South African Yachties – Privacy Policy
1. Introduction
South African Yachties (“we”, “us”, “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (“POPIA”) and other applicable privacy laws.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, disclose, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, use our services, complete application forms, or communicate with us.
By using our website or engaging our services, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.
2. Who We Are
South African Yachties provides assistance and support services to individuals seeking employment in the superyacht industry, including:
- Visa application assistance
- Seaman’s Discharge Book application assistance
For privacy-related enquiries, please contact:
South African Yachties
Email: dilys@southafricanyachties.co.za
Email: ct.office@southafricanyachties.co.za
3. Information We Collect
We may collect the following categories of personal information:
Identity Information
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality
- Gender
- Passport information
- Identity number (where required)
Contact Information
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Residential address
- Emergency contact details
Employment and Yachting Information
- CV or resume
- Employment history
- Maritime qualifications
- Seafarer documentation
- Vessel employment details
- Training certificates
Visa Application Information
- Passport copies
- Travel history
- Immigration records
- Supporting documentation required for visa applications
- Consular correspondence
Financial Information
- Billing information
- Payment records
- Invoices and receipts
- Bank statements
Technical Information
When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:
- IP address
- Browser type
- Device information
- Website usage data
- Cookies and similar technologies
4. How We Collect Information
We collect information when:
- You submit forms on our website
- You request visa assistance
- You apply for Seaman’s Discharge Book assistance
- You contact us by email, telephone, WhatsApp, or social media
- You subscribe to newsletters or updates
- You interact with our website
5. Why We Use Your Information
We use personal information to:
Provide Our Services
- Process visa assistance applications
- Prepare and review supporting documentation
- Communicate with embassies, consulates, visa centres, and government authorities
- Assist with Seaman’s Discharge Book applications
Manage Client Relationships
- Respond to enquiries
- Provide customer support
- Communicate application updates
- Issue invoices and process payments
Improve Our Business
- Improve website functionality
- Analyse website usage
- Develop and improve our services
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Prevent fraud and misuse of our services
- Establish, exercise, or defend legal claims
6. Sharing of Information
We may share your personal information with:
Government Authorities
Including:
- Embassies
- Consulates
- Immigration authorities
- Maritime authorities
- Seafarer registration authorities
Service Providers
Including:
- Document processing providers
- Payment processors
- IT and website hosting providers
- Professional advisors
Legal Requirements
We may disclose information when required by law, court order, regulatory authority, or to protect our legal rights.
We do not sell personal information to third parties.
7. International Transfers
Because visa and maritime employment services often involve international applications, your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside South Africa.
Where such transfers occur, we will take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information.
8. Data Retention
We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services
- Comply with legal obligations
- Resolve disputes
- Maintain business records
When information is no longer required, it will be securely deleted or anonymised.
9. Security Measures
We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information from:
- Unauthorised access
- Loss
- Misuse
- Alteration
- Disclosure
- Destruction
However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
10. Cookies and Website Tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Improve user experience
- Understand website traffic
- Remember user preferences
- Enhance website functionality
You may disable cookies through your browser settings, although some website features may not function properly.
11. Your Rights
Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Access your personal information
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of information where legally permissible
- Object to certain processing activities
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa
Requests may be submitted using the contact details provided below.
12. Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including visa centres, government agencies, training providers, and industry partners.
We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites and encourage users to review their privacy policies separately.
13. Children’s Privacy
Our services are intended for individuals aged 18 years and older.
We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18.
14. Disclaimer Regarding Visa Applications
South African Yachties provides administrative assistance and guidance with visa applications. We do not issue visas and cannot guarantee approval. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant embassy, consulate, immigration authority, or government department.
15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time.
Any updates will be published on this page together with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of our services after changes are published constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
16. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your privacy rights, please contact:
South African Yachties
South African Yachties Website
Email: dilys@southafricanyachties.co.za
Email: ct.office@southafricanyachties.co.za
Telephone: +27 79 075 0279