Increasing ship-shore information flow to prevent accidents

Technically speaking, the Master is responsible for voyage planning, ensuring that the vessel moves safely from harbor to harbor, berth to berth. The actual duty of passage planning is left to the middle level and senior navigation officer on board, reporting to the Master. Studies reveal that as much as 85% of data and paperwork generated onboard never leaves the ship and owners and managers never have the chance to work with information critical for improving day-to-day performance and efficiency. On the other hand, studies also show that human error is a significant factor in 80% of navigational accidents and that in many cases, those responsible actually had prior information and necessary data that could have helped prevent these accidents. Clearly, a second tier of decision making needs to be in place watching over all the data and onboard decision-making that guide a vessel along its voyage.

At Navmar we are digitizing onboard systems so that ship-to-shore connectivity and real time data exchange can seamlessly connect navigational data, weather reports, port updates, operational systems, fuel use and safety protocol to instill a semblance of predictability in the voyage planning process. Our voyage planning process is a critical component of our risk management strategy. We are already working on a cloud based digital application that analyses this onboard data and enhances our ability to monitor and improve operational behaviours onboard to ensure safer outcomes in every voyage. Faster access to onboard data can also inform efficiency improvement efforts.