Terms of Service
Last updated: January 15, 2026 · Effective: February 1, 2026
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using the HELM Charter platform ("Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to all Terms, you may not use the Platform. HELM Maritime Inc. ("HELM", "we", "us") reserves the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance.
2. Use of Platform
HELM provides a technology marketplace connecting vessel owners, licensed captains, and charterers. All users must be 18 years of age or older. You agree not to misuse the Platform, circumvent payment systems, provide false information, or use the Platform for unlawful purposes. HELM reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these terms without prior notice.
3. Bookings & Payments
All booking transactions are processed through Stripe Connect and held in escrow until 24 hours before charter departure. Guest funds are not released to vessel owners until the departure threshold is crossed. HELM charges a 15% platform fee on all charter bookings. Captain day rates are structured as separate disbursements through their individual Stripe Connect accounts. HELM does not hold or commingle owner and captain funds. All prices are in USD unless otherwise stated.
4. Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 30+ days before departure: full refund minus 5% processing fee. Cancellations 14–30 days before departure: 50% refund. Cancellations under 14 days: no refund. Vessel owners may cancel a confirmed booking with a full refund to the guest plus a $500 owner penalty fee. HELM is not liable for cancellations due to force majeure events, severe weather, or coast guard closures, but will make reasonable effort to reschedule.
5. Vessel Listings
Vessel owners represent that all information provided in their listing is accurate, current, and complete. Owners are responsible for maintaining valid marine documentation, registration, and insurance. HELM reserves the right to remove listings that are fraudulent, inaccurate, or associated with safety violations. HELM does not guarantee listing visibility or booking volume. All listings must comply with applicable maritime law in the vessel's home jurisdiction.
6. Captain Responsibilities
All captains operating charters through HELM must hold valid USCG, MCA, or equivalent national maritime authority credentials for the vessel class and operating area. Captains are independent contractors and are not employees of HELM. Captains are responsible for final decisions regarding vessel safety, weather routing, and compliance with maritime law. HELM is not liable for injuries, property damage, or losses arising from captain decisions made during a charter.
7. HELM Commission & Referrals
HELM charges a 15% platform fee on charter transactions and a 10% fee on boat service transactions. Referral commission (5%) is paid to the referring party within 30 days of the referred transaction reaching Completed status. Referral commissions are not paid on cancelled or disputed transactions. HELM reserves the right to modify commission rates with 30 days' notice to existing partners.
8. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, HELM shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from your use of the Platform. HELM's total liability for any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid by you to HELM in the 12 months preceding the event giving rise to the claim. HELM provides the Platform "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied. HELM does not warrant that the Platform will be uninterrupted, error-free, or free from viruses.
9. Applicable Law & Disputes
These Terms are interpreted under the laws of the State of Florida, United States, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising from these Terms shall be resolved through binding arbitration administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules. The arbitration shall take place in Miami, Florida. Class action lawsuits are expressly waived. Nothing herein prevents either party from seeking injunctive relief in a court of competent jurisdiction.