Legal

Community Guidelines

Last Updated: March 6, 2026 · Makai Technologies, Inc.

Our Commitment

Makai is built on trust between renters, owners, and captains. These Community Guidelines establish the standards of conduct expected of every user on the platform. By using Makai, you agree to follow these guidelines. Violations may result in warnings, account suspension, or permanent removal from the platform.

Code of Conduct

  • Respect: Treat all users — renters, owners, captains, and crew — with courtesy and respect. Disagreements should be resolved calmly and constructively.
  • Non-discrimination: Makai does not tolerate discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.
  • Zero-tolerance harassment: Harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, or any form of abusive behavior toward another user is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate account action.
  • Honest communication: Provide accurate information in your profile, listings, and communications. Misrepresentation of vessel condition, qualifications, or intent is prohibited.

Renter Responsibilities

  • Follow all instructions given by the captain at all times while on board
  • Arrive at the designated boarding location on time; late arrivals may result in a shortened trip with no refund for the missed time
  • Disclose any medical conditions, allergies, or mobility limitations that may affect your safety or the safety of others before departure
  • Supervise children at all times — children under 13 must wear a life jacket while on deck
  • Report any damage to the vessel or equipment to the captain immediately
  • Comply with the vessel's stated guest capacity; do not bring additional guests beyond the confirmed booking
  • Respect the vessel as someone else's property and leave it in the condition you found it

Owner & Captain Responsibilities

  • Vessel seaworthiness: Owners must ensure their vessel is in safe, operational condition with current registration and insurance before every charter
  • Safety briefing: Captains must provide a safety briefing to all passengers before departure, including the location of life jackets, fire extinguishers, first aid kit, and emergency procedures
  • Licensing: Captains must hold a current USCG license (or equivalent credential) valid for their vessel class and operating area
  • Emergency equipment: Vessels must carry all USCG-required safety equipment, including life jackets for every passenger, a throwable flotation device, visual distress signals, a fire extinguisher, and a sound-producing device
  • Weather judgment: The captain has sole authority to cancel, delay, modify, or cut short a trip based on weather conditions. Safety always takes priority over the schedule
  • Accurate listings: Vessel listings must accurately represent the vessel's condition, capacity, amenities, and photos. Outdated or misleading listings are prohibited

Prohibited Items & Activities

The following items and activities are strictly prohibited on all Makai charters:

  • Illegal substances, including controlled drugs and drug paraphernalia
  • Weapons, firearms, and explosives (including fireworks)
  • Reckless behavior, including jumping from moving vessels, hanging over railings, or interfering with vessel operations
  • Exceeding the vessel's stated passenger capacity
  • Operating the vessel without the captain's authorization
  • Commercial activities not agreed upon in the booking (filming, events, etc.)
  • Dumping trash, fuel, or any waste into the water

Alcohol & Substance Policy

  • Passengers: Legal consumption of alcohol is permitted for passengers of legal drinking age, unless the vessel owner has specified otherwise in the listing
  • Captain & operator: The captain and any person operating the vessel must remain completely sober at all times. Operating a vessel under the influence is a federal offense under 46 U.S.C. § 2302 (Boating Under the Influence)
  • Captain's authority: The captain may end a charter immediately and return to port if any passenger's alcohol or substance use creates a safety risk. No refund will be issued in this circumstance
  • Glass containers: Check with your captain before bringing glass containers on board — many vessels prohibit glass for safety reasons

Vessel Care & Damage

  • Leave as found: Renters are expected to leave the vessel in substantially the same condition as they found it. Remove all personal belongings and trash before disembarking
  • Damage liability: Renters are financially responsible for damage caused by negligence, misuse, or violation of these guidelines during their charter
  • Security deposit: If the owner has set a security deposit, it will be held as a pre-authorization and released if no claim is filed (see our Fee Policy for details)
  • Claim window: Owners must file a damage claim within 48 hours of the trip's end, with photographic evidence and a repair estimate
  • Renter response: Renters have 7 days to respond to a damage claim. If the renter does not respond, the claim may be resolved in the owner's favor

Safety Requirements

  • Life jackets must be accessible to all passengers at all times; children under 13 must wear them on deck
  • The captain's authority is final in all matters of safety — passengers must comply with all safety instructions
  • All passengers should know the location of emergency equipment before departure
  • In the event of a weather change, the captain has sole authority to alter course, return to port, or seek shelter
  • Vessels must carry a charged VHF radio or equivalent communication device

Incident Reporting

If you experience or witness a safety concern, injury, or emergency during a Makai charter:

  • Emergencies first: Call 911 or the U.S. Coast Guard (VHF Channel 16) immediately for any life-threatening situation or emergency at sea
  • Report to Makai: After addressing the immediate emergency, report the incident to support@themakaiapp.com with your booking ID, a description of the incident, and any relevant photos or documentation
  • Non-emergency concerns: For conduct violations, listing inaccuracies, or other non-emergency issues, contact support@themakaiapp.com and our team will investigate

All reports are reviewed by our trust & safety team. We take every report seriously and will follow up with all parties involved.

Enforcement

Violations of these Community Guidelines are subject to a graduated enforcement process:

  • Warning: A formal written warning for first-time or minor violations, with guidance on expected behavior
  • Temporary suspension: Account suspension for a defined period for repeated violations or more serious offenses
  • Permanent ban: Permanent removal from the Makai platform for severe or repeated violations

Zero-tolerance offenses — the following result in immediate permanent ban with no prior warning:

  • Violence or threats of violence against any person
  • Boating Under the Influence (BUI) by a captain or vessel operator
  • Intentional property destruction
  • Sexual harassment or assault
  • Endangering the life of any passenger, captain, or crew member

Makai reserves the right to take any enforcement action it deems appropriate, including actions not listed above, to protect the safety and integrity of the community.

Contact Us

Questions about these guidelines? Contact us at support@themakaiapp.com

Makai Technologies, Inc.
Florida, United States