Electronic Versions News

The U.S. Coast Guard announced a new merchant mariner credential (MMC) set to launch on March 1, 2024, marking the first comprehensive revision of the mariner credential in nearly a decade.The Coast Guard is the exclusive source of U.S. MMCs, which are required for U.S. mariners who serve on commercially operated vessels such as passenger boats, tug and barges, offshore supply vessels, and deep draft ocean going cargo vessels throughout the nation and internationally.The Coast…

Seagull has released the Bulker Industry Training Standard (BITS), a predefined competence management system for the dry bulk industry. BITS is a computer-based evaluation tool to enhance the competency of officers onboard a ship type whose maintenance, operating and cargo handling practices can be unique. As well as providing a benchmark for industry competence, BITS can be adapted to reflect advanced training standards developed by individual operators. Seagull has worked with leading shipping organizations on harmonized competence standards…

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) advise on printed & electronic versions of its Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID). Both versions of the CMID have proved invaluable by providing a standard format for inspection of offshore vessels. Its use promotes safety and efficiency and can help reduce the number of repeat inspections on individual marine vessels. It has nearly 1,750 users in 76 countries, and can be used by IMCA members and non-members alike. “The purpose of this document is to give guidance on how to carry out a vessel inspection using IMCA M 149 ‘Common marine inspection document’ and use of the CMID database, located at www.imcacmid.com,” explains IMCA’s Technical Director, Jane Bugler.

Seagull released revised versions of the four International Shipping Federation (ISF) Training Record Books. Seagull and the ISF signed a landmark agreement last November allowing Seagull to utilise electronic versions of the training record books in conjunction with its Competence Manager software. The revised training record books take full account of new competence requirements of the STCW 2010 Manila amendments, which came into force on January 1 2012, requiring shipping operators to maintain documentary evidence of structured onboard training for trainees seeking certification as Able Seafarer Deck (formerly Able Seaman) and Able Seafarer Engine (formerly Motorman) in addition to trainees seeking to qualify as ship’s officers (Cadets).

Norwegian training specialist Seagull AS signs a licensing agreement with the International Shipping Federation (ISF). The agreement allows Seagull to utilise electronic versions of the widely-used ISF Onboard Training Record Books in conjunction with the Seagull Competence Manager software, granting them the right to develop an electronic version of all four ISF Record Books and sub-licence these to ship operators using the Seagull Training Administrator program. The four ISF Record Books – for trainee deck officers, engineer officers, deck ratings and engine ratings –have all been written to reflect the amended competence requirements of STCW 2010.

Norwegian training specialist Seagull AS has signed a licensing agreement with the International Shipping Federation (ISF), the global employers’ association for shipowners, which will allow Seagull to utilize electronic versions of the widely-used ISF Onboard Training Record Books in conjunction with the Seagull Competence Manager software. The agreement grants Seagull the right to develop an electronic version of all four ISF Record Books and sub-licence these to ship operators who chose to use the Seagull Training Administrator program.

Seazone Solutions introduce SeaZone HydroView|Charts for use where marine data needs to be displayed rather than analysed. SeaZone HydroView|Charts offer full global coverage, having been created from digitised and geo-referenced paper charts for GIS display, human interpretation and contextual mapping. These raster map layers are available for immediate use in Geographic Information Systems for a range of applications, without the need for additional software, add-ons or plug-ins, resulting in gains in time and performance. HydroView Charts provides ideal backdrop mapping for a variety of applications from desktop to Internet. They can be also combined with existing datasets to make the display and dissemination of maps within reports or over the Internet simple and effective.

Marine Transportation Company Using Electronic Forms to Streamline Compliance. San Diego, California, November 2, 2011 – Boatracs Inc., a leader in providing integrated satellite communications and software solutions to the maritime industry, announced today it has completed the installation of Boatracs BTForms, an electronic forms product, on multiple vessels for United Tugs, Inc., a full service marine towing contractor. The project entailed the conversion of 7 of United Tug’s paper forms into an electronic version that captains can complete with their on-board PC, providing an efficient and easy-to-use form that transmits data in a cost effective and timely manner.

San Diego, California, April 5, 2011: Boatracs Inc., a leader in providing integrated communications and software solutions to the maritime industry, announced today it has completed the installation of BT Forms, an electronic forms product, on 14 vessels for United Barge Lines (UBL), the inland transportation division of United Maritime Group. The project entailed the conversion of UBL’s Master’s Daily Log into an electronic form that captains can complete with their on-board PC, providing an efficient and easy-to-use form that transmits data in a cost effective and timely manner.

"StatoilHydro's results and deliveries in 2008 were strong, and we are well positioned to steer through the current economic downturn. Good exploration results and targeted business development strengthen our resource base and underpin our long-term growth strategy," wrote chief executive Helge Lund in the foreword to the annual and sustainability reports 2008. For the first time, the annual and sustainability reports have only been published online, without an equivalent printed version. Only the reporting required by laws and regulations will be printed and distributed to shareholders. StatoilHydro's operational performance in 2008 was solid and characterized by record equity production of oil and gas and the most expansive exploration program ever.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) published a notice in the Federal Register inviting public comments on the administrative waivers of the Coastwise Trade Laws relating to the vessels Alborada, Break'n Wind, Wanderlust, Dragon Lady, and Sovereign of Malahide. MARAD by delegated authority, is authorized to grant waivers of the U.S.-build requirement of the coastwise laws under certain circumstances. If approved, the vessels would be allowed to carry no more than 12 passengers for hire in coastwise trade. Carriage of cargo and commercial fishing will not be permitted. Written comments referencing Docket No. MARAD-2001-10763, Docket No. MARAD-2001-10764 and Docket No. MARAD-2001-10765, respectively, may be submitted to the Docket Clerk, U.S.

Only six months after its official launch in Beijing, BIMCO’s Internet Document Editing Application (idea) has garnered a list of clients worldwide. The number of companies using idea now exceeds 100 and includes not only shipowners and shipbrokers, but also ship management companies, port agents and law firms. The broad appeal of idea stems from its ease of use and the wide range of standard shipping documents available, plus the ability to share the same edited document between offices. In addition to numerous conventional voyage and time charter parties, idea offers electronic versions of ship and crew management agreements, towage contracts, bills of lading and statements of fact.

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) has published a notice in the Federal Register inviting public comments on two separate waiver applications under MARAD's Small Passenger Vessel Waiver Program. MARAD has the authority to issue a waiver of the U.S.-build requirements of the coastwise trade laws under certain circumstances as provided by P.L. 105-383 as amended. Written comments referencing the above-mentioned dockets, respectively, may be submitted to the Docket Clerk, U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, Department of Transportation, 400 7th St., SW, Washington, DC 20590-0001 by 5:00 p.m. September 4, 2003. Comments may be submitted electronically via the Internet at http://dmses.dot.gov/submit. All comments are available for review between 10:00 a.m.