1. Overview

This Data Retention Policy explains how long Maritime Exam Prep Pro keeps different types of data, and why. We keep data only for as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected, or as required by law. Where data is no longer needed, we delete or anonymise it.

2. Account and Profile Data

Your account information (name, email address, exam level preferences, accessibility settings) is retained for as long as your account is active. If you request account deletion, we will remove your personal identifiers within 30 days, except where we are required to retain certain records by applicable law.

3. Study and Progress Data

Your study history, flashcard performance, MCQ scores, oral session recordings and readiness metrics are retained while your account is active. This data is used to power progress tracking, study recommendations and your MCA Readiness score. If you delete your account, this data will be removed within 30 days.

We may retain anonymised and aggregated study performance data (from which individual users cannot be identified) for the purposes of improving platform content and features.

4. Subscription and Billing Data

Records of subscription history and billing transactions are retained for a minimum of 6 years from the date of the transaction, as required for tax and financial record-keeping purposes under UK law. This data is held securely and is not used for marketing. Payment card details are held solely by Stripe and are not stored by Maritime Exam Prep Pro.

5. AI Interaction Data

Prompts and responses from AI-powered features (such as the AI Oral Examiner and Chat with Tutor) are retained temporarily to deliver the service. We do not indefinitely store full transcripts of AI sessions linked to your personal account beyond what is necessary for session continuity and quality improvement. Interactions used for platform improvement are anonymised before retention.

6. Contact and Support Communications

Messages submitted via the contact form or sent to our support email address are retained for up to 3 years from the date of your last communication, to enable us to maintain a consistent support history and resolve any follow-up queries.

7. Cookie and Analytics Data

Analytics data collected via cookies is retained in aggregated or anonymised form for up to 26 months, in line with standard analytics data practices. Cookie consent preferences stored on your device are retained for up to 12 months or until you clear your browser data.

8. Certificate Checker Records

Where you use the Certificate Authenticity Checker tool, records of checks performed are retained for audit and service improvement purposes for up to 12 months. Personally identifiable information entered during a certificate check is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

9. Requesting Deletion

You may request deletion of your account and associated personal data at any time by emailing support@maritimeexamprep.com with "Account Deletion Request" in the subject line. We will confirm receipt and complete deletion within 30 days, subject to any legal retention obligations.

Note that data required for legal, financial or regulatory reasons (such as billing records) cannot be deleted until the applicable retention period has elapsed.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated to registered users. Continued use of the platform after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

Data Retention Policy