Page 36: of Marine News Magazine (September 2012)

When a family-owned, Gulf Coast based marine Þ rm known primarily as a Chart Agent branches out into the world of maritime software, thatÕs big news. When a global, U.S. Coast Guard recognized vessel classiÞ cation society acquires a world class survey and engineering Þ rm to form a fully integrated technical consulting company, thatÕs arguably even bigger news. And, when those two entities Ð Baker Lyman (BL) and Germanischer Lloyd (GL) Ð this summer announced a strategic partnership intended to provide a turnkey, complete Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) design, auditing and record-keeping service to domestic towing Þ rms, that news caught the attention of everyone. It shouldnÕt, however, catch anyone by surprise. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, as many as 5,000 vessels will be affected by coming subchapter M rules. Separately, AWO statistics indicate that 67% of the domestic ß eet were members in 2002; leaving almost 1,800 domestic towing vessels not under the AWO Responsible Carrier Program. These form the greater majority of affected operators when the Coast GuardÕs new subchapter M rules become law. All will need help with initial implementation and then again, to remain in compliance going forward. With industry worried about a looming dearth of TSMS service capacities for the impending Sub-Chapter M implementation, the new pact between these long time maritime providers promises, in Baker LymanÕs words, Òa TSMS Ôone stop shopÕ for Sub-M impacted operators. GL & BL will cross market each otherÕs product & service lines; creating affordable, scalable, and ß exible TSMS solutions for any sized ß eet.Ó In the meantime, inland operators not necessarily accustomed to the close regulatory scrutiny that the Sub-M rules will bring Þ nd themselves scrambling to Þ nd a viable solution. With the advent of the BL/GL working agreement, they may have Þ nally found that solution, and more. MEET THE ÒSUB-M SOLUTIONS Ó TEAMBaker Lyman & Co. has been around since 1919; a lot longer than most marine businesses. Backed by credibility and a long history of selling a wide range of items to commercial mariners Ð including ECDIS software, traditional charts and other navigation software products Ð Baker Lyman developed the new CORSAIR software because the market demanded it. CORSAIR is a Tug/Workboat Fleet Management System which includes the Towing Vessel Record (TVR) to assist in meeting audit requirements mandated by the NPRM. Released in 2011, Baker LymanÕs CORSAIR Ð billed as an affordable and scalable solution Ð has been sold New Solutions Soothe Sub M Uncertainties Germanischer Lloyd, Baker Lyman Sub-Chapter M Alliance brings affordable, Germanischer Lloyd, Baker Lyman Sub-Chapter M Alliance brings affordable, turnkey TSMS solutions ? and compliance ? to towboat operators. turnkey TSMS solutions ? and compliance ? to towboat operators. By Joseph Keefe September 201236 MNMNSept2012 Layout 32-42.indd 36MNSept2012 Layout 32-42.indd 368/31/2012 1:01:32 PM8/31/2012 1:01:32 PM