Terms and Conditions

These General Terms and Conditions of Use (the "Terms") govern access to and use of the Docking platform. Users are strongly encouraged to read these Terms carefully and in their entirety prior to using the Platform. By accessing, browsing, registering, or otherwise using Docking, the User expressly acknowledges and agrees to be legally bound by these Terms without limitation or reservation.

Article 1 — Definitions

For the purposes of these Terms, the following definitions shall apply. "Docking" refers to Docking Technologies Lda., including its website https://docking.app and any associated web-based or mobile interfaces. "Platform" refers to the digital marketplace operated by Docking that enables berth booking requests between yacht users and marinas. "Yacht User" or "User" means any natural or legal person using the Platform to request, manage, or interact with berth bookings. "Marina" refers to a professional entity offering berthing services and duly registered on the Platform. "Booking Request" means a request submitted by a Yacht User to reserve a berth at a Marina through the Platform. "Booking" refers to a Booking Request that has been formally accepted by the Marina. "Service Fee" means the fee charged by Docking for facilitating the booking process. "Deposit" means the percentage of the total booking amount charged in advance in accordance with the Marina's applicable booking terms.

Article 2 — Role of Docking

Docking operates exclusively as a digital marketplace intermediary. Docking does not own, operate, manage, or control any marina, nor does it provide berthing services of any kind. Docking does not act as an agent, broker, insurer, or legal representative of Yacht Users or Marinas. Any contract for berthing services is concluded directly and solely between the Yacht User and the Marina. Docking's role is strictly limited to facilitating booking requests, processing payments, holding and transferring funds, providing communication tools, and managing disputes in accordance with the Platform's rules and policies.

Article 3 — Acceptance of Terms

By creating an account, submitting a booking request, or using the Platform in any manner whatsoever, the User confirms that they are at least eighteen (18) years of age, possess the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements, and have read, understood, and accepted these Terms. Continued use of the Platform constitutes ongoing acceptance of the Terms as amended from time to time.

Article 4 — User Accounts

Users are required to provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information when creating an account. Users are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials and for all activities conducted through their account. Docking shall not be liable for any unauthorised access, use, or misuse of User accounts. Docking reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to suspend or terminate any account in the event of a breach of these Terms, fraud, misuse of the Platform, circumvention of fees, or abuse of dispute or chargeback mechanisms.

Article 5 — Bookings & Payments

Booking Requests are submitted exclusively through the Platform. A booking is deemed confirmed only upon acceptance by the Marina. Marina-specific booking terms, including pricing, deposits, cancellation, and refund conditions, are displayed prior to confirmation. All payments are processed through Docking's designated payment providers, including Stripe. Docking may charge service fees, collect deposits, hold funds, release payments to marinas, and process refunds strictly in accordance with the applicable policies accepted at the time of booking.

Article 6 — Cancellations, Deposits & No-Shows

All cancellation, deposit, refundability, and no-show conditions are governed by the Docking platform rules in conjunction with the Marina's specific booking terms accepted at checkout. Docking enforces the terms accepted at the time of booking and may rely on platform records, timestamps, communications, and evidence submitted by the parties when determining outcomes.

Article 7 — Dispute Resolution Authority

In the event of a dispute between a Yacht User and a Marina, Docking acts as the final decision authority for purposes of payment allocation and platform enforcement. Decisions rendered by Docking are binding on both parties for platform purposes. Docking's determinations do not constitute legal advice and do not replace judicial remedies available under applicable law.

Article 8 — Force Majeure & Disclaimer

Docking is not responsible for weather conditions, sea state, port closures, navigation restrictions, decisions by maritime authorities, or mechanical or operational issues of vessels. Force majeure events do not automatically entitle Users to refunds. Any exception remains subject to the Marina's discretion in accordance with its booking terms. Docking does not act as an insurer of bookings or voyages.

Article 9 — Prohibited Use

Users shall not bypass the Platform to contact marinas for direct bookings, circumvent commissions or fees, abuse cancellation or chargeback mechanisms, use the Platform for unlawful or harmful purposes, or scrape or exploit Platform data. Any violation may result in immediate suspension or termination of the User's account without prior notice.

Article 10 — Intellectual Property

All content, software, trademarks, and branding available on the Platform are owned by or licensed to Docking. No rights are granted to Users other than a limited, personal, and non-commercial right to use the Platform. Any unauthorised reproduction, modification, or reverse engineering is strictly prohibited.

Article 11 — Liability Limitation

Docking shall not be liable for the quality of marina services, berth availability, damages, losses, delays, or acts or omissions of marinas or users. To the extent permitted by law, Docking's total liability shall be limited to the amount of service fees paid by the User for the relevant booking.

Article 12 — Personal Data

Personal data is processed in accordance with Docking's Privacy Policy and applicable data protection legislation, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Users may exercise their data protection rights as described in the Privacy Policy.

Article 13 — Amendments

Docking reserves the right to amend these Terms at any time. Updated Terms become effective upon publication on the Platform. Continued use of the Platform following publication constitutes acceptance of the amended Terms.

Article 14 — Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by the laws of Portugal. Any dispute arising in connection with these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Lisbon, unless mandatory consumer protection provisions provide otherwise. In the event of discrepancies, the English version shall prevail.