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AMERICAN SAUDADE, INC.

Legal Information & Terms of Use
 

Organization: American Saudade, Inc. (ASI)
Website: www.americansaudade.org
Location: East Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Effective Date: October 15, 2026
Last Updated: October 15, 2026
 

1. Introduction and Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to the official website of American Saudade, Inc. (ASI), a Rhode Island nonprofit corporation recognized as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

ASI is dedicated to preserving, documenting, researching, and sharing Portuguese, Cape Verdean, and Atlantic maritime heritage through education, historical preservation, cultural engagement, maritime exploration, and community participation.

These Terms of Use govern access to and use of www.americansaudade.org, including its publicly available pages, articles, photographs, educational materials, videos, and interactive features.

By accessing or using this website, visitors agree to comply with these Terms to the extent permitted by applicable law.

If you do not agree with these Terms, please discontinue use of the website.

Additional terms or agreements may apply to specific activities, including donations, merchandise purchases, volunteer participation, internships, events, and maritime programs.

2. Nonprofit Status and Organizational Identity

American Saudade, Inc. is organized under the laws of Rhode Island and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3).

ASI operates for charitable and educational purposes consistent with its governing documents and applicable law.

References to ASI programs, initiatives, institutional relationships, proposed voyages, or future projects do not necessarily indicate that such activities are fully operational, funded, or formally established.

Organizational information is provided for public education, outreach, and engagement.

3. Permitted Website Use

Visitors may use the ASI website for lawful personal, educational, historical, and informational purposes.

Visitors agree not to:

• Use the website for unlawful, fraudulent, or misleading activities.

• Attempt unauthorized access to website systems, accounts, or information.

• Introduce malicious software or interfere with website operations.

• Misrepresent an affiliation with or authorization from ASI.

• Submit threatening, defamatory, harassing, or otherwise unlawful material.

• Infringe the intellectual property or privacy rights of others.

• Use ASI's identity, logos, or content in a manner that falsely implies endorsement or sponsorship.

ASI may restrict access to interactive features or remove content under its control when reasonably necessary to protect the organization, its users, or the integrity of its programs.

4. Intellectual Property and Copyright

Unless otherwise indicated, original content created by or for ASI—including written publications, educational materials, graphics, videos, logos, website designs, and organizational materials—is owned by ASI or used with appropriate authorization.

Such content may be protected by United States and international intellectual property laws.

Visitors may view, share links to, and make limited personal or educational use of publicly available materials where permitted by law.

Reproduction, republication, commercial exploitation, or distribution of protected ASI content beyond legally permitted uses requires appropriate authorization.

ASI respects the intellectual property rights of third parties and expects website visitors and contributors to do the same.

5. Organizational Names, Logos, and Program Identities

The names, logos, designs, and identifying materials associated with American Saudade, Inc., S/V American Saudade, 360 Deep™, SubSafe to SailSafe™, and other ASI initiatives may be subject to applicable trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property protections.

Use of these identifiers must not falsely suggest an official relationship, endorsement, certification, or authorization.

The use of the ™ symbol identifies a claimed trademark; it does not necessarily indicate federal trademark registration.

Requests for permission to reproduce ASI branding may be submitted through the website's Contact Us page.

6. Historical Research and Educational Content

ASI publishes historical research, commentary, photographs, documents, oral histories, maritime narratives, and educational resources.

Historical materials may include differing interpretations, incomplete records, personal recollections, and information that evolves as new evidence becomes available.

ASI seeks to present such material responsibly but does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of every historical claim.

Educational content is provided for general information and should not be treated as a substitute for independent research or appropriate professional guidance.

7. 360 Deep™ Educational Materials

360 Deep™ is an ASI educational and analytical initiative encouraging critical thinking, examination of evidence, and consideration of multiple perspectives.

Materials presented through 360 Deep may address historical, political, economic, cultural, religious, scientific, technological, environmental, military, geographical, and philosophical subjects.

Presentation of a viewpoint does not necessarily constitute endorsement by ASI.

ASI encourages respectful disagreement, source evaluation, intellectual curiosity, and the revision of conclusions when supported by credible evidence.

Participants remain responsible for their own statements and interpretations.

8. Historical Photographs and Digital Preservation

ASI may publish historical photographs, archival documents, family albums, and digitally processed historical images.

Some photographs may be colorized, restored, or enhanced through digital tools, including artificial intelligence.

Digital colorization is interpretive and does not establish the historically accurate colors of the original scene.

ASI seeks to preserve the integrity and historical context of source materials while clearly distinguishing original historical evidence from modern digital interpretation.

The publication of historical material does not necessarily mean ASI owns the original photograph, document, or underlying copyright.

9. User-Submitted Photographs, Documents, and Other Materials

Individuals may be invited to submit photographs, documents, historical information, recordings, written accounts, or other materials.

By submitting materials, contributors represent that they have the right to provide them and that their submission does not knowingly violate applicable laws or third-party rights.

Submission alone does not transfer copyright ownership to ASI or automatically authorize unrestricted public publication.

ASI will seek appropriate permissions for reproduction, modification, digital colorization, publication, archiving, and educational use as applicable.

Separate submission agreements or permissions may be required for specific collections or programs.

ASI may decline, remove, or request clarification concerning submitted material.

Contributors should not submit confidential information, private records, or images of living individuals without appropriate consideration of privacy and consent.

10. Community Participation and Public Contributions

ASI welcomes respectful participation in its educational programs, historical discussions, and community platforms.

Contributors are responsible for the accuracy and legality of their own submissions.

ASI may moderate comments and remove material from platforms under its control when reasonably necessary.

ASI does not necessarily endorse opinions, historical interpretations, or statements submitted by members of the public.

Community participation does not automatically establish membership in ASI's governing corporation, voting rights, employment, or an official representative role.

11. Maritime Education and Safety

ASI publishes educational materials concerning maritime history, navigation, seamanship, marine engineering, vessel maintenance, offshore sailing, and related subjects.

Such information is not a substitute for qualified instruction, professional inspections, engineering assessments, marine surveys, or compliance with applicable maritime regulations.

Maritime activities—including sailing, diving, vessel maintenance, and offshore passages—may involve serious hazards.

Individuals remain responsible for obtaining appropriate training, professional advice, equipment, and safety precautions.

ASI makes no representation that information published on its website guarantees the safety, suitability, or seaworthiness of a vessel or activity.

12. S/V American Saudade and Proposed Voyages

S/V American Saudade is associated with ASI's developing maritime heritage and educational initiatives.

Information about the vessel's restoration, refit, equipment, safety systems, planned routes, proposed voyages, and educational activities may change.

Schedules and future activities are subject to available funding, vessel readiness, weather, regulatory requirements, operational considerations, and other circumstances.

Descriptions of proposed voyages or programs do not create contractual obligations to provide transportation, participation, instruction, or other services.

Vessel ownership and operational responsibility are determined by applicable legal documents and arrangements, not merely by references on this website.

13. SubSafe to SailSafe™ Program

SubSafe to SailSafe™ is an educational initiative inspired by disciplined engineering, maintenance, inspection, risk management, and safety principles.

It is not an official U.S. Navy SUBSAFE certification program.

ASI does not claim authorization to issue Navy SUBSAFE certification, and the initiative does not imply sponsorship, affiliation, or endorsement by the U.S. Navy or the United States Department of Defense.

The initiative does not guarantee vessel seaworthiness or eliminate maritime risks.

14. Educational Programs, Volunteers, and Internships

ASI may offer or develop educational opportunities, internships, volunteer programs, lectures, workshops, research activities, and experiential learning.

Participation may require separate applications, agreements, eligibility verification, parental or guardian consent, supervision, insurance arrangements, and safety procedures.

Descriptions of proposed opportunities do not guarantee acceptance, compensation, employment, academic credit, certification, or participation in maritime voyages.

Separate written agreements may govern specific programs.

15. Donations, Sponsorships, and Charitable Contributions

ASI may accept donations, grants, sponsorships, and contributions supporting its charitable mission.

Any donation or sponsorship opportunity offered through the website may be subject to additional terms, applicable laws, and payment-processing requirements.

ASI intends to use charitable contributions consistent with applicable law and any accepted donor restrictions.

Tax deductibility depends on applicable law and the circumstances of the contribution.

ASI does not provide individualized tax or legal advice.

Donors should consult qualified professionals regarding their personal circumstances.

A contribution does not automatically establish organizational membership, voting rights, or authority over ASI programs.

16. Merchandise, Bookstore, and Ship's Store

ASI may develop or operate online merchandise, book sales, publications, and related fundraising activities.

Purchases, if offered, may be subject to separate product descriptions, prices, shipping conditions, return policies, and payment terms disclosed at the point of sale.

ASI will endeavor to provide accurate descriptions but recognizes that product availability and fulfillment arrangements may change.

Transactions may be processed by third-party providers under their applicable terms and privacy policies.

17. Institutional Partnerships and External Organizations

ASI may reference museums, universities, schools, historical societies, maritime organizations, businesses, public agencies, and other institutions.

References or links do not necessarily establish formal partnerships, sponsorships, endorsements, or affiliations.

Formal institutional relationships will be governed by appropriate authorizations and agreements.

ASI will not knowingly represent exploratory discussions or proposed collaborations as completed agreements.

18. International Outreach and Goodwill Initiatives

ASI's international programs, including the Atlantic Islands Heritage Initiative, Cabo Verde advance missions, and Goodwill Ambassador activities, are intended to support cultural exchange, education, historical preservation, and community engagement.

ASI is not a government or diplomatic agency.

Unless separately authorized by the appropriate government, ASI representatives do not act as official diplomatic representatives.

Participation in international activities may require additional agreements, travel documentation, insurance, safety arrangements, and compliance with applicable laws.

19. The American Saudade Fleet

ASI envisions a future network of participating vessels supporting its educational, maritime, cultural, and goodwill mission.

References to the American Saudade Fleet describe a developing organizational initiative unless otherwise specified.

Participation in such a network does not automatically mean that a vessel is owned, managed, operated, insured, or controlled by ASI.

Any formal fleet participation would require appropriate agreements defining ownership, responsibilities, operational authority, safety expectations, insurance, and use of ASI identifying materials.

20. External Websites and Third-Party Services

The ASI website may include links to external educational institutions, museums, archives, publications, video platforms, social media services, and other resources.

These websites are independently operated and may maintain their own terms, privacy policies, and accessibility practices.

ASI does not control or guarantee third-party content, availability, accuracy, or security.

External links are provided for convenience and educational reference and do not necessarily imply endorsement.

21. Privacy and Personal Information

Collection and handling of personal information through the ASI website are addressed in the organization's separate Privacy Policy.

Visitors are encouraged to review that policy before submitting personal information.

Additional privacy notices or consent requirements may apply to specific programs, services, or transactions.

22. Accessibility

ASI is committed to improving accessibility to its website and educational resources.

Information concerning accessibility objectives, accommodations, and feedback procedures is provided in ASI's separate Accessibility Policy.

Visitors who experience accessibility difficulties are encouraged to contact the organization for assistance.

23. Disclaimer of Warranties

The ASI website and its publicly available content are provided on an "as available" and "as is" basis.

To the extent permitted by applicable law, ASI makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding uninterrupted access, completeness, accuracy, reliability, or fitness of website information for any particular purpose.

Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude warranties or rights that cannot lawfully be excluded.

24. Limitation of Liability

To the extent permitted by applicable law, ASI and its authorized representatives shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages arising from the use of, or inability to use, the website or reliance on its general informational content.

This provision does not purport to waive rights or liabilities that cannot legally be excluded or limited.

These Terms do not replace any separately required participant agreement, maritime liability documentation, or other contract.

25. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are intended to be interpreted in accordance with applicable laws of the State of Rhode Island and the United States, without overriding mandatory legal protections that may apply to particular users.

Questions or concerns concerning website content or these Terms should initially be directed to ASI through its Contact Us page.

Nothing in these Terms prevents a person from exercising legal rights or pursuing remedies available under applicable law.

26. Changes to These Terms

ASI may revise these Terms of Use as its website, programs, operations, and legal requirements evolve.

Revisions will be identified by updating the date shown on this page.

Updated Terms will apply prospectively to website use to the extent permitted by applicable law.

Material changes affecting an existing contractual relationship may require additional notice or agreement.

27. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is determined to be unlawful, invalid, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in effect to the extent legally permissible.

28. Contact Information

For questions concerning these Terms, intellectual property, content permissions, or organizational activities, please contact:

American Saudade, Inc. (ASI)
East Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Website: https://www.americansaudade.org
Contact: Through the Contact Us page on our website.

AMERICAN SAUDADE, INC. (ASI)

Preserving the Past. Educating the Present. Inspiring the Future.

ACTA NON VERBA — Deeds, Not Words

Last Updated: October 15, 2026​​