Norwegian Shipowner Implements SAFIR 4.0

Kristian Gerhard Jebsen Skipsrederi AS (KGJS), one of the largest shipping companies in Norway has completed the first implementation stage of SAFIR 4.0; a comprehensive safety reporting system developed by BASS and Gard Services AS. BASS will, in addition to upgrading from SAFIR 3.04 to SAFIR 4.0 in the office, also install SAFIR 4.0 onboard the KGJS managed vessels. KGJS operated SAFIR 3.04 with paper-based reports from their vessels and entered the reports manually into the system back at the office. By installing SAFIR 4.0 onboard their vessels, the system becomes complete. All reports are entered by the vessels themselves, and automatically forwarded to the office via BASS Replicator/KGJS mail system. Feedback/experience transfer is dispatched back to the vessels in the same manner. SAFIR is a unique solution that collects all the information involved in the safety management process in one place. SAFIR is a robust and complete solution, covering the areas of "Safety and Quality". This new SAFIR version will provide KGJS with more added functionality, including a fast track 'wizard' system for registering reports, creating company specific checklists for various onboard inspections and other added value features. SAFIR combines front-office technology with back-office efficiency and delivers vessel-office reporting to help companies effectively manage safety and quality processes. The software was first introduced in 1995 at which time the solution was developed and enhanced by the Norwegian Shipowners Association, Gard Services AS, Marintek, DNV and a group of Norwegian shipowners. "The decision was top-down, when we made the choice to upgrade our existing SAFIR 3.04 version to SAFIR 4.0. We had to make the right software choice but that was not a problem. We were familiar with this safety and improvement reporting system and we knew the distinct value and advantages that set this software from the other systems", comments Kjell Rein, Vice President, Safety and Quality. "We want software partners that add value, where one plus one equals three. BASS together with Gard Services met this need", he adds.