Cookie Policy
Last updated: 12 May 2026
1. What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files placed on your device when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work efficiently, provide information to site owners, and improve your browsing experience. Similar technologies include local storage and session storage, which serve comparable purposes.
2. How We Use Cookies and Similar Technologies
Vessel4you uses a limited number of cookies and local storage mechanisms. We believe in minimal data collection and only use what is necessary for the Platform to function properly.
2.1 Strictly Necessary (Essential)
These are required for the Platform to function and cannot be switched off:
| Technology | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Local Storage: auth_token | Stores your authentication session token so you stay logged in | Until logout |
| Local Storage: auth_user | Caches your user profile for a seamless experience | Until logout |
| Local Storage: cookie_consent | Remembers your cookie preferences | 365 days |
2.2 Functional
These enhance your experience but are not strictly required:
| Technology | Purpose | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Local Storage: map_preferences | Remembers your map view preferences (zoom level, last position) | Persistent |
| Local Storage: search_mode | Remembers your preferred search mode (viewport, radius, draw area) | Persistent |
2.3 Analytics (If Enabled)
We may use analytics tools to understand how the Platform is used. If analytics cookies are deployed, they will only be set with your explicit consent. Currently, the Platform does not use third-party analytics cookies.
2.4 Marketing / Advertising
We do not currently use marketing or advertising cookies. If this changes, we will update this policy and obtain your consent before setting any such cookies.
3. Third-Party Services
The Platform uses the following third-party services that may set their own cookies or process data:
- Map Tiles (CartoDB/OpenStreetMap): Map tiles are loaded from external servers to display the interactive map. These requests may be logged by the tile provider. No tracking cookies are set by this service.
- Expo Push Notification Service (mobile app only): If you install the Vessel4you mobile app and allow notifications, your device push token is shared with Expo so it can deliver alerts to your phone. The web platform itself sets no cookies for this purpose. See our Privacy Policy for details.
4. Managing Your Preferences
You have several options for managing cookies and similar technologies:
- Cookie Consent Banner: When you first visit our Platform, you can accept all cookies or accept only essential cookies. You can change your preference at any time using the "Cookie Settings" link in the footer.
- Browser Settings: Most browsers allow you to block or delete cookies through their settings. Note that blocking essential cookies may prevent the Platform from functioning correctly.
- Local Storage: You can clear local storage through your browser's developer tools or settings.
5. Your Rights
Under GDPR, UK GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable laws, you have the right to know what data is collected about you, request its deletion, and opt out of non-essential data processing. See our Privacy Policy for full details on your rights.
6. Retention & What Happens When You Delete Your Account
Cookies and similar identifiers (session tokens, consent record, anonymous analytics IDs) are kept only as long as needed to operate the Platform. When you delete your Vessel4you account, we treat the associated personal data the same way described in our Privacy Policy:
- Personal identifiers (name, email, phone, profile fields, push device tokens) are removed from our live database immediately.
- Anonymised business records (loads, bids, transit history) may be retained indefinitely with your account reference replaced by a generic "deleted user" placeholder.
- Encrypted database backups rotate on a 30-day cycle, after which any residual personal data in those backups is overwritten.
- Server access logs that may include IP-derived cookie identifiers are kept for up to 90 days for security and abuse-prevention before being purged.
7. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with a revised "Last updated" date. Material changes will be communicated through the cookie consent banner or a platform notification.
8. Contact Us
If you have questions about our use of cookies, please contact us:
- Email: info@vessel4you.com