ShipMate.

Enter your phone number and country code, then enter the verification code sent by SMS. Sign-in requires an internet connection. Check the number if the code does not arrive, wait before requesting another, and use the most recent code. A verification page may open to confirm the request. Message and data rates may apply. Never share your verification code with support or another person.

Add their phone number or choose a number using the iPhone contact picker. They must use ShipMate and accept your request before you can message each other. You can accept or decline incoming requests from the app. ShipMate does not upload your full address book.

Messages already received and saved on your iPhone can be read offline. You can write replies while offline; open ShipMate with an internet connection to send queued messages. New notifications need a network connection that supports Apple’s notification service. Availability and delays vary by network. Use onboard Wi-Fi according to your cruise line’s terms and plan requirements. ShipMate is independent of cruise lines and does not guarantee service aboard any ship.

Check your connection and allow notifications for ShipMate in iPhone Settings. Open ShipMate online to synchronize your conversations. “Sent” means the service received your message; “Notified” describes the notification attempt and does not guarantee that the other person’s phone received it. “Read” means they opened the conversation. Long notification messages may be shortened until the app can load the rest online.

Yes. Choose Not Now during setup or change notification permissions in iPhone Settings. You can check for messages by opening ShipMate online. You can also control whether message previews appear on your Lock Screen using iPhone notification settings.

To report a message, touch and hold it and choose Report. To report or block a person, open their contact details and choose Report or Block. You can also block the sender of a contact request from that request’s options. Reports are reviewed within 24 hours.

Blocking removes your conversation with that person for both of you, stops them from messaging you or sending you contact requests, and sends a report to me. You can unblock people in Settings › Blocked People; unblocking does not restore the old conversation.

To end a connection without blocking, open the person’s contact details and choose Remove Contact to end the connection and delete the shared conversation. They can still send you a new contact request later.

For an urgent safety concern, or if you can’t use the app, email zacherygentry@gmail.com with the relevant details. Include only information needed to explain the concern, and omit verification codes and unrelated private messages. If someone is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services. ShipMate’s terms of use describe the content and behavior that aren’t allowed.

While connected to the internet, open ShipMate → Settings → Delete Account and confirm. This removes your authentication account, profile, and server-side conversations and messages, including the shared conversations for your contacts. Previously delivered copies may remain on offline devices, in notifications, screenshots, or backups. An abuse-prevention record is retained as explained in the privacy policy. Uninstalling the app alone does not delete your account.

If you cannot access your account, email zacherygentry@gmail.com for help with deletion. I may need to verify ownership. Do not send your verification code.

In Settings, you can set an at-sea return date and optionally a ship name. Approved contacts see this status so they know replies may be delayed. You can change or turn it off at any time. ShipMate does not request your device’s location.