Manual Documentation Versus Smart Logs in Vessels
For decades, manual documentation and an ad-hoc reporting style has been a tradition in the maritime industry. However, the more the sector evolves, the more complications seem to arise with conventional methods. For instance, near misses and overlooked details in logs can escalate into significant risks for both the crew and vessel.
The Evolving Maritime Landscape
One, the need to adapt to an ever-evolving world deems to be necessary. Two, sea occurrences and marine accidents are way too risky to take a chance with. Moreover, with great advancements in technology, the varied safety regulations have also become more stringent and layered and the need to meet compliance has never been greater.
All in all, maritime operations today can benefit greatly from precision and real-time insights, especially when modern technology is readily available and can provide the same.
Lessons from the Past: The Herald of Free Enterprise Tragedy
One of the most crucial lessons in maritime history comes from what is considered to be one of Britain's largest maritime tragedies — the 1987 Herald of Free Enterprise disaster. It involved a RORO car and passenger ferry that had departed on a routine voyage from Belgium to the UK. While everything seemed to be normal at first, unbeknownst to the crew, the vessel's bow doors had been left open, allowing water to rush in as the vessel sailed at 18 knots. Within seconds, she began listing to port, lost balance, capsized, and grounded, claiming lives of 193 passengers and crew on board.
The doors, which are not visible from the bridge, had lead to miscommunication among the crew. While the disaster became one of the driving forces behind the formation of the ISM Code, it also serves as a reminder of what a good digital vessel management system could have done to avoid such a critical situation today. Times have changed and the industry is now capable of deploying systems that provide real-time monitoring and automated alerts, which could have flagged the open doors, in turn, preventing an accident like this.
A New Era: Digital Solutions for Maritime Safety
With Oceanaut, your all-in-one vessel management system, you can document every voyage detail, including planned maintenance and trip specifications, ensuring not just smart electronic logs but also smooth sailing and full compliance. Oceanaut’s modules enable vessel-specific voyage reporting, including daily/noon reports, engine room logbooks, navigation logbooks, pre-departure checklists, arrival checklists, and more. Additionally, Oceanaut also lets you report deficiencies, near misses, and so on, on the go to help seafarers remain on top of fleet's activities with real-time data tracking and organized digital records.
Key Features and Benefits of Using Oceanaut:
Enhanced Safety Measures: With advanced modules designed for real-time monitoring, Oceanaut ensures every critical detail is accounted for, minimizing risks and enhancing the safety of both crew and vessel.
Regulatory Compliance: The software’s built-in compliance features simplify adherence to ISM Code and other international regulations, giving operators peace of mind during inspections and audits.
Customizable Modules: Oceanaut understands that no two vessels are the same. Tailor the system to your fleet’s specific needs, from navigation reporting to maintenance scheduling.
Cloud-Based Accessibility: Access vital data from anywhere in the world with secure cloud storage, ensuring seamless communication and coordination across teams.
Data-Driven Insights: Generate comprehensive reports and analytics to identify trends, streamline operations, and make informed decisions for your fleet’s future.
User-Friendly Interface: Designed with seafarers in mind, Oceanaut’s intuitive dashboard ensures quick onboarding and ease of use, even for those less tech-savvy.
For a software demo, reach out to us:
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.albatrossmarine.ca
Phone: +1-902-800-8055 or +1 (778) 987-4766
