Terms and Conditions

End User License Agreement

Last Updated: February 1, 2026

1. The Subject of the Agreement

This agreement is between VesselAPI, operated by:

Cintia Kapui, trading as VesselAPI

Calle San Millan 25

29013 Málaga, España

Tax ID (NIF): Y9961916-D

Contact: support@vesselapi.com

(hereinafter "Provider", "we", "us") and registered users of our services ("Customer", "you"). This agreement covers the use of our API services, databases, and website services at www.vesselapi.com, and applies to all subscription plans.

2. Description of the Services

VesselAPI provides ship geographical positions and related information through AIS (Automatic Identification System) data. This includes vessel details, real-time positions, destinations, ETA, port events (arrivals and departures), NAVTEX maritime safety messages, and navigation infrastructure data. Access is granted during active subscription periods.

3. Data Sources and Aggregation

VesselAPI operates as a data aggregator. The data provided through our Services is collected from multiple third-party sources including, but not limited to:

  • Automatic Identification System (AIS) transmissions broadcast by vessels
  • Governmental and intergovernmental maritime databases
  • Third-party maritime data providers and partners
  • Publicly available maritime information sources

VesselAPI does not originate, create, or independently verify this data.

We have no control over the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, or reliability of data at its source. The data is provided to you in the condition we receive it, subject to our processing and normalization. You acknowledge that upstream data providers may modify, discontinue, or restrict their data feeds at any time without notice to us or to you.

4. User Information

Users must provide correct and up-to-date contact information. Physical persons must be of legal age to form binding contracts. VesselAPI may send communications related to service use.

5. Terms of Usage and License

You are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access our services. The data is for internal use only and may not be shared without consent.

Prohibited actions include:

  • Creating similar APIs or services
  • Mirroring or redistributing our data
  • Reverse engineering our systems
  • Public display of raw data
  • Claiming ownership of the data

6. Duration of the Agreement

Premium API services renew automatically every 30 days. The agreement remains in force until cancellation takes effect. Certain terms (payment, licensing, restrictions) continue beyond termination.

7. Payments and Account Cancellation

By using our service, you agree to payment card information storage. Fees continue through the end of your subscription period after cancellation. Failed payments trigger retry attempts at 3, 5, and 7 days. Trial prices automatically renew to full price.

8. Prices and Refunds

We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee on all subscriptions. If you're not satisfied with our service for any reason, you can request a full refund within 14 days of your purchase.

Prices exclude applicable taxes. VesselAPI reserves the right to change prices with 30 days advance notification via email.

Price Protection: Existing customers will continue at their current subscription rate for 90 days following any price increase. After this grace period, the new pricing will apply upon the next billing cycle.

For complete details, please see our Refund Policy.

9. Account Cancellation by VesselAPI

VesselAPI may cancel accounts without notice if required by national or international authority restrictions, or for violation of these Terms. No refunds are provided for cancellations due to Customer breach or regulatory requirements.

10. Copyright

All data is protected by copyright, trademark, and international laws. Users must abide by all applicable intellectual property laws.

11. Unauthorized Use

VesselAPI is not liable for unauthorized use of your account. You are responsible for maintaining account confidentiality and API key security. We may block access if unauthorized use is suspected.

12. Confidentiality and Privacy Policy

Please refer to our separate Privacy Policy document for information on data handling and confidentiality.

13. Modifications to the Services

VesselAPI may modify, add, or remove features from the Services. We commit to the following notice periods:

  • Breaking API changes (changes that require code modifications by customers): 30 days advance notice via email to registered account holders
  • Non-breaking changes (new features, additional fields, performance improvements): May be deployed without prior notice
  • Emergency security fixes: May be deployed immediately with post-notification

API Versioning: When a new API version is released (e.g., v2), the previous version (e.g., v1) will remain supported for a minimum of 6 months. Deprecated endpoints will return warning headers before removal.

We have no obligation to maintain specific data fields, data sources, or coverage areas, as these depend on third-party providers. No refunds will be provided for service modifications resulting from upstream provider changes.

14. Service Availability

VesselAPI will use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain service availability. However, we do not guarantee any specific uptime percentage or uninterrupted access to the Services.

In the event of service unavailability exceeding twenty-four (24) consecutive hours due to causes solely within VesselAPI's control (excluding upstream provider outages, force majeure events, or scheduled maintenance), Customer's sole remedy shall be a pro-rata service credit for the affected period, not to exceed the fees paid for the preceding one (1) month.

Scheduled maintenance windows will be communicated via email when reasonably practicable. Emergency maintenance may occur without prior notice.

14A. Service Level Targets

VesselAPI targets the following service levels. These are operational targets, not contractual guarantees. Current system status is available at vesselapi.com/status.

Availability

  • Target uptime: 99.5% (monthly)
  • Planned maintenance: 48 hours advance notice when reasonably practicable

Performance

  • API response time: <500ms (95th percentile, excluding network latency)
  • Data freshness: Vessel positions updated within 60 seconds of receipt

Support

  • Email response: Within 24 hours (business days)
  • Critical issues: Best-effort response within 4 hours

These targets do not create any additional remedies beyond those specified in Section 14 (Service Availability) and Section 19 (Sole and Exclusive Remedy).

15. No Warranties

THE SERVICES AND ALL DATA ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, VESSELAPI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

  • Implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose
  • Warranties of accuracy, completeness, reliability, or timeliness of data
  • Warranties of uninterrupted, secure, or error-free operation
  • Warranties that data will meet Customer's requirements or expectations
  • Warranties regarding the results obtained from use of the Services

No representation, warranty, assurance, or undertaking (express or implied) is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability is or will be accepted by VesselAPI, in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness, or reasonableness of the data provided.

16. Data Accuracy and Intended Use

AIS (Automatic Identification System) data may be inaccurate, incomplete, delayed, or subject to error. All use of this data is entirely at your own risk.

AIS data inherently contains errors and limitations due to factors including but not limited to:

  • Erroneous or negligent data entry by vessel crew members
  • Faulty or misconfigured AIS transponder equipment on vessels
  • GPS equipment malfunctions or inaccuracies on vessels
  • Intentional AIS spoofing, manipulation, or deceptive practices by vessel operators
  • Radio frequency interference, atmospheric conditions, and signal attenuation
  • Limited terrestrial AIS receiver coverage, especially in open ocean areas
  • Vessels operating with AIS transponders disabled or in "silent" mode
  • Transmission delays and data latency in the collection pipeline
  • Data processing, normalization, and aggregation errors

⚠️ Data Accuracy Notice

VesselAPI data is provided for informational, analytical, research, and commercial intelligence purposes. This data should not be relied upon as a substitute for:

  • Official nautical charts and publications
  • Certified navigation equipment (radar, ECDIS)
  • Professional maritime advisory services
  • Direct communication with port authorities or vessels

Any use of VesselAPI data for navigation, collision avoidance, route planning, or safety-critical maritime operations is undertaken entirely at the user's own risk.

VESSELAPI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY for any loss, damage, injury, or death arising from reliance on data accuracy or use beyond the intended informational purposes.

17. Exclusion of Damages

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, VESSELAPI SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:

  • Any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, punitive, or exemplary damages
  • Loss of profits, revenue, business, contracts, or anticipated savings
  • Loss of data or data corruption
  • Loss of goodwill or reputation
  • Business interruption or wasted management time
  • Cost of procurement of substitute goods or services
  • Any damages arising from reliance on data accuracy
  • Any damages arising from decisions made based on the data provided
  • Trading, investment, or financial losses

These exclusions apply regardless of whether such damages were foreseeable, whether VesselAPI was advised of the possibility of such damages, and regardless of the legal theory upon which any claim is based (including contract, tort, negligence, strict liability, or otherwise).

18. Limitation of Liability

TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, VESSELAPI'S TOTAL AGGREGATE LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE SERVICES, WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STRICT LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE TOTAL FEES ACTUALLY PAID BY CUSTOMER TO VESSELAPI DURING THE ONE (1) MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE CLAIM.

In no event shall VesselAPI be liable for any refund, credit, compensation, or payment of any kind exceeding one (1) month's subscription fees.

VesselAPI has no liability to third parties for information, advice, or data provided through the Services. We may monitor API usage to ensure compliance with these Terms.

The limitations in this section reflect a reasonable allocation of risk between the parties and form an essential basis of the bargain between Customer and VesselAPI.

19. Sole and Exclusive Remedy

Customer's sole and exclusive remedy for any claim arising from or related to this Agreement, the Services, or the data provided shall be limited to:

  • A refund of fees paid for the one (1) month period immediately preceding the claim, OR
  • At VesselAPI's sole discretion, service credits applicable to future subscription periods

This remedy is provided in lieu of all other remedies, whether at law, in equity, or otherwise.

Customer expressly acknowledges and agrees that this limitation of remedy is reasonable and appropriate given the nature of the Services and the subscription fees charged. Customer waives any right to seek damages in excess of the amounts specified herein.

20. Indemnification

Customer agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless VesselAPI, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising out of or related to:

  • Customer's use of the Services or data
  • Customer's violation of these Terms
  • Customer's violation of any applicable law or regulation
  • Any third-party claims arising from Customer's use of the data
  • Any use of the data for navigation or safety-critical purposes in violation of Section 16
  • Any decisions, actions, or reliance by Customer or third parties based on the data

21. Breach of Agreement

Breach of this Agreement may cause irreparable harm to VesselAPI for which monetary damages would be inadequate. VesselAPI is entitled to seek injunctive or equitable relief in addition to any other remedies available at law.

22. Force Majeure

VesselAPI shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under this Agreement where such failure or delay results from Force Majeure events, including but not limited to:

  • Acts of God, natural disasters, or severe weather conditions
  • War, terrorism, civil unrest, or government actions
  • Pandemics, epidemics, or public health emergencies
  • Failure of third-party data providers or upstream services
  • Internet or telecommunications infrastructure failures
  • Cyberattacks, DDoS attacks, or security incidents beyond our control
  • Power outages or utility failures

Force Majeure events do not extend the service subscription period and no refunds or credits are provided for service unavailability during such events.

23. Non-exclusivity

VesselAPI may develop, offer, or license competing products, services, or data offerings without restriction. Nothing in this Agreement grants Customer any exclusive rights to the Services or data.

24. General Provisions

  • The English language version of this Agreement shall prevail in case of any discrepancy with translations
  • No partnership, joint venture, employment, or agency relationship is created by this Agreement
  • This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all previous agreements, representations, and understandings
  • If any provision is held unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect
  • VesselAPI's failure to enforce any right shall not constitute a waiver of such right
  • Customer may not assign this Agreement without VesselAPI's prior written consent

25. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of España. The courts of España shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes arising out of or relating to this Agreement.

Before initiating any legal proceedings, the parties agree to attempt to resolve disputes through good-faith negotiation for a period of at least thirty (30) days.

For questions or concerns, contact us at support@vesselapi.com

By using VesselAPI services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service.