Code of Ethics

National Association of Marine Services

Code of Ethics

Subscribed to by the members of the National Association of Marine Services Inc.

Preamble
The National Association of Marine Services, Inc., recognizing that companies engaged in the marine services industry assume certain responsibilities toward consumers arising out of the personal contact method of distribution of their products and services, hereby sets forth the basic fair and ethical principles and practices for members of the industry to be guided by in the conduct of their business. The National Association of Marine Services, Inc. further recognizes the need to, at all times, meet every servicing supply requirement of its customers.

Rule 1 - Misrepresentation
It is unethical for any member of the industry in connection with the sale, offering for sale or distribution of industry products, to make, publish, or cause to be made or published by way of advertising, labeling or otherwise, any statement or representation which directly or by implication has the capacity and tendency or effect of deceiving purchasers or prospective purchasers as to the kind, type, grade, quality, size, weight, strength, composition, durability, capacity, safety, origin or availability of any industry product or which has the capacity and tendency or effect or deceiving purchasers or prospective purchasers in any other material respect.

Rule 2 - Substitution of Productions
It is unethical for a member of the industry to make an unauthorized substitution of products for products actually ordered where such substitution has the capacity and tendency or effect of misleading or deceiving the purchaser.

Rule 3 - Deceptive or Unlawful Trade Practices
No member of the industry shall engage in any deceptive or unlawful trade practices.

Rule 4 - Deceptive Invoicing, Etc.
It is unethical for members of the industry to issue invoices, billings or sales slips which by reason of misstatements therein or omissions there from have the capacity and tendency or effect of deceiving purchasers or prospective purchasers, or the consuming public.

Rule 5 - Prohibited Forms of Trade Restraints (unlawful price fixing, etc.)
It is unethical for any member of the industry, either directly or indirectly, to engage in any planned common course of action, or to enter into or take part in any understanding agreement, combination or conspiracy with one or more members of the industry, to fix or maintain the price of any goods or otherwise to restrain trade.

Rule 6 - Enticing Away Employees of Competitors
Knowingly enticing away employees or sales representatives of competitors so as to substantially injure or lessen competition is an unethical trade practice provided that nothing in this rule shall be construed as prohibiting the employees from seeking more favorable employment.

Rule 7 - Defamation of Competitors or False Disparagement of Their Products
The defamation of competitors by falsely imputing them dishonorable conduct, inability to perform contracts, questionable credit standing, or by any other false representations is an unethical practice.