Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy describes how SUNAV Maritime Academy ("Academy", "we", "us", or "our") collects, uses, and protects personal information you provide when you visit our website (www.sunavmaritime.com), submit enquiry or admission forms, or use our services.

1. Who We Are

SUNAV Maritime Academy is a DG Shipping approved maritime education and training institute located in Tuticorin (Thoothukudi), Tamil Nadu, India. We offer B.Sc Nautical Science, Diploma in Nautical Science, and STSDSD short courses.

Data Controller: Principal/Director, SUNAV Maritime Academy, Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, India.

2. Data We Collect

We collect personal information in the following categories:

We do not collect sensitive personal data such as biometric data, financial account details, or passwords unless strictly necessary.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

• Admission Processing: To evaluate and process your application for admission to our programs.
• Communication: To respond to your enquiries, send admission offers, fee reminders, and course-related communications.
• DG Shipping Compliance: To submit required student data to the Directorate General of Shipping as mandated by law.
• Examination & Certification: To register students for examinations and issue DG Shipping certificates.
• Grievance Management: To process and resolve submitted grievances.
• Marketing (with consent): To send newsletters, updates, and promotional material about our courses. You may opt out at any time.
• Website Improvement: To analyse website usage and improve our online services.
• Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and court orders.

4. Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. We may share it only in the following circumstances:

• Regulatory Authorities: With the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) as legally required for course registration and certification.
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers (email platforms, SMS services) who process data on our behalf under strict confidentiality agreements.
• Legal Requirements: When disclosure is required by law, court order, or governmental authority.
• Safety: To protect the rights, safety, or property of the academy, students, or the public.
• Business Transfers: In the unlikely event of a merger or acquisition, your data may be transferred with appropriate safeguards.

5. Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device.

• Essential Cookies: Necessary for the website to function properly. Cannot be disabled.
• Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how visitors use our website (e.g., Google Analytics). Data is anonymised.
• Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver relevant advertisements. Only active with your consent.

You can manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some website functionality.

6. Data Storage & Security

• All personal data is stored on secure servers located in India.
• We implement industry-standard security measures including SSL encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
• Access to personal data is restricted to authorised personnel only, on a need-to-know basis.
• While we take all reasonable precautions, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of data transmitted to our website.

7. Data Retention

• Student academic records are retained for a minimum of 10 years after course completion, as required by DG Shipping regulations.
• Enquiry and contact form data is retained for 2 years.
• Grievance records are retained for 3 years.
• Website analytics data is retained for 26 months.
• After the retention period, data is securely deleted or anonymised.

8. Your Rights

Under applicable Indian law, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal and regulatory retention requirements).
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time by emailing us.
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data for marketing purposes.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at [email protected]. We will respond within 30 days.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are not directed to children under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without parental/guardian consent. As a maritime training institute, our courses require applicants to meet DG Shipping age eligibility criteria (typically 17+ years). If you believe we have inadvertently collected data from a child under 16, please contact us immediately.

10. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites such as the DG Shipping portal, UGC portal, or anti-ragging helpline. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those third-party websites. We encourage you to read their privacy policies before providing any personal data.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify you of material changes by posting the updated policy on this page with a new "Last Updated" date. Your continued use of our website or services after the update constitutes your acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Contact Us

For any privacy-related concerns, data requests, or to report a privacy breach, please contact our Data Protection Officer:

---

By using our website and services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy. Last reviewed: April 2025.