HMAA Privacy Policy

Effective Date: August 18, 2026

Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association (“HMAA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a not-for-profit association of arbitrators, mediators, and expert witnesses serving the maritime, oil & gas, energy, and transportation industries. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and protect personal information when you visit or use our website at https://hmaatexas.org/ (the “Site”).

By accessing or using the Site, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Site.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Information You Provide Directly

Contact information submitted through forms on the Site (e.g., name and any other details you choose to provide when contacting us).
Information related to membership inquiries or applications (if submitted via the Site or linked processes).
Any other information you voluntarily submit.

Information Collected Automatically

Technical and usage data such as IP address, browser type, device information, operating system, pages visited, time and date of visits, referring URLs, and general location information.
Cookies, web beacons, and similar technologies that help the Site function, remember preferences, and analyze usage.

Public Member Directory Information

Professional information about HMAA members that appears in our public membership list (e.g., name, company, city, and state), which is provided by members for industry visibility.

We do not intentionally collect sensitive personal information (such as Social Security numbers, financial account details, or health data) through the Site unless you voluntarily provide it.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support.
Operate, maintain, and improve the Site and our services.
Maintain and publish the membership directory as part of our mission.
Analyze Site usage and trends.
Comply with legal obligations.
Protect the rights, property, or safety of HMAA, our members, or others.
Communicate with you about HMAA activities, events, or membership matters (where permitted).

3. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

The Site may use cookies and similar technologies. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect Site functionality. We may use analytics tools (such as Google Analytics or similar services) that collect aggregated usage data.

4. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following circumstances:

With service providers who assist us in operating the Site (e.g., web hosting, email, or analytics providers), under confidentiality obligations.
With other HMAA members or the public via the membership directory (limited to professional information members choose to list).
When required by law, legal process, or to protect rights and safety.
In connection with a merger, reorganization, or transfer of assets (if applicable to a not-for-profit entity).
With your consent.

5. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as necessary for the purposes described in this Policy, to comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, or enforce agreements.

7. Your Rights and Choices

Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal information, including:

Accessing, correcting, or deleting certain information.
Opting out of certain communications.
Restricting or objecting to certain processing.

To exercise these rights or make a request, contact us using the information below. We will respond in accordance with applicable law.

California residents may have additional rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA/CPRA). Residents of other jurisdictions (including the EU/EEA under GDPR, if applicable) may have similar rights.

8. Children’s Privacy

The Site is not directed to children under 13 (or under 16 in certain jurisdictions). We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If we become aware that we have collected such information, we will take steps to delete it.

9. Third-Party Links

The Site may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. International Users

The Site is operated from the United States. If you access it from outside the U.S., your information may be transferred to and processed in the United States, which may have different data protection laws.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be posted on this page with a revised effective date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Policy.

12. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us through the contact form on the Site at https://hmaatexas.org/ .

Houston Maritime Arbitrators Association
Website: https://hmaatexas.org/