Page 52: of Marine News Magazine (July 2017)

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NS Workboat:

ABS mobile application is purpose-built for the workboat, inland sectors.

Nautical Systems, the ABS enterprise ? eet

ABS management software suite, has launched a new mobile application, NS Workboat. The latest in a line of new tools that ABS has developed to help workboat operators gain compliance with the pending Subchapter

M regulations, the ‘app’, which leverages the Nautical Sys- tems enterprise software, is a mobile solution that is pur- pose-built for the workboat and inland-shipping sectors, where ease of use is of paramount importance.

Operational data is automatically captured by crewmem-

Simple Interface Supports SubM Compliance bers during regular operations, simplifying back-of? ce op-

ABS discussions with stakeholders revealed a demand erations and supports accuracy of compliance reporting. for easy-to-use solutions designed with crews in mind. The For example, bringing together all health, safety, quality,

ABS NS Workboat App a simple interface is designed to environment and maintenance programs under one soft- support day-to-day, allowing users to manage the process ware program provides crews with a way to ensure that for Sub M requirements while improving the accuracy of everyone has access to required tools and data. compliance reporting. The NS Workboat application rounds out a complete

The Coast Guard’s Sub-M regulations gave owners mul- set of solutions as the deadline for compliance with Sub- tiple options to achieve compliance, recognizing the varied chapter M regulations draws near. On January 1, all com- operating environments for the 6,000-odd vessels affected. panies that operate towing vessels over 26-feet in length

One way to gain compliance with Subchapter M is for vessel (over 300 GT) will be required to hold a Certi? cate of In- owners to qualify for a certi? cate of inspection from the U.S. spection and to comply with a complex set of regulations

Coast Guard. Another option is to implement a Towing Safe- that cover everything from construction and operations to ty Management System (TSMS). On the auditing side, the safety equipment and recordkeeping. owner has several options to demonstrate compliance with Gaining compliance will be a resource-intensive process,

Sub M requirements. They can comply by using a safety man- one that is further complicated if the owner has to coordi- agement system (SMS) within the ISM Code, the AWO’s Re- nate multiple service companies and suppliers. Unique in sponsible Carrier Program, or through a custom-made SMS the U.S. marketplace, ABS is a central resource for all Sub reviewed by an authorized third party such as ABS. M requirements, providing engineering plan review servic-

Regardless of how owners comply, data will need to be es that cover all aspects of design review, including struc- collected and new procedures will need to be implemented. tural arrangements, machinery, piping, electrical systems

In response, ABS offers a wider portfolio of class-centric and equipment, ? re protection and lifesaving equipment. products and services, including supporting the regulation Using ABS Engineering means an owner will not need to with ABS Nautical Systems software. The NS Workboat ap- send drawings to multiple individuals or entities based on plication is delivered precon? gured with the user’s choice of the scope or discipline of their engineering licenses.

the Sub M compliance options. A cloud-based solution of- As a Recognized Organization and an approved third- fered by subscription on iOS or Android operating systems, party organization, ABS can provide a custom approach deployment to the cloud minimizes further IT investment. that supports SubM compliance during plan review, con- struction and throughout the service life of the vessel.

Plug & Play Moreover, approval of plan reviews so operators can avoid

No software is required onboard the vessel. Because the multiple submissions to the Coast Guard can be provided. program is based on the daily activities of the crew and of- As technology and increased connectivity complicates all fered on a familiar mobile device, only training is required. aspects of vessel operations, class must offer a deeper port-

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD), Bering Marine folio of technical services. Software such as NS Workboat

Corp and Genesis Energy are among the ? rst subscribers. is one part of that requirement.

July 2017

MN 52