Handling of complaints and appeals

The procedure for filing complaints or appeals begins with a communication addressed to the Journal Editor via institutional email sst.journal@cotecmar.com or to the Editorial Coordinator at asalgado@cotecmar.com. The Editor will acknowledge receipt by email and will assess the merits of the complaint or appeal, notifying the Editorial Committee, which will have two weeks to decide on the case.

The Committee may respond by either closing the complaint or appeal or by initiating an investigation, which will be communicated to the parties via a written report.

If an investigation is launched, the parties will be asked to provide additional information or statements of objection on the basis of which a decision will be made. This decision may include rejection of the complaint, a request for further contextual information, or the approval of the complaint. In all cases, the outcome will be communicated through the Committee’s official minutes.

When the information leads to confirmation of the complaint or allegation, the decision will be shared with the involved parties as well as with the institution to which the respondent belongs.

If warranted, a correction or amendment to the relevant publication will be issued as a retraction notice in the next journal issue.