General Terms of Use of the Buoyfriend Platform

Version: 2.0

Previous version: 1.0

1. INTRODUCTION

These General Terms of Use (hereinafter: the Terms) govern access to and use of the Buoyfriend digital platform.

The Buoyfriend platform is operated by Buoyfriend d.o.o. (hereinafter: Buoyfriend).

The Platform provides users with access to services related to the use of nautical locations managed by independent operators, and enables their presentation, booking, online payment, communication, and other functionalities available at each individual location.

These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between the user and Buoyfriend regarding the use of the Platform.

By accessing the Platform, creating a user account, using any functionality of the Platform, booking a service, making a payment, or otherwise continuing to use the Platform, the user confirms that they have read and understood these Terms and agree to be bound by them.

If the user does not agree to these Terms, the user must not use the Platform.

In addition to these Terms, the use of the Platform is also governed by other documents where applicable to a particular service or functionality of the Platform, in particular:

• the Privacy Policy,
• the Cookies Policy,
• the Location Rules of each individual location,
• other documents or notices published on the Platform.

 

The user is required to use the Platform in accordance with these Terms at all times while using it.

 

2. PURPOSE AND OPERATION OF THE PLATFORM

Buoyfriend is a digital platform designed to connect users with the Operators of nautical locations.

The Platform enables users to use various services, the scope of which depends on the individual Location and the decisions of its Operator.

Depending on the individual Location, the Platform may, among other things, enable:

• browsing locations and their characteristics,
• displaying the availability of services,
• booking services,
• reporting use or registering occupancy,
• online payment for services,
• issuing invoices, receipts, or other transaction documents,
• displaying the rules of an individual Location,
• communication between the user and the Operator,
• other services made available through the Platform,
• user support, where available for a particular service.

Not all Locations offer the same functionalities, booking methods, use-reporting procedures, or payment methods.

The scope of services, the manner of their use, and the available functionalities may vary between individual Locations.

 

3. ROLE OF THE PLATFORM

Buoyfriend provides users with the digital infrastructure for accessing services offered through the Platform by independent Operators of individual Locations.

Individual services are provided to users by the Operator of the selected Location, who independently determines their content, availability, prices, terms of use, and business rules.

The Operator is solely responsible for the legality of the services it offers through the Platform and for compliance with all obligations arising from applicable law.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise, the contractual relationship regarding the use of a Mooring Service or other service arises directly between the user and the Operator of the individual Location.

Buoyfriend provides Platform services that enable users to access Operators' services, book them, report their use, make online payments, communicate, and use other functionalities offered by the Platform.

 

4. DEFINITIONS

In these Terms, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Platform means the website, mobile applications, software, information systems, services, maps, identification plates, and other solutions developed or operated by Buoyfriend.

Buoyfriend means the company Buoyfriend d.o.o., which develops, operates, and maintains the Platform.

User means any natural or legal person who accesses the Platform or uses any of its functionalities.

Operator means the owner, concessionaire, marina operator, mooring-field operator, or other authorized person who offers its services through the Platform.

Location means a marina, buoy field, or other nautical or geographical area at which an Operator, through the Platform, makes its services available.

Mooring Service means the use of a berth, buoy, mooring place, or other service related to the temporary accommodation of a Vessel.

Additional Services means all other services made available to users by an Operator through the Platform.

Platform Services means all functionalities made available to users by the Platform, including searching for locations, displaying availability, bookings, use reporting (check-in), registration of occupancy, online payments, issuance of transaction documents, communication, and other digital functionalities.

Booking means a booking, registration of the use of a service, arrival notification, or other digital confirmation of the use of a service, where enabled by an individual Location.

Vessel means any ship, yacht, sailboat, motorboat, catamaran, or other watercraft associated with the user.

 

5. ELIGIBILITY TO USE THE PLATFORM

The Platform may be used by any natural or legal person who has legal capacity or is otherwise entitled under applicable law to enter into legally binding transactions.

If a user uses the Platform on behalf of a legal entity or other organization, the user warrants that they are authorized to represent that entity and to accept these Terms on its behalf.

The user is responsible for the accuracy of all information provided when using the Platform.

Where information about a Vessel is required for the use of a particular service, the user must ensure that such information is complete, accurate, and up to date.

Buoyfriend may restrict or disable a user's access to a particular functionality of the Platform if there is reasonable grounds to believe that the information provided is untrue, incomplete, or misleading.

 

6. USER ACCOUNT

Creating a user account is not always required in order to use all functionalities of the Platform.

Certain services may be available to users without registration, where determined by the Operator or where enabled by the design of a particular functionality of the Platform.

Where registration is required for the use of a particular service, the user must provide the required information when creating an account and must keep it accurate and up to date.

The user is responsible for safeguarding their login credentials and for all activities carried out through their user account, unless they can demonstrate that the unauthorized use occurred through no fault of their own.

If a user suspects unauthorized access to their account, they must notify Buoyfriend without undue delay and take reasonable measures to protect their account.

Buoyfriend may temporarily restrict or permanently disable a user account if the user breaches these Terms, misuses the Platform, or if there is reasonable suspicion of fraud, unauthorized use, or other conduct that could jeopardize the operation of the Platform, other users, or the Operators.

 

7. BOOKINGS, USE REPORTING, AND USE OF SERVICES

The manner in which services are used depends on the individual Location and the rules established by its Operator.

Individual Locations may, in particular, enable:

• advance booking of services, 
• use on a “first come, first served” (FCFS) basis, 
• on-site use reporting, 
• electronic use reporting,
• direct online payment, 
• other means of accessing services. 

Before using a particular service, the user is required to check the terms of use, the Location Rules, and any other information displayed on the Platform or at the Location itself.

Where a particular service requires a booking, use reporting, registration of occupancy, or other confirmation of use, the user is responsible for ensuring that such process has been successfully completed before the service is used.

A successfully completed booking or use report entitles the user to use the service solely to the extent, under the conditions, and for the period determined by the Operator of the individual Location.

Where the Operator of a particular Location enables the use of services on a “first come, first served” (FCFS) basis, services are used in accordance with the rules of that Location and without a prior booking, unless the Operator determines otherwise.

When using the services, the user is required to act in accordance with the Operator's instructions, the Location Rules, applicable law, and customary rules of safe navigation.

 

8. INFORMATION PRIOR TO USE OF A SERVICE

Before confirming a booking, making a payment, or beginning to use a service, the Platform displays to the user the information available for that particular service.

This may include, among other things:

• a description of the service,
• the identity of the Operator, 
• the price of the service, 
• the period of validity of the service, 
• the manner of use, 
• the terms of use, 
• the rules of the individual Location, 
• other information relevant to the user's decision.

By confirming a booking, making a payment, or beginning to use a service, the user confirms that they have reviewed and accept the information provided.

 

9. PAYMENTS, INVOICES, AND TRANSACTIONS

The method of payment for a particular service depends on the business model of the individual Location and the decision of its Operator.

Payments may be made through the Platform, directly to the Operator, or through authorized payment service providers integrated into the Platform.

Where agreed with the Operator and permitted under applicable law, Buoyfriend may, on the Operator's behalf, carry out certain administrative tasks related to payment processing, invoicing, the issuance of other transaction documents, or other procedures related to the execution of payments.

Such cooperation does not affect the fact that the service is provided to the user by the Operator of the individual Location.

Before confirming a payment, the user is required to verify all transaction details.

A successfully completed payment transaction does not, in itself, entitle the user to use the service if other conditions determined by the Operator of the individual Location have not also been met.

Following a successfully completed payment, the Platform or another authorized service provider shall provide the user with an appropriate transaction confirmation or other document, where required for the particular service.

If the user fails to pay for a used service in accordance with these Terms, the rules of the individual Location, or other applicable terms of use, the Operator, or another authorized party engaged by it, may take all measures permitted under applicable law to recover the outstanding debt, including reminders, judicial or enforcement proceedings, and other appropriate legal remedies. The user may, in accordance with applicable law, also be liable for statutory default interest and the costs of collection proceedings.

Failure to pay for a used service does not relieve the user of the obligation to pay, nor of any other obligations arising from these Terms or the rules of the individual Location.

 

10. RULES OF EACH INDIVIDUAL LOCATION

Each Location may operate according to its own rules, as determined by its Operator.

The rules of an individual Location may, among other things, govern:

• the manner of using the services, 
• operating hours, 
• the booking system, 
• the manner of use reporting, 
• payment terms, 
• time limits on use, 
• safety rules, 
• environmental requirements, 
• the use of additional services, 
• other business terms.

The rules of an individual Location form an integral part of these terms governing the use of services at that Location.

Before using a service, the user is required to review the rules of the individual Location and to act in accordance with them.

In the event of any inconsistency between the rules of different Locations, the rules of the Location at which the user is using the service shall prevail.

The rules of an individual Location may also set out specific terms regarding booking cancellations, refunds, the period of validity of services, or other matters related to the use of the service.

 

11. OBLIGATIONS OF THE USER

The user is required to use the Platform lawfully, in good faith, and in accordance with its purpose.

When using the Platform, the user undertakes, in particular, to:

• provide truthful, complete, and up-to-date information, 
• provide accurate information about the Vessel upon request, 
• use the Platform in accordance with these Terms, 
• comply with the rules of the individual Location, 
• comply with applicable maritime, environmental, and other laws, 
• use the services in a manner that does not infringe the rights of other users or Operators.

In particular, the user shall not:

• provide false or misleading information, 
• use the Platform for unlawful purposes, 
• circumvent or attempt to circumvent the booking, use-reporting, or payment processes, 
• interfere with the operation, security, or reliability of the Platform, 
• attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform or its information systems, 
• use automated tools for mass data collection, content copying, or other conduct that could affect the operation of the Platform.

The user is liable for any damage caused to Buoyfriend, an Operator, or third parties, and is required to compensate for such damage in accordance with applicable law.

The user is liable for all activities carried out using their identification credentials, unless they can demonstrate that the misuse thereof occurred through no fault of their own.

 

12. AVAILABILITY OF THE PLATFORM

Buoyfriend endeavors to ensure the safe, stable, and reliable operation of the Platform.

Nevertheless, Buoyfriend cannot guarantee uninterrupted operation or the constant availability of all functionalities.

Temporary disruptions may occur, in particular, due to:

• maintenance work, 
• software updates, 
• disruptions to internet or mobile networks, 
• disruptions to the operation of satellite navigation systems, 
• the unavailability of payment service providers, 
• disruptions to third-party services, 
• force majeure, 
• other circumstances beyond Buoyfriend's reasonable control.

Buoyfriend will endeavor to resolve any disruptions within the shortest reasonable time.

Buoyfriend may temporarily restrict access to particular functionalities without prior notice for the purposes of maintenance or upgrading of the Platform, where necessary for its safe operation.

 

13. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

The Platform and all of its components, including software, design, databases, maps, graphic elements, photographs, text, logos, trademarks, and other content, are protected under applicable intellectual property laws.

Unless expressly agreed otherwise, no provision of these Terms grants the user or the Operator any right to use Buoyfriend's intellectual property, except to the extent expressly necessary for the use of the Platform.

Without the prior written consent of Buoyfriend, the user shall not, in particular:

• copy or reproduce the content of the Platform, 
• modify or alter the software, 
• distribute or publicly publish content from the Platform, 
• carry out reverse engineering, 
• use automated systems for data extraction (scraping), 
• use the content of the Platform to train artificial intelligence models, unless it has an appropriate legal basis or authorization to do so, 
• use the Platform in any manner that infringes the intellectual property rights of Buoyfriend or third parties.

The user does not acquire any intellectual property rights in the Platform or any of its individual parts merely by using it.

 

14. MISUSE OF THE PLATFORM AND RESTRICTION OF ACCESS

Buoyfriend endeavors to ensure the safe, reliable, and fair use of the Platform for all users and Operators.

If there is reasonable grounds to believe that a user is using the Platform contrary to these Terms, applicable law, or its intended purpose, Buoyfriend may, without prior notice, temporarily restrict or permanently disable access to a particular functionality or user account.

Misuse of the Platform includes, in particular:

• providing false or misleading information, 
• the use of stolen or unauthorized payment instruments, 
• attempting to circumvent the booking, use-reporting, or payment processes, 
• unauthorized access to the Platform's information systems, 
• automated data collection or other forms of interference with the operation of the Platform, 
• any conduct that could jeopardize the operation of the Platform, other users, Operators, or third parties.

The restriction or termination of access does not affect any rights or obligations that arose prior to such measure being taken.

 

15. LIABILITY

15.1 Liability of the Operator

The Operator of an individual Location is solely responsible for the services it offers through the Platform and for their provision in accordance with applicable law, the terms of use of the individual Location, and any other rules it establishes.

The Operator is responsible, in particular, for:

• the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of information about the services, 
• setting prices, terms of use, and the rules of the individual Location, 
• the availability of services, 
• the condition, safety, and adequacy of mooring and other infrastructure, 
• the lawful provision of services and compliance with all obligations arising from applicable law.

15.2 Liability of Buoyfriend

Buoyfriend ensures the operation of the Platform as a digital system for presenting, searching for, booking, using, and paying for services offered by independent Operators.

Buoyfriend endeavors to ensure the safe, stable, and reliable operation of the Platform, as well as accurate and up-to-date information, but cannot guarantee its completeness, accuracy, or uninterrupted availability.

Information about individual Locations, services, prices, availability, terms of use, and other business terms is, as a rule, provided by the Operators of the individual Locations.

Except where applicable law provides otherwise, Buoyfriend shall not be liable for:

• the provision of services at an individual Location, 
• the quality, safety, suitability, or legality of services provided by an Operator, 
• the accuracy or timeliness of information provided by an Operator or another third party, 
• the condition, safety, or suitability of mooring or other infrastructure, 
• the acts or omissions of Operators or third parties, 
• the availability of a particular service, 
• weather, maritime, or other natural conditions, 
• the user's decisions when using the services, 
• damage arising from circumstances beyond Buoyfriend's reasonable control.

 

15.3 Liability of the User

The user is responsible for using the Platform and its services in accordance with these Terms, the rules of the individual Location, and applicable law.

The user is liable for the accuracy of all information provided when using the Platform, and for all activities carried out using their user account or other identification credentials, unless they can demonstrate that the unauthorized use thereof occurred through no fault of their own.

The user is liable for any damage caused to Buoyfriend, an Operator, or third parties as a result of a breach of these Terms, the rules of the individual Location, or applicable law.

The user is required, without undue delay, to notify the Operator or Buoyfriend of any circumstances that may affect the safety of people, vessels, or infrastructure, or the proper provision of the service.

 

16. FORCE MAJEURE

Buoyfriend shall not be liable for any delays, disruptions, or failure to perform its obligations resulting from force majeure events or other circumstances beyond its reasonable control.

Force majeure includes, in particular:

• natural disasters, 
• extreme weather conditions, 
• war or acts of terrorism, 
• epidemics, 
• strikes, 
• decisions of state authorities, 
• power outages or disruptions to communication networks, 
• the unavailability of payment providers or other essential service providers, 
• other unforeseeable events of a similar nature.

If force majeure circumstances persist for an extended period, Buoyfriend may temporarily restrict or adjust the operation of particular functionalities of the Platform.

 

17. AMENDMENTS TO THE TERMS

Buoyfriend may amend these Terms from time to time due to:

• changes in legislation, 
• development of the Platform, 
• the introduction of new functionalities, 
• changes to the business model, 
• improvements to the user experience, 
• other legitimate business reasons.

The updated version of the Terms shall be published on the Platform together with the date on which it takes effect.

If the user continues to use the Platform after the updated Terms take effect, the user shall be deemed to have accepted them.

 

18. PARTIAL INVALIDITY

If any provision of these Terms is found to be null, void, or unenforceable, this shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions.

In such a case, the invalid provision shall be replaced by a provision that, in its purpose and legal effect, most closely corresponds to the original intent.

 

19. NO WAIVER OF RIGHTS

If Buoyfriend fails, in any particular case, to exercise any right or claim to which it is entitled under these Terms or applicable law, this shall not constitute a waiver of that right, nor shall it affect its ability to exercise that right in the future.

 

20. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION

These Terms shall be governed by the law of the Republic of Croatia.

Buoyfriend and the user shall endeavor to resolve any disputes amicably.

If an amicable resolution cannot be reached, disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts of the Republic of Croatia, unless applicable law provides otherwise.

 

21. LANGUAGE

These Terms may be published in multiple languages.

Translated versions are provided to facilitate understanding of their content.

In the event of any discrepancy between language versions, the Croatian version of the Terms shall prevail, unless applicable law provides otherwise.

 

22. CONTACT

For questions regarding the Platform or these Terms, users may contact:

Buoyfriend d.o.o.

Trnjanska 45A

Zagreb

Croatia

Email: policy@buoyfriend.com

 

This version enters into force on 1 August 2026.