PRIVACY POLICY



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Last Updated: 04-04-2025

1. INTRODUCTION

Independent Surveyors ("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 services or visit our website [website URL] (the "Site").

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. By accessing or using our Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, please do not use our Services.

2. INFORMATION WE COLLECT

We may collect several types of information from and about users of our Services, including:

2.1 Personal Information:

  • Name, company name, and job title
  • Contact information (email address, postal address, phone number)
  • Professional qualifications and certifications
  • Payment information for service transactions
  • Vessel or cargo details related to requested services

2.2 Non-Personal Information:

  • Browser type and operating system
  • Usage details such as time and date of your visit to our Site
  • Information about your internet connection
  • IP address
  • Information collected through cookies and other tracking technologies

3. HOW WE COLLECT YOUR INFORMATION

We collect information from you in several ways:

3.1 Direct Collection:

  • When you complete forms or register on our Site
  • When you request services or quotes
  • When you correspond with us by email, phone, or otherwise
  • When you provide documentation for our services

3.2 Automated Collection:

  • As you navigate through our Site, we may use cookies or other automatic data collection technologies
  • We may track certain information about your actions while on our Site

4. HOW WE USE YOUR INFORMATION

We may use the information we collect for various purposes, including:

4.1 Providing Services:

  • To provide the marine surveying and consultancy services you request
  • To process and fulfill your service orders and send associated communications
  • To prepare and deliver survey reports

4.2 Operational Purposes:

  • To maintain and improve our Site and services
  • To process payments and send invoices
  • To respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
  • To send administrative information, such as updates to our terms and policies

4.3 Marketing:

  • To send promotional communications about our services, special offers, and events
  • To deliver content and product information relevant to your professional interests

5. DISCLOSURE OF YOUR INFORMATION

We may disclose personal information that we collect:

5.1 To Our Service Providers: We may share your information with contractors, service providers, and other third parties we use to support our business operations, such as payment processors, IT services, and customer relationship management systems.

5.2 For Business Transfers: If we are involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of our assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.

5.3 Legal Requirements: We may disclose your information when required by law, such as in response to a court order, legal process, or to comply with regulatory requirements.

5.4 With Your Consent: We may share your information with third parties when you have given us your consent to do so.

6. DATA SECURITY

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to maintain the security of your personal information and protect it against unauthorized or unlawful processing, accidental loss, destruction, or damage.

However, the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure. While we do our best to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of your data transmitted to our Site.

7. DATA RETENTION

We will retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which we collected it, including to satisfy any legal, accounting, or reporting requirements. To determine the appropriate retention period, we consider the amount, nature, and sensitivity of the personal information, the potential risk of harm from unauthorized use or disclosure, and applicable legal requirements.

8. YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING YOUR INFORMATION

Depending on your location, you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, which may include:

  • The right to access the personal information we hold about you
  • The right to request correction of inaccurate personal information
  • The right to request deletion of your personal information
  • The right to restrict or object to processing of your personal information
  • The right to data portability
  • The right to withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details in the "Contact Us" section below.

9. CHILDREN'S PRIVACY

Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child, we will take steps to delete that information.

10. COOKIES AND TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES

Our Site may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your browsing activities and to distinguish you from other users. This helps us provide you with a good experience when you browse our Site and allows us to improve our Site. You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If you disable or refuse cookies, some parts of our Site may not be accessible or function properly.

11. THIRD-PARTY LINKS

Our Site may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by us. We have no control over and assume no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party sites or services. We encourage you to review the privacy policy of any site you visit.

12. INTERNATIONAL DATA TRANSFERS

Your personal information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than the country in which you reside. These countries may have data protection laws that are different from the laws of your country. By using our Services, you consent to the transfer of your information to countries outside your country of residence, including Kuwait, where our primary offices are located.

13. CHANGES TO OUR PRIVACY POLICY

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our Services following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

14. CONTACT US

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

Independent Surveyors P.O. Box 23800 Safat 13098 Safat, Kuwait Email: bss@independentsurveyors.com Phone: (965) 2240-1154

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

Independent Surveyors is a marine and cargo surveying company established in 1970. We've operated in Kuwait for over 50 years, previously under the names Vine Able & Banks and Burislee Shipping Services, before assuming our present identity.

We primarily operate throughout Kuwait and Iraq, with our headquarters in Kuwait and a branch office in Basra, Iraq. However, we can arrange services for clients across the Middle East region through our network of professional associates.

Our surveyors include qualified Marine Engineers with First Class Certificates of Competency and Master Mariners with extensive sea-going experience. They hold various professional certifications including ISM Lead Auditor, ISO 9000 Lead Auditor, and MLC 2006 Inspector qualifications.

We survey all types of commercial vessels including bulk carriers, tankers, container ships, general cargo vessels, offshore support vessels, and specialized craft. We also conduct surveys on recreational vessels such as yachts when required.

Yes, we offer emergency response services for marine casualties including collisions, groundings, and cargo damage incidents. Our surveyors can be mobilized quickly to attend vessels in distress and provide necessary documentation and technical guidance.

Yes, our surveyors have worked as non-exclusive surveyors for major classification societies including ABS, Bureau Veritas, DNV, Germanischer Lloyd, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai, Korean Register, and China Register Corporation, allowing us to assist with classification requirements.

Yes, we offer comprehensive consultancy services for regulatory compliance including ISM, ISPS, and MLC 2006. Our team includes certified auditors and inspectors authorized to conduct official inspections for certain flag states.

To arrange a survey, we typically require basic details including vessel name, location, type of survey required, preferred timing, and relevant contact information. For cargo surveys, information about cargo type and quantity is also helpful.

For urgent cases within Kuwait, we can typically mobilize surveyors within 2-4 hours of receiving all necessary information. For locations in Iraq or other areas, response time depends on travel logistics, but we prioritize urgent requests.

Survey duration varies significantly depending on the type and scope. A basic cargo inspection might take a few hours, while a comprehensive condition survey or damage investigation could require several days. We can provide time estimates based on specific requirements.

Our survey reports typically include detailed observations, photographic documentation, relevant measurements or test results, analysis of findings, and professional recommendations. Reports are tailored to the specific survey type and client requirements.

Survey fees are determined based on several factors including the type and complexity of the survey, vessel size, location, time required, and any special equipment or expertise needed. We provide quotes based on the specific requirements of each assignment.

Yes, we maintain strict confidentiality regarding all survey findings and client information. Reports are provided only to the commissioning party unless specifically authorized otherwise.

Yes, we can provide references from previous clients upon request, subject to their permission. We have longstanding relationships with various P&I clubs, insurance companies, and shipping organizations who regularly use our services.

You can schedule a survey or consultation by contacting our office by phone at (965) 2240-1154, by email at bss@independentsurveyors.com, or by completing the contact form on our website. Our team will respond promptly to discuss your requirements.