ClassNK subsidiary, NAPA, a provider of maritime software and data services, has unveiled NAPA Permit to Work to improve crew safety and efficiency when conducting high-risk tasks on board.
The new software is currently being trialled by Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) and Virgin Voyages, aimed at seafarer safety by removing the risk factor associated with current paper-based processes and handovers.
NAPA Permit to Work digitalises the mandatory work permit process required for conducting hazardous tasks on board, such as working at height, performing hot work, or entering enclosed spaces.
Traditionally, these permits are managed through paper forms, as part of a ship operator’s Safety Management System (SMS) and require crews to spend hours going around the ship to collect a multitude of signatures from different departments.
This process’ manual nature is prone to delays, errors, and miscommunication, posing safety risks and inefficiencies. Instead, the software will save time by digitalising signatures and decrease incident risks by automatically notifying all relevant departments and personnel with real-time status updates of ongoing work, especially riskier tasks, such as tank cleaning.
The new software will act as a comprehensive digital check list to help seafarers ensure that no safety critical steps are missed. The system is designed so that no digital form is accepted unless all required safety checks are completed before the start of any job, significantly reducing the risk of oversight.
Post-COVID, a large proportion of crew working on board cruise ships are on their first contract with little at-sea experience. This functionality provides a virtual guide and augments previous training, eases handovers and minimises the margin for error, NAPA claimed.
For shoreside teams, the data transparency delivers better fleet-wide visibility of ongoing work and conditions, enabling a more proactive approach to safety, maintenance and resolving technical issues.
Taking a long-term view, the data collected on the platform can be analysed to help spot trends at a granular, per vessel and per voyage level. This can be used to evaluate what machinery or systems require maintenance to then swiftly take preventative or remedial action.
From a passenger and guest experience perspective, this functionality also contributes to easier and faster maintenance work facilitated by real-time visibility and prioritisation of tasks.
Piervalerio Vignola, CCL’s Director FOC, said: “NAPA Permit to Work will be a game changer in automating processes and streamlining work flows to ensure the highest safety standards and procedures are followed in a timely manner.
“Crew safety and welfare are key pillars for our operational and commercial success, which is why investing in our continued digitalisation with NAPA was a no brainer. Embracing these digital technologies gives us the peace of mind that we are upholding rigorous safety standards that protect our crew, passengers and assets,” he said.
Marco Carsjens, Fleet Captain atVirgin Voyages, added: “We have a long-standing relationship with NAPA that is built on mutual trust, and we were very excited to participate in the development of this product.
NAPA Permit to Work is definitely a tool that will make the life of officers and crew on board our ships much easier as it is a cornerstone for safe working practices.
“With open dialogue and feedback, we have seen the tangible benefits of digitalisation and automation with digital tools that can be customised and tailored to our needs. NAPA Permit to Work will further this positive trajectory and allow our crew to feel supported and assured in their decision-making and safety,” he said.
Tommi Vihavainen, Director of Development, NAPA Safety Solutions, commented: “NAPA Permit to Work is a culmination of decades of active collaboration with the industry to seize the opportunities of digitalisation and take safety to new heights.
“Since day one, we have worked closely with our customers and seafarers at the frontline to hear their concerns around safety. With their feedback, we have built a digital system that contributes to a safer working environment for them.
“Underpinned by better data recording, reporting and analysis, we are empowering organisations to gain a full-picture understanding of their fleets at every level so that they can take a proactive approach to operational safety and efficiency that puts crew welfare and safety first,” he concluded.
NAPA Permit to Work has been developed for passenger and merchant vessels and is available worldwide. The software allows for customisation, according to each operator’s unique processes and SMS guidelines.
