A digital tool that replaces hard copy safe return to port (SRtP) documentation has been installed on Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ newbuilding
Lloyd’s Register (LR) has certified the ASSIST digital solution, a tool developed by Fincantieri company CETENA, that replaces hard copy SRtP documentation with a tablet-based solution allowing for key safety manuals to be centrally updated.
ASSIST – A shipboard operator smart assistant for safe return – was installed on 55,000-gt Seven Seas Splendor, which was built at Fincantieri’s Ancona Shipyard.
Under SOLAS, all vessels require a SRtP operations manual and this digital system – the first tool to replace hard-copy SRtP documents – will substantially reduce the amount of paper documentation a ship needs to store, LR said in a statement. It also avoids the wear and tear of hard copy manuals and human errors relating to sheet replacements and physical updates.
LR first classified SRtP on board a passenger ship five years ago and said that milestone helped it develop a SRtP culture “focused on improving onboard procedure and helping crew identify key risk factors”.
The installation of ASSIST was undertaken in collaboration with the cruise ship’s flag, the Republic of the Marshall Islands Maritime Registry, the shipyard and the system manufacturer.
“On board Seven Seas Splendor, paper copies of SRtP documentation are now not needed, as all relevant SRtP information is now part of the ASSIST system, which has been developed and supplied by CETENA with technical support from LR colleagues in Trieste along with representatives from Marshall Islands. As part of a global and multi-disciplinary team, LR contributed and offered support for every stage of this project,” said LR Trieste technical support office fire and safety team leader Gabriele Sancin.
CETENA head of design for safety Alessandro Bonvicini said “The ship houses cutting edge technology, such as CETENA’s safe return to port (SRtP) ASSIST, an electronic digital solution equivalent to the SRtP operations manual required by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Regulations II-1/21 and 22. It is the first electronic SRtP programme that meets SOLAS requirements in a modern, responsible way.
“The fully independent software system greatly reduces potential for errors during emergency situations, reduces the environmental footprint of the paper manuals, and ensures any changes made are updated to the central database immediately. It is the first time such technology has been approved by a flag state administration for use on board a ship, thanks in large part to the certification by Lloyd’s Register. The installation of the SRtP system was performed by Fincantieri shipyard during the ship’s construction”.
“This breakthrough and innovative technology CETENA has produced and developed sets a new level of service for ships in the future,״ said President of International Registries Bill Gallagher, which provides administrative and technical support to the RMI Registry.
Fincantieri project manager of Regent Seven Seas Splendor Ivana Elice said “In our field a key factor of success is the creation of an “innovation ecosystem”, enabling long-term partnerships and supporting a long lasting and sustainable capability to compete in highly technological markets. The project ASSIST summarises this approach and helps us with boosting our technological leadership”.
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