Cookies & Storage

Storage Policy
PWSGUIDE.com

Last Updated: July 12, 2026. This policy explains our use of cookies and local client-side storage technologies.

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1. Purpose of Local Storage on PWSGUIDE.com

Unlike conventional websites, PWSGUIDE.com is designed as an offline-first Progressive Web Application (PWA). Because mariners cruise in remote fjords and bays throughout Prince William Sound with no cellular data coverage, our platform must store essential components locally on your device to remain functional.

We use small browser data files (cookies, `sessionStorage`, `localStorage`, and Cache Storage databases) strictly to support core application functions, handle disclaimer state checks, and support offline capabilities.

2. Data Types We Store Locally

  • Local Storage (`localStorage`): We write a versioned key named pwsguide_disclaimer_agreement to your browser memory when you click "I Understand & Agree" on our initial disclaimer overlay. This prevents the modal from re-blocking your view as you browse between pages or during subsequent visits. We also use localStorage to save your accessibility display settings (such as text size and high-contrast toggles) and cookie banner consent choice.
  • App Cache (Cache Storage API): Our Service Worker (`sw.js`) caches static files (such as sitemaps, fonts, icons, layout pages, and base maps tiles) directly to your browser's disk cache. Previously downloaded resources may remain available offline, but browser storage can be incomplete, outdated or automatically removed. Confirm the required information is available on your device before departure and carry independent navigation and emergency resources.

3. Third-Party Infrastructure, Maps, & Analytics

We coordinate with several third-party networks to serve, protect, and enhance the application:

  • Cloudflare Hosting & Security: The site is served through Cloudflare's content delivery network. Cloudflare may process request metadata (such as IP addresses, browser agents, and Cloudflare Ray IDs) in active server logs to identify and block security threats, enforce rate limits, and defend against DDoS attacks.
  • Cloudflare Web Analytics: We use Cloudflare Web Analytics to monitor general performance metrics and visitor volume. This is a privacy-preserving service that runs in a completely cookie-free and tracking-free manner, storing no client-side identifiers.
  • Map & Tile Providers: Our interactive maps fetch geographical layout tiles from public OpenStreetMap databases and vector packages via Protomaps. These requests transmit standard HTTP header information (IP address, user agent) to the tile server to deliver the map files to your screen. No search coordinates or user paths are tracked by these mapping endpoints.
  • Browser Geolocation: Map search filters allow you to request your current location coordinates. This uses your browser's native Geolocation API. PWSGUIDE processes this data entirely locally on your device to orient the map; your coordinate position is never transmitted to or stored on our servers.
🔒 PRIVACY BY DESIGN: NO MARKETING TARGETING Four Media Group LLC does NOT use tracking pixels, cross-site beacons, or marketing cookies. We do not partner with third-party advertising networks to show targeted ads. All local storage caches and infrastructure logs serve only functional, security, and planning utilities.

4. How to Manage or Delete Storage

You have full control over the local files stored on your device. You can manage or delete cookies and site storage at any time:

  1. Through your browser settings (e.g., "Clear Browsing Data", "Cookies and Site Data").
  2. By uninstalling the PWSGUIDE Progressive Web Application (PWA) from your mobile home screen or computer dashboard.
  3. By utilizing your browser’s Private/Incognito browsing mode, which automatically purges all localStorage and sessionStorage keys upon closing the window.