"I" pen technology ~ Defeating fatigue
The Seasecretary concept is that of using pen and paper as an interface to the digital world — combining intuition with technology. After all, we all know how to use a pen and paper.
"I" pen technology uses a digital pen digital pen solution to electronically collect data once only and distribute the data into management reports and systems without duplication or arduous data re-entry.
Operators record data using the digital pen onto pre-printed forms.The forms will show an a "hard copy" ball point pen mark on the page and on completion of the the form entries, the pen is docked into your computer the information from the pen is coverted into digital data format and stored in/on your computer or transferred ashore in small data packages for inspection by shore management .
The forms can be day to day ISM bridge/Engine checklists or Deck and Engine room logs or Cargo log books.This has the immediate advantage in:
The engine room;
Engine room logs can be taken and viewed electronically within minutes.
Graph data can be calibrated to show a need for for maintenance on machinery.
Oil record book ,time of transfer, quantities and type can be recorded to comply with Marpol.
Snag lists in dry docks updates passed promptly to superintendent and contractors.
The "I" pen tags the exact time the logs have been taken and by whom.
On the bridge;
Bridge checklists
Deck log book position fixing,
Pilot and Master exchange form, time undertaken and by whom (This will provide a timed data transfer audit sheet) should an incident occur.
Cargo control room:
A live data sheet showing quantities loaded/ discharged.On completion of operations can be quickly transferred electronically ashore to the charterer, surveying company and ship owner. In most cases the charterer will have to wait a few hours till the surveyor has gone ashore, typed up his report and transferred it from his shore base.
Marine superintendents can analyse from ashore, engine room logs and Deck logs.To ensure that daily maintenance and bridge checks are being completed and the correct time. In days of high fuel prices superintendents can asses the likes of fuel consumption, maintenance requirements and provide an efficient fuel voyage plan.