal requests, such as:

• Court orders or subpoenas
• Government investigations
• Protection of rights, property, or safety

4.4 Business Transfers

In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity.

4.5 We Do Not Sell Your Data

We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

5. Data Security

We implement industry-standard security measures to protect your information:

• Encryption: All data transmitted between your device and our servers is encrypted using HTTPS/TLS
• Video Encryption: Video calls are encrypted end-to-end through Agora's secure infrastructure
• Secure Storage: Data is stored on secure, encrypted servers managed by Firebase
• Access Controls: Limited access to personal information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular Security Audits: We regularly review and update our security practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. While we strive to protect your information, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Call Recording

By participating in video consultations, you consent to:

• Audio Recording: Audio from video consultations may be recorded for quality assurance and dispute resolution purposes
• Storage: Recordings are stored securely and accessed only when needed for customer support or legal compliance
• Video: Video content is not recorded or stored
• Purpose: Recordings are used solely for customer support, quality assurance, and legal compliance

7. Data Retention

We retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services. Specifically:

• Account Data: Retained while your account is active
• Consultation Records: Retained for customer support and record-keeping purposes
• Payment Records: Retained as required by law (typically 7 years)
• Audio Recordings: Retained for dispute resolution and quality assurance purposes

You may request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by contacting us at support@boatwizards.com.

8. Your Rights

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: Request access to your personal information
• Correction: Request correction of inaccurate information
• Deletion: Request deletion of your account and associated data
• Opt-Out: Opt-out of certain data collection or communications
• Data Portability: Request a copy of your data in a portable format

To exercise these rights, contact us at support@boatwizards.com.

9. Children's Privacy

Our app is not intended for children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe we have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us immediately, and we will delete such information.

If you are between 13 and 18 years old, you must have your parent's or guardian's permission to use our app.

10. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. These countries may have data protection laws that differ from those in your country.

For users in the European Union (EU), we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For users in California, we comply with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by:

• Posting the new Privacy Policy on this page
• Updating the "Last updated" date
• Sending you a notification through the app (for material changes)

Your continued use of the app after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.