The Journal of Marine Engineering and Aquatic Sciences (JMEAS) is committed to handling complaints and appeals fairly, transparently, confidentially, and in a timely manner. All concerns will be considered objectively and without prejudice to the individuals involved.
Appeals
Authors may appeal an editorial decision if they believe that a significant error occurred in the evaluation of their manuscript or that important scientific or technical information was misunderstood or overlooked.
An appeal should:
- clearly identify the manuscript and the editorial decision being appealed;
- provide a concise and scientifically reasoned explanation of the grounds for the appeal; and
- address the relevant comments of the Editor and/or reviewers, where applicable.
Appeals based solely on disagreement with an editorial decision, without substantive scientific or procedural grounds, will not normally be considered.
The appeal will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or another qualified Editor who was not directly involved in the original decision, where appropriate. Additional independent expert advice may be sought if necessary. The outcome of the appeal will be communicated to the authors and will normally be considered final.
Complaints
JMEAS welcomes legitimate complaints concerning the journal’s editorial procedures, peer-review process, publication ethics, editorial conduct, or other matters related to the journal’s operation.
Complaints should clearly describe the issue and provide relevant information or supporting evidence where available. Complaints will be handled confidentially and assessed by the Editor-in-Chief or an appropriate person who is not directly involved in the matter concerned.
Where a complaint involves the Editor-in-Chief, it will be referred to an appropriate independent authority designated by the journal or publisher.
Resolution
JMEAS will make reasonable efforts to investigate and resolve complaints and appeals in a fair and timely manner. Where concerns involve research or publication misconduct, they will be handled in accordance with the journal’s Publication Ethics and Malpractice Policy and relevant internationally recognized standards of scholarly publishing.
