Privacy Policy

1) Scope

This Privacy Policy applies to information we collect:

• Through the Site and Services
• Through communications with you (email and support requests)
• Through cookies, pixels, and similar technologies described below

This Privacy Policy does not apply to third-party websites, apps, or services that we do not control.

2) Information We Collect

We collect information in three main ways: information you provide, information collected automatically, and information from third parties.

A) Information you provide to us

Depending on how you use the Services, you may provide:

• Account information: name, email address, username, password
• Course and identity information: date of birth (if required), state or jurisdiction selection, course progress, completion status, and certificate details
• Customer support information: messages you send to us and related details such as timestamps and your email address

B) Information collected automatically

When you use the Site, we may automatically collect:

• Device and usage data: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, language settings, pages viewed, time spent, clicks, and referring or exit pages
• Approximate location: inferred from IP address (not precise GPS)
• Cookies and similar technologies: described in Section 6

C) Information from third parties

We may receive limited information from:

• Stripe (payment processing): confirmation of payment success or failure, transaction identifiers, billing country or ZIP code, and other limited details needed for receipts, accounting, and fraud prevention. We do not receive or store full payment card numbers.
• Advertising and analytics providers: such as Google, which may provide aggregated or event-based data about ad interactions or site usage.

3) Information We Do Not Intentionally Collect

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information such as race, religion, political views, health information, biometric identifiers, genetic data, or union membership, unless required by law or explicitly requested for a specific purpose.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

4) A Special Note About Minors

The Site is not intended for children under 13.

If you believe a child under 13 has provided personal information without appropriate consent, contact us at info@certifiedboater.com and we will take appropriate steps to delete the information.

If a user is at least 13 but under the age of majority where they live, they should use the Site only with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.

5) How We Use Information

We use information to:

• Provide, operate, and maintain the Services
• Process payments, issue receipts, and prevent fraud
• Track course progress and completion
• Report course completion information to applicable state agencies or authorized partners, as required for certification or verification
• Provide customer support and respond to inquiries
• Send essential service communications (account notices, purchase confirmations, course-related messages, and policy updates)
• Improve the Site, course content, and user experience
• Measure advertising effectiveness and site performance
• Protect the security, integrity, and availability of the Services
• Comply with applicable laws and legal obligations

Marketing communications:

If you sign up for updates or if permitted by law, we may send marketing emails. You can opt out at any time using the unsubscribe link in those emails.

6) Cookies, Google Ads, and Similar Technologies

We use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to:

• Keep you logged in
• Remember preferences
• Understand site usage and improve performance
• Measure conversions and advertising effectiveness
• Deliver interest-based advertising, including ads served through Google Ads

Google and other advertising partners may use cookies or similar technologies to show ads based on your visits to this Site and other websites.

You can control or opt out of interest-based advertising by:

• Adjusting your browser settings
• Visiting Google Ad Settings
• Using opt-out tools provided by industry groups such as the Network Advertising Initiative or Digital Advertising Alliance

Blocking cookies may affect Site functionality.

Global Privacy Control (GPC):

If your browser supports Global Privacy Control, we process it in accordance with applicable law.

7) How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information in the ordinary sense of selling data for money. We share information only as described below.

A) Service providers

We share information with vendors who help us operate the Services, including hosting providers, payment processors, analytics providers, advertising platforms, security services, and customer support tools. These providers may access personal information only to perform services for us and must protect it.

B) State agencies and certification partners

Course completion information is reported for every student as required by applicable state or jurisdictional rules. Information shared may include your name, date of birth, course completion status, and certificate details. Final acceptance and requirements are determined by the applicable authority.

C) Legal and safety reasons

We may disclose information if we believe in good faith it is necessary to:

• Comply with law, regulation, subpoena, court order, or legal process
• Protect the rights, safety, and property of CertifiedBoater, our users, or others
• Investigate and prevent fraud, security incidents, or misuse

D) Business transfers

If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, financing, reorganization, or sale of assets, information may be transferred as part of that transaction. We will take reasonable steps to protect information and provide notice if required by law.

8) Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary to:

• Provide the Services
• Maintain course completion and certification records
• Comply with reporting obligations
• Support customers
• Meet accounting, audit, and legal requirements
• Prevent fraud and enforce our agreements

Some information may be retained after account closure if required by law or for legitimate business purposes.

9) Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and organizational safeguards designed to protect personal information. No system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

You are responsible for keeping your login credentials confidential. If you believe your account has been compromised, contact us immediately at info@certifiedboater.com

10) Your Privacy Rights

Depending on where you live, you may have rights to:

• Access the personal information we have about you
• Correct inaccurate information
• Request deletion of certain personal information
• Object to or restrict certain processing
• Opt out of certain data uses, including targeted advertising where applicable

To exercise your rights, contact us at info@certifiedboater.com

We may need to verify your identity before responding.

We may retain information necessary to provide the Services you purchased, comply with reporting obligations, meet legal requirements, and prevent fraud.

11) International Users

We are based in the United States. If you access the Site from outside the United States, you understand that your information may be processed in the United States, where data protection laws may differ from those in your location.

12) Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party websites or services. We are not responsible for third-party privacy practices. Review their policies before providing information.

13) Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will update the “Last Updated” date at the top. If we make material changes, we will provide notice as required by law.

14) Contact Us