Terms and Conditions

European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA) Website

Last Updated: 25/01/2026

1. INTRODUCTION AND ACCEPTANCE

1.1 Agreement to Terms

Welcome to the European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA) website (empa-pilots.eu). By accessing or using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use this website.

1.2 About EMPA

The European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA) vzw is a non-profit organization established under Belgian law, representing maritime pilots across Europe.

Legal Entity:

European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA) vzw

Registration Number: 0864.611.379

RPR Nederlandstalige Ondernemingsrechtbank Brussel

Registered Office:

Regentlaan-Boulevard du Regent 43-44

BE-1000 Brussels

Belgium

Contact:

Tel: +32 2 430 25 78

Mobile: +32 491 61 46 18

Email: office@empa-pilots.eu

2. DEFINITIONS

“We”, “Us”, “Our”, “EMPA”: European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA) vzw

“You”, “Your”, “User”: Any individual or entity accessing or using the website

“Website”: The EMPA website located at empa-pilots.eu and all associated subdomains, pages, and content

“Content”: All text, images, graphics, logos, videos, documents, data, and other materials available on the website

“Services”: All features, functionalities, and services provided through the website

“Personal Data”: Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person as defined by GDPR

3. ELIGIBILITY AND USER OBLIGATIONS

3.1 Age Requirement

You must be at least 16 years of age to use this website. By using the website, you represent and warrant that you meet this age requirement.

3.2 Prohibited Conduct

You agree not to:

  • Use the website for any unlawful purpose
  • Attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the website
  • Interfere with or disrupt the website’s operation
  • Upload or transmit viruses, malware, or harmful code
  • Collect or harvest personal data of other users
  • Impersonate any person or entity
  • Infringe on intellectual property rights
  • Use automated systems (bots, scrapers) without permission

4. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

4.1 Ownership

All content on the EMPA website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, videos, software, and documents, is the property of EMPA or its licensors and is protected by copyright laws, trademark laws, and other intellectual property rights under Belgian, European, and international law.

4.2 Limited License

We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to:

  • Access and use the website for personal, non-commercial purposes
  • View and download content for personal reference
  • Share content via provided sharing functions

5. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

5.1 Privacy Policy

Our collection, use, and protection of personal data is governed by our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms. Please review our Privacy Policy.

5.2 GDPR Compliance

EMPA processes personal data in compliance with:

  • EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
  • Belgian data protection legislation
  • Other applicable privacy laws

6. DATA PROCESSING NOTICE

6.1 Purpose of Processing

We process personal data for purposes including:

  • Website administration and functionality
  • Member communications and services
  • Newsletter distribution
  • Event management
  • Legal compliance
  • Improving our services
6.2 Legal Basis

We process data based on:

  • Your consent
  • Performance of a contract
  • Legal obligations
  • Legitimate interests
6.3 Data Processors

We use third-party data processors including:

Zoho Campaigns for newsletter services – EMPA remains the data controller and ensures all processors comply with GDPR requirements through appropriate Data Processing Agreements.

6.4 Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data against:

  • Unauthorized access
  • Unlawful processing
  • Accidental loss or damage
6.5 Your Rights

You have comprehensive rights under GDPR regarding your personal data, including:

  • Access to your personal data
  • Rectification of inaccurate data
  • Erasure of data (right to be forgotten)
  • Restriction of processing
  • Data portability
  • Objection to processing
  • Complaint to supervisory authority

7. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

THE WEBSITE AND ALL CONTENT, SERVICES, AND MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EMPA DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING:

  • Warranties of merchantability
  • Fitness for a particular purpose
  • Non-infringement
  • Accuracy, reliability, or completeness of content
  • Uninterrupted or error-free operation

8. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY BELGIAN AND EU LAW, EMPA SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES including loss of profits, loss of data, loss of business opportunities, or any other indirect or consequential losses.

In no event shall EMPA’s total liability to you for all damages exceed the amount paid by you, if any, for accessing the website in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim, or €100, whichever is greater.

9. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION

9.1 Applicable Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Belgium, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

9.2 Jurisdiction

Any disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms or use of the website shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Brussels, Belgium.

9.3 EU Consumer Rights

If you are a consumer based in the European Union, you benefit from mandatory consumer protection provisions under the law of your country of residence. Nothing in these Terms affects your rights as a consumer under EU law.

10. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions, concerns, or feedback regarding these Terms and Conditions, please contact us:

European Maritime Pilots’ Association (EMPA) vzw

Postal Address:

Regentlaan-Boulevard du Regent 43-44

BE-1000 Brussels

Belgium

Telephone:

+32 2 430 25 78 (office hours)

+32 491 61 46 18 (mobile)

Email:

office@empa-pilots.eu

Website:

empa-pilots.eu

Registration Number:

0864.611.379

RPR Nederlandstalige Ondernemingsrechtbank Brussel

11. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

BY USING THE EMPA WEBSITE, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:

  • You have read and understood these Terms and Conditions
  • You agree to be bound by these Terms
  • You have read and understood our Privacy Policy
  • You consent to the processing of your personal data as described in our Privacy Policy
  • You are at least 16 years of age
  • You will comply with all applicable laws and regulations

Last Updated: 25/01/2026

Version: 1.0

Effective Date: 25/01/2026