Welcome to our online community — we're really glad you're here! This space was built for you, and these guidelines exist to keep it safe, supportive, and worth returning to. Please take a moment to read them.
1. Treat Each Other Well
Be kind, patient, and remember that behind every post is a real person who might be far from home and support, and who might be navigating something new and difficult. Respect all members regardless of identity, rank, nationality, vessel type, background, or anything else. Harassment, bullying, hate speech, and discrimination of any kind (including homophobia, transphobia, racism, and sexism) will not be tolerated, even when framed as a joke. When you see something you think might fall in those categories, flag the post or comment for moderator review.
2. Keep It in the Right Place
There are topics and tags to make it easy to find what you need, so please use them. Post in the most relevant topic and tag your posts wherever possible. It helps others find support and makes the community easier to navigate for everyone.
3. Protect Each Other's Privacy
Not everyone is out at work, home, or wherever else. Never out a member, share their personal details, or speculate about someone's identity without their explicit consent. Equally, avoid sharing operational information that could identify a specific vessel, company, or crew. It's important to discuss companies, their ships, and crews in broad terms, but this forum is a place for support and not finger pointing or accusations (please see Maritime Legal Aid & Advocacy if what you have in mind sounds more that avenue).
4. Handle SASH Topics With Care
Posts in the SASH Advice topic deal with serious and sensitive experiences. Approach them with empathy and without judgment. Never question or minimize someone's account of their own experience. If you're concerned about a member's immediate safety or well-being, contact a moderator privately rather than responding publicly. Again, posts in the SASH Advice topic shall not personally identify anyone involved.
5. No Spam or Unsolicited Promotion
This is a peer community, not a marketplace. Don't post spam, repetitive content, or advertising without explicit moderator approval before posting. Sharing genuinely useful links and resources is encouraged, especially in the relevant discussions, just be transparent about what you're sharing and why you find the source helpful and related.
6. This Is Peer Support, Not Professional Advice
The conversations here can be incredibly valuable, but they are not a substitute for professional legal, medical, or mental health support. Where appropriate, please direct members toward qualified help. If you're looking for it yourself, don't hesitate to ask.
7. Work With the Moderators
There is current one moderator, the admin Sophie Scopazzi. If you are interested in becoming a moderator, please email me (sophie [at] freeflarum.com).
If something concerns you, use the report button rather than engaging directly. Do not retaliate, just flag it. Moderator decisions are final, but if you feel strongly about a decision, raise it privately and calmly via the email link above. Repeated or serious rule violations will result in suspension or removal from the community.
8. Remember the Spirit of This Place
This community exists because queer, trans, and gender-diverse seafarers deserve a place that understands their lives. Be generous with your experience, welcoming to newcomers, and gentle with people who are struggling. Keep in mind that you might be the first person someone has ever spoken to about this stuff.
If you have any questions about these guidelines, feel free to reach out to Sophie Scopazzi via email (sophie [at] freeflarum.com)
