01. DEFINITIONS
- "HSO Energy", "HSO", "We", "Us", "Our" refers to HSO Energy, a vertical of Huron Smith Oil dedicated to EPC solutions, inspection, terminal management, and professional training.
- "Platform" or "Site" refers to the website www.hsoenergy.com, owned and operated by HSO Energy.
- "Client", "Buyer", "User", "You" refers to any individual or legal entity that accesses the Site, contracts services, purchases training products, or participates in any activity offered by HSO Energy.
"Services" includes, without limitation:
- EPC solutions (engineering, procurement, and construction) for tank terminals and energy sector assets.
- Integrity inspection in accordance with API 653 and other applicable standards.
- Facility management (operations and maintenance).
- Professional training programs delivered in-person, via live online seminars, and self-paced online seminars (HSO Energy Academy).
- Consulting and technical advisory services.
- "Academy" refers to HSO Energy's professional training division.
- "API Standards" refers to standards published by the American Petroleum Institute, including API 510, 570, 571, 577, 580, 650, 653, 936, and 1169, among others.
- "ASME Standards" refers to standards published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, including ASME IX.
- "Certifications" includes, among others, ASNT NDT Level III, AWS CWI (Certified Welding Inspector), API, OSHA, ISO 9001, and EPA.
- "Content" refers to all materials, text, images, videos, software, courses, technical documents, and any other elements made available through the Site.
02. OUR ROLE AND BUSINESS MODEL
HSO Energy provides comprehensive engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions, tank integrity inspection in accordance with API 653, terminal operations and maintenance management, and certified professional training.
Transaction registration. HSO Energy is the official registering entity for all transactions conducted on the Site. When you contract a service or purchase a training product, your contract is entered into directly with HSO Energy, and the corresponding invoice will be issued by us.
Direct service management. Engineering, inspection, and training services are provided directly by HSO Energy or by professionals acting under its supervision and control. Academy training is delivered by qualified instructors, in accordance with the Bodies of Knowledge defined by the API, ASME, ASNT, and AWS Standards.
Strategic alliances. HSO Energy may collaborate with technology partners, laboratories, or specialized suppliers for the execution of certain project components. In all cases, HSO Energy retains overall responsibility to the Client.
Single point of contact. HSO Energy is your sole point of contact for any matters relating to contracting, billing, service delivery, or claims. We will not refer you to third parties for the resolution of these matters.
03. ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS AND REGISTRATION
By using the Site, you represent and warrant that you are at least 18 years of age and capable of entering into a binding contract under applicable law.
Business users. If you register on behalf of a company or other legal entity, you represent that you have the necessary authority to bind such entity.
Account security. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account and password, and you agree to accept responsibility for all activities that occur under your account.
04. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
4.1 EPC Services. HSO Energy provides engineering, procurement, and construction services for tank terminals and energy sector assets. The scope, deliverables, schedule, and price of each project shall be defined in a specific Statement of Work (SOW) or purchase order, which shall form an integral part of these Terms.
4.2 Integrity Inspection (API 653). Tank inspection services are performed in accordance with the requirements of the API 653 Standard (Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction) and its current addenda. HSO Energy may use advanced technologies (drones, robots, non-destructive testing) to complement visual and ultrasonic inspections, always in compliance with the Standard's criteria.
4.3 Facility Management. Terminal operations and maintenance services are governed by the procedures set forth in HSO Energy's Operations Manual and by API 2350 (Overfill Protection), ISO 8217, and other applicable standards.
4.4 Professional Training (HSO Energy Academy). The Academy offers training programs for certification and professional development in the following areas:
- API 510 (Pressure Vessel Inspector)
- API 570 (Piping Inspector)
- API 571 (Damage Mechanisms)
- API 577 (Welding Inspection and Metallurgy)
- API 580 (Risk Based Inspection)
- API 650 (Welded Tanks for Oil Storage)
- API 653 (Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction)
- API 936 (Refractory Personnel)
- API 1169 (Pipeline Construction Inspector)
- ASME IX (Welding and Brazing Qualifications)
- ASNT NDT Level III
- AWS CWI (Certified Welding Inspector)
Each program includes technical instruction, case studies, and exam preparation in accordance with industry best practices. Satisfactory completion of a program does not guarantee certification by the corresponding body, which depends on the student's passing of the official examinations.
05. PRICING AND PAYMENTS
Pricing. All prices are stated in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise indicated. Prices do not include taxes, fees, travel expenses, accommodation, per diems, or any other incidental costs, unless expressly provided in the SOW or purchase order. HSO Energy reserves the right to modify prices at any time, without affecting services already contracted.
Payment. Payments are processed through secure third-party payment providers integrated into the Platform. By making a purchase, you accept the terms of such providers. HSO Energy does not store full payment card data.
Taxes. HSO Energy shall calculate and collect applicable sales, use, or value-added taxes based on your location and the nature of the services, as required by law. You are responsible for all taxes arising from your contracting.
Training.
- In-person courses: Full payment must be made at least fourteen (14) days before the course start date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Online courses (live and self-paced): Payment must be made at the time of registration, unless special conditions are established for corporate clients.
06. CANCELLATIONS, MODIFICATIONS, AND REFUNDS – TRAINING
Cancellation by the student:
- Up to thirty (30) days before course start: full refund less 10% administrative fee.
- Between twenty-nine (29) and fifteen (15) days before start: 50% refund.
- Less than fifteen (15) days' notice: no refund. Student may transfer enrollment to a future edition, paying any price difference.
- Self-paced courses: No refunds once the student has accessed the course content.
Cancellation by HSO Energy. HSO Energy reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any course due to force majeure or failure to reach minimum participants. In such case, the student shall receive a full refund or transfer to a future edition at no additional cost.
07. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
7.1 Ownership. HSO Energy owns all intellectual property rights in the Site, training materials, software, methodologies, tools, manuals, presentations, videos, and any other content made available through the Site or during the provision of services.
7.2 License to use. You may view, download (for caching purposes only), and print pages or content from the Site for your personal or internal business use, subject to the restrictions set forth below.
7.3 Restrictions. You may not:
- Republish material from the Site (including on another website).
- Sell, rent, or sublicense material from the Site.
- Reproduce, duplicate, copy, or otherwise exploit material from our Site for commercial purposes without express written permission.
- Redistribute training course content without express authorization.
- Record, in whole or in part, live training sessions without prior written consent.
- Remove, alter, or obscure any intellectual property notices.
7.4 Client Materials. The Client retains ownership of data, plans, specifications, and other materials provided to HSO Energy for the execution of services. The Client grants HSO Energy a non-exclusive, time-limited, and purpose-limited license to use such materials exclusively within the scope of the contracted project.
08. CONFIDENTIALITY
Each party agrees to protect the other party's Confidential Information using reasonable measures and to use it solely for the performance of obligations under these Terms. Confidential Information includes, without limitation:
- Technical, commercial, and financial data communicated by one party to the other within the framework of a project.
- Training materials, course content, and methodologies of HSO Energy.
- Inspection results.
Confidential Information does not include information that:
- Is or becomes publicly available without breach of these Terms.
- Was known to the receiving party prior to disclosure.
- Is disclosed by a third party with the right to do so.
- Is independently developed by the receiving party.
09. PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION AND CALIFORNIA LAW COMPLIANCE (CCPA/CPRA)
9.1 Scope. HSO Energy is committed to protecting the personal data of users and clients in accordance with applicable law, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), and the regulations of the California Privacy Protection Agency (CPPA) effective as of January 1, 2026.
9.2 Data collected. HSO Energy may collect:
- Contact information (name, email, phone, address).
- Account information (credentials, preferences).
- Payment information (securely processed by third-party providers).
- Site usage data (IP, browser type, pages visited).
- Training data (course progress, assessment results).
- Professional data (certifications, relevant work experience for training).
9.3 Purposes of processing. Data shall be used to:
- Provide the contracted services.
- Manage registrations, payments, and communications.
- Personalize the learning experience.
- Comply with legal obligations.
- Conduct internal analysis and service improvement.
9.4 California consumer rights. If you are a California resident, you have the following rights:
- Right of access and portability.
- Right of deletion.
- Right of correction.
- Right to limit the use of sensitive personal information.
- Right to opt out of the sale or sharing of data.
To exercise these rights, contact support@hsoenergy.com.
9.5 Cybersecurity audits and risk assessments. HSO Energy implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data, including—where applicable—cybersecurity audits, risk assessments, and incident response protocols, in compliance with CCPA/CPRA regulations.
10. INDUSTRY STANDARDS AND REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
10.1 API and ASME Standards. HSO Energy's inspection, engineering, and training services are governed by the applicable standards of the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), including, among others:
- API 653 – Tank Inspection, Repair, Alteration, and Reconstruction
- API 650 – Welded Tanks for Oil Storage
- API 510 – Pressure Vessel Inspection Code
- API 570 – Piping Inspection Code
- API 571 – Damage Mechanisms Affecting Fixed Equipment
- API 577 – Welding Inspection and Metallurgy
- API 580 – Risk Based Inspection
- API 936 – Refractory Personnel
- API 1169 – Pipeline Construction Inspector
- API 2350 – Overfill Protection for Storage Tanks
- ASME IX – Welding and Brazing Qualifications
10.2 Additional certifications. HSO Energy operates in accordance with ASNT NDT Level III, AWS CWI, OSHA, ISO 9001, and EPA standards, as applicable to the nature of the services provided.
10.3 Standard of professional care. Engineering and inspection services shall be performed with the professional skill and care ordinarily provided by professionals in the sector under similar circumstances, in accordance with Mississippi law applicable to design professionals (HB 993).
11. EXPORT CONTROL AND INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS
HSO Energy complies with all United States export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) of the Department of Commerce, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) where applicable, and the sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
By contracting services with HSO Energy, you warrant that you are not located in a country subject to embargo by the United States Government and that you are not identified on any United States Government restricted or prohibited party list.
All training materials, technical documentation, and software provided by HSO Energy are subject to United States export controls. The Client agrees not to export, re-export, transfer, or disclose such materials in violation of applicable laws.
12. THIRD-PARTY LINKS
The Site may contain links to third-party websites. HSO Energy has no control over the content, privacy policies, or practices of such sites and assumes no liability therefor.
13. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES
As Is. The Platform and all content, materials, and services included on or made available through the Site are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, unless otherwise specified in writing.
Disclaimer. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, HSO Energy disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. We do not warrant that the Site, its servers, or emails sent by HSO Energy are free of viruses or other harmful components.
Training. HSO Energy does not guarantee that completion of a training program will result in official certification. API, ASME, ASNT, AWS, OSHA, ISO, and EPA certifications are awarded by the corresponding bodies, and obtaining them depends on the student's passing of the official examinations.
14. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
Exclusion. To the fullest extent permitted by law, HSO Energy shall not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of the Platform, the contracting of services, or participation in training activities, including, without limitation, direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.
Cap. The total liability of HSO Energy for any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms shall not exceed the total amount paid by the Client to HSO Energy in the twelve (12) months preceding the event giving rise to the claim.
Exclusion of broad indemnity and defense. In accordance with Mississippi law (HB 993), contractual provisions that require a design professional to indemnify, defend, or hold harmless a third party for damages not directly caused by such professional are void and unenforceable. Consequently, HSO Energy shall not assume indemnity obligations that exceed its direct liability, except as expressly permitted by law.
Jurisdictions. Because some jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, HSO Energy's liability in such jurisdictions shall be limited to the extent permitted by law.
15. INDEMNIFICATION
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless HSO Energy and its parent companies, subsidiaries, officers, employees, agents, and contractors from and against any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys' fees, made by any third party as a result of:
- Your breach of these Terms.
- Your violation of any law or third-party rights.
- Your use of the Platform or services.
16. MODIFICATION OF TERMS
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes shall become effective immediately upon posting on the Site. Your continued use of the Site after posting of changes constitutes your acceptance thereof. It is your responsibility to check this page periodically for updates.
17. GOVERNING LAW AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
17.1 Governing Law. These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Mississippi (United States) and applicable federal laws, without regard to conflict of laws provisions. This clause specifically includes:
- Mississippi law applicable to design professionals (HB 993).
- The Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), where applicable.
- United States federal laws on export controls (EAR, ITAR, OFAC).
17.2 Binding Arbitration Agreement.
- (a) Scope. You and HSO Energy agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms, their breach, the use of the Platform, or the services provided shall be resolved exclusively through binding individual arbitration.
- (b) Administration. Arbitration shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) in accordance with its Commercial Arbitration Rules.
- (c) Venue. The arbitration hearing shall take place in Batesville, Panola County, Mississippi.
- (d) Costs. Each party shall bear its own fees, unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.
17.3 Class Action Waiver. You and HSO Energy agree that any proceeding shall be conducted on an individual basis and not as a class, consolidated, or representative action.
17.4 Exception: Intellectual property and injunctive relief. Either party may seek injunctive relief before the competent courts of Harrison County, Mississippi, to protect its intellectual property rights or confidential information.
17.5 Statute of limitations. Any claim must be filed within one (1) year from the date the cause of action arose. After such period, the claim shall be permanently barred.
18. FORCE MAJEURE
Neither party shall be liable for delays or failures due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including, without limitation, natural disasters, governmental acts, war, pandemics, strikes, and communication infrastructure failures.
19. SEVERABILITY
If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid under any applicable law, such unenforceability shall not render these Terms unenforceable or invalid as a whole. Such provision shall be severed without affecting the remaining provisions.
20. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
These Terms, together with the applicable SOW or purchase order and the Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and HSO Energy regarding the use of the Platform and the contracting of services.
21. CONTACT
HSO Energy
Email: contact@hsoenergy.com
Support: support@hsoenergy.com
Address: 204 Hays St, Batesville, Mississippi 38606, USA