Social Networking Policy

The Nautilus International social networking channels (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, Hyves, and others) have been created to help users (especially members) engage with the Union, while staying up to date with maritime news, events, discussions and guidance.

This policy is in place in addition to the policies of the relevant social networking authority.

To ensure that our social networking channels remain a clear, useful and enjoyable resource for everyone (including non-members), we have established the following policies:

1. We welcome and will engage in constructive discussions and criticism, but will not tolerate any form of aggressive or bullying behaviour via these channels towards the Union, our staff, members or any other user. Examples of such behaviour can include (but are not limited to):
• harassment
• defamatory remarks
• rude or aggressive posts or comments
• insensitive jokes and pranks
• insulting or aggressive behaviour
• inappropriate public criticism
• unsupported accusations and falsehoods
2. We will not tolerate any discrimination based on age, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, disability, marital status, nationality, sex/gender, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or race, and the Council of Nautilus International has adopted a statement on mutual respect (which can be seen at www.nautilusint.org) to give effect to this commitment.
3. We reserve the right to remove any offending posts or comments at our complete discretion and report such behaviour to the social networking authority if/when deemed necessary.
4. We reserve the right to remove repetitive posts (including spamming) that we consider irrelevant in the nature of the organisation.
5. The views expressed by other users are not automatically endorsed by Nautilus International and the same are deemed only the opinion of the individual.
6. We do not participate in, encourage or condone any behaviour that is illegal, dangerous or offensive and we will remove links to websites that express views which compromise the Nautilus International mission and/or seeks to or go beyond the boundaries of acceptable debate by being disrespectful or derogatory.
7. All requests for professional advice are responded to by Officials of Nautilus International and our responses to enquiries are correct at the time of posting.
8. Any content which includes the following is prohibited:
• endorsements of commercial products or services
• endorsements of political parties, candidates, or groups
• content that breaches copyright
• solicitation of funds
• comments on any ongoing investigation of any sort
9. In posting your comments or content to any of our social networking channels, you irrevocably grant Nautilus International permission to copy, distribute, make derivatives of or display such content publicly via all of our communication channels (websites, Nautilus International Telegraph, flyers or any other printed material).

We welcome user comments and content at any time. However, reviewing comments will generally occur during regular office hours Monday – Friday, excluding bank holidays.

We may ban, block or delete any user (including members) from our social networking channels if they are deemed to have violated this policy.