DNV Navigator Services – best practice in port clearance and navigation
The shipping industry is facing a new digital reality. Paperless navigation is now possible. Both new and old ships are being equipped with electronic chart systems (ECDIS) and the mandatory publications required by SOLAS for safe navigation are available in electronic format. DNV is helping to bring about this reality. DNV Navigator Services provide the shipping industry with mandatory as well as other information which is used on board ships in international operation.
Be updated and report correctly
In order to operate a vessel smoothly, crews must have the latest navigational information on board and report correctly to shore. Lack of compliance with these requirements causes delays and penalties.
The purpose of DNV Navigator Services is to provide vessels with updated information and the applicable port clearance forms at all times. Some important effects of using these services are
reduced paperwork
easier, faster and more correct reporting from ship to shore
smoother port clearance procedures
safer navigation.
DNV Navigator consists of two main parts: an information database with information about ports and national and international regulations and requirements as well as contact details. The other part is a library of forms, in total 900, for reporting purposes. The information database is updated weekly by email and quarterly by CD. Examples of such information are weekly Corrections of Notices to Mariners from the British Admiralty and SOPEP Contact Addresses from the IMO. The forms are collected from sources all over the world and continuously updated as required by national and international authorities. The forms are programmatically linked to the vessel’s logs and databases and are automatically filled in with the relevant data as soon as they are opened. The filling in of reports is thus reduced to a matter of seconds or minutes. All electronic reports, such as eNOAD in the US and ePANS for Singapore, are included.
Challenges of going digital
Lack of compatibility with other systems is a challenge when new computer programs are brought on board. Normally different systems do not talk to each other and the same data must be entered several times. Different programs and work stations have to be used for different needs. New software programs may be received with reluctance and seen as causing extra work instead of helping.
Share data – single data entry
DNV Navigator Services emphasise the value of simplicity and user friendliness. A lot of company- and vessel-specific data are asked for by authorities in connection with port calls. These data must be available in DNV Navigator’s database in order to complete the various forms. Many of the data are used in other applications as well. For this reason, DNV Navigator is equipped with connectors which can exchange data, for example crew lists and cargo information, with foreign systems.
Reuse of information
Data that are used for port clearance purpose can also be used for other purposes.
An example of this is the use of Navigator information in electronic charts. A first level of integration is commercially available in Maris Maritime Digital Services’ Route Planner. By clicking on a port name or icon on the chart the following information is available directly in DNV Navigator:
Port and country information
Port clearance procedures
National and international regulations
VTS diagrams and port maps
Forms
Another example is crew data from Navigator being used in VingCard Marine’s Gangway Control System. The user will hardly realise that what he or she sees comes from two different programs.
Today’s paperwork – a safety threat
The amount of paperwork to be carried out by the master and bridge team is approaching a limit and has to be done on top of their other normal duties. The demand for reporting is constantly growing and has become a burden which takes time and attention away from effective and safe operations. Studies carried out by DNV, among others, indicate that safety at sea is being compromised because officers on merchant ships do not have enough rest periods. This was one important reason for DNV launching DNV Navigator in 2003.