Page 16: of Marine News Magazine (February 2013)

BoatracsBoatracs, Inc., a provider of integrated satellite communications and software solutions to the maritime industry recently announced that it had formed a strategic partnership with Maritime Compliance International, LLC (MCI). The two companies are collaborating in the development of a new electronic forms software product designed speciÞ cally for compliance management of the upcoming Coast Guard 46 CFR Subchapter ÒMÓ regulation. Boatracs wanted to work with a partner that had experience with Coast Guard inspections, Towing Safety Management Systems (TSMS) and broader compliance issues. MCI was looking for a maritime software company to partner with because they were hearing from clients that the existing software solutions were too cumbersome, expensive and overwhelming. According to MCIÕs Kevin Gilheany and Boatracs President and CEO Irwin Rodriquez, one critical aspect of the Boatracs/MCI solution sets them apart. Featuring what they describe as Òan automated Applicability Tool,Ó the single most difÞ cult aspect of Subchapter M Ð determining what parts of the regulation apply to each individual vessel Ð can be solved immediately. The Boatracs Subchapter M software product begins with a set-up page of questions for each vessel, developed by Maritime Compliance International , that are designed to take a vessel owner through the entire regulation in a very manageable way. The answers build a Compliance Summary Form that details all of the Subchapter M requirements for that vessel, and the speciÞ c forms that will manage and document compliance. In a nutshell, the new partnershipÕs Subchapter M approach is to provide inland operators with a compliance software product that has three goals: Guide users through the applicability of the regulation for each vessel; provide the forms and management tools to implement a compliance solution that is compatible with either a Coast Guard or Third Party Inspector; and make it simple to use on the vessel and on shore at an affordable price point for any size ß eet. Forms required for each vessel are received shoreside through a web-based application that can be accessed from any PC, tablet or smart phone. Customers pay a turnkey monthly fee per vessel that includes all of the software, forms, updates and 24-hour live support. The Boatracs partnership can accommodate customers who want a turnkey solution, because Maritime Compliance International is also experienced in producing plans, and conducting surveys and audits. Customers are also free to work with any inspector they choose. The Boatracs Subchapter M compliance software gives inland operators the choice to use either a third party inspection or a Coast Guard inspection and will support a physical audit conducted by any professional qualiÞ ed to perform that audit. Helm (eDoc)Recently, this Þ rm changed its brand to Helm, from eDoc, reß ecting that the software they develop is Helm Marine Operations software. As their sole product, and in order to give the ß exibility to scale into other products, the brand is evolving to Helm Operations. According to eDocÕs Manager of Marketing, Rodger Bannister, safety comes from the top of every organization. He adds, ÒSubM is only a small part of our offerings Ð we take a very wholistic approach and function from all areas of the company. Not just on the boats, not just from subM, but throughout the organization.Ó He adds that a safety system must be auditable and include a checklist and he insists, ÒIt doesnÕt matter if you are using RCP or SubM SOFTWARERodger Bannister16 MNFebruary 2013 MN Feb2013 Layout 1-17.indd 16MN Feb2013 Layout 1-17.indd 161/30/2013 4:50:38 PM1/30/2013 4:50:38 PM