These terms govern your use of HelmScope’s hosted workspace, recorder connections, and related services. By using HelmScope, you agree to them.
01Who may use HelmScope
You must be at least 18 years old and able to form a binding agreement, or use HelmScope with the authorization of a parent, guardian, vessel owner, or organization that accepts these terms. If you use HelmScope for an organization, you represent that you can bind it to these terms.
02The service
HelmScope combines an onboard, local-first recorder with a hosted workspace for vessel records, trip capture and replay, telemetry, inventory, documents, fuel records, backup, and related features. Some recorder functions can continue locally without an internet connection; hosted synchronization and integrations require connectivity and correct configuration.
03Not a navigation or safety system
HelmScope is a supplemental recordkeeping and organizational tool. It is not a primary navigation system, official chart, weather-warning service, collision-avoidance system, emergency system, or substitute for required maintenance and safety equipment.
Maps, positions, AIS targets, weather, telemetry, recorder status, and derived analyses can be delayed, incomplete, unavailable, or inaccurate. The skipper remains responsible for the vessel, lookout, navigation, compliance with applicable rules, and all safety decisions. Use current official charts and forecasts, approved onboard instruments, required equipment, and prudent seamanship.
04Accounts and security
Provide accurate account information, keep credentials and recorder setup codes confidential, and promptly report suspected unauthorized access. You are responsible for activity under your credentials and for giving access only to people authorized to view or manage the relevant vessel records.
05Your content
You retain ownership of vessel records, trip data, files, photos, notes, and other content you submit or synchronize. You grant HelmScope a limited, worldwide license to host, copy, process, transmit, and display that content only as needed to operate, secure, back up, restore, support, and improve the service or to follow your sharing instructions.
You are responsible for having the rights and permissions needed to upload content, including information about crew, guests, other vessels, or third parties.
06Sharing and location privacy
You are responsible for account memberships, invitations, links, and visibility settings you create. Shared trip data may reveal precise routes and sensitive locations. HelmScope does not guarantee automatic redaction of a home dock or marina. Review content and recipients before sharing, and remove access that is no longer appropriate.
07Third-party services and data
Optional integrations and external content—including Google Drive, OpenAI processing, map tiles, weather information, and hosting or storage providers—are governed by their own terms and policies. Their availability and accuracy are outside HelmScope’s control. Connecting an integration authorizes HelmScope to exchange the information needed for that feature until you disconnect it.
08Acceptable use
Do not use HelmScope to violate law or another person’s rights; access vessels, accounts, or data without authorization; interfere with or probe the service; distribute malware; defeat security or usage controls; misrepresent recorder or vessel information; or use the service in a way that creates unreasonable risk or load.
09Availability and changes
We may add, change, suspend, or discontinue features and may perform maintenance without guaranteeing uninterrupted service. Recorder hardware, onboard networks, third-party services, and connectivity can fail independently. We will try to avoid material disruption and preserve reasonable export paths, but specific features and integrations are not guaranteed to remain available.
10Backups and data loss
HelmScope may offer hosted or Google Drive backup features, but no backup is guaranteed to be complete or recoverable. You are responsible for maintaining independent copies of records you cannot replace and for periodically checking recorder synchronization and backup status.
11HelmScope property and feedback
HelmScope’s software, design, branding, and service content—excluding your content and third-party materials—are owned by the operator or its licensors and protected by applicable law. If you provide feedback, you permit us to use it without restriction or compensation, while we remain free to disregard it.
12Disclaimers
To the fullest extent permitted by law, HelmScope is provided “as is” and “as available,” without express or implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, noninfringement, availability, accuracy, or data preservation. Nothing in these terms excludes a warranty or right that cannot legally be excluded.
13Limitation of liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, HelmScope and its operator, contributors, and providers will not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, exemplary, or punitive damages; loss of data, revenue, opportunity, or use; or losses arising from navigation, weather, telemetry, equipment, connectivity, or third-party services. Liability that cannot legally be limited remains unaffected.
14Responsibility for claims
To the extent permitted by law, you will defend and hold harmless the HelmScope operator from third-party claims arising from your unlawful use of the service, your content, or your violation of another person’s rights, except to the extent caused by the operator’s own wrongdoing.
15Suspension and termination
You may stop using HelmScope at any time. We may suspend or terminate access when reasonably necessary to protect the service or others, address nonpayment if paid service is introduced, comply with law, or respond to a material breach of these terms. Provisions that by their nature should survive termination—including ownership, disclaimers, and liability limits—will survive.
16Governing law
These terms are governed by the laws of the State of Washington, without regard to conflict-of-law rules. Courts located in King County, Washington will have exclusive jurisdiction, except where applicable consumer law requires otherwise. Before filing a claim, both sides should make a good-faith effort to resolve it informally.
17Changes and general terms
We may update these terms by posting a revised version and date. Material changes will receive additional notice when reasonably practical. If a provision is unenforceable, the rest remains effective. Failure to enforce a provision is not a waiver. You may not transfer these terms without consent; the operator may transfer them as part of a service or business reorganization.
18Contact
Contact the HelmScope operator, or the account owner or administrator who provided your access.