The amount of paperwork needed to enter or leave a port is growing. New requirements are driven by security-related issues. Ironically the master and his bridge crew have to focus on this paperwork at the same time as they need to focus their full attention on steering the ship safely to or from a busy port.
“By using electronic means and modern data communications, we are able to reduce reporting time from hours to minutes,” says Captain Stein Taraldsen of IUM Ship-management, Grimstad, Norway. “This means that the port clearance goes much more smoothly.”
The captain of Victoria Strait, Carsten Rehder, Hamburg, Germany, agrees with him: “It does save paperwork and provides a lot of information which can be quickly accessed.”
The data communication tool that both are talking about is the new DNV Navigator. This is an onboard application created to meet the increasing demand for ship-to-shore reporting as well as effective and safe clearance in and out of ports.
It contains up-to-date information related to requirements regarding navigation, security, ballast water, waste and reporting in general to port authorities. It also contains checklists specific for each port and report forms required by port state authorities in more than 130 countries.
Increased amounts of paperwork and reporting may take time and attention away from effective and safe operation whilst entering and leaving ports. Additionally, incomplete or late reporting may cause delays resulting in higher port costs and/or fines. Coupled with reduced manning onboard ships, the increasing amount of paperwork is a growing problem.
DNV introduced this new tool a year ago. The response from shipowners in general and the crew onboard each ship in particular has been positive. The main focus when entering a port can be kept on the main issue – steering the ship.
“We now have enough experience to draw our first conclusion,” says Tor E. Svensen, the chief operating officer of DNV Maritime. “DNV Navigator reduces potentially large costs and adverse negative effects on the ship, its owner and the whole industry. Another step to increase safety and reduce risk has been achieved.”