A new web-based incident tracking and loss prevention system has been launched which could make a substantial contribution to reducing the shipping industry's annual $2 billion losses from liability.
Aurora, the new user-friendly software makes it possible for all safety incidents including near misses at any number of locations worldwide to be reported via the Internet without the need of a direct system link. It has been designed to enable international shipping companies, their P&I clubs and other large multiple-site organizations to manage risks more effectively, thus reducing losses and improving profitability.
Aurora has been developed by EQE, the world's leading technology-based risk management consultant that is now part of the American Bureau of Shipping. It is based on EQE's highly successful Prosafe system, which has been used for many years by energy companies such as Shell, Conoco, Chevron and Amoco. The web-based version is expected to widen its appeal to include all major shipowning and ship-management companies worldwide. A beta version of aurora has already been favorably reviewed in an independent safety software report by Gee Publishing. This says: 'The standard reports allow users to graph most standard data collected within the system such as types or sites of injuries, causing of incidents and activities resulting in most injuries. The more advanced function, the Report Launcher, enables the user to adapt all of these standard reports by adjusting any parameter and by applying filters.'
According to EQE soft marketing Marketing manager, Laura Geddes "Aurora can also be used by ship operators and their P&I clubs to monitor and analyze all kinds of event, ranging from crew illnesses and injuries to cargo problems, equipment breakdowns and pollution incidents. It should prove particularly useful in helping ship owners and managers implement their safety management systems in accordance with the ISM Code."