In 2023, Rachel Toms was tasked with find an application that could record all checks and maintenance requirements electronically, rather than using paper across the operation – which was inherently challenging.
“We knew what we were looking for as we’d tried other options before, and they hadn’t worked for us, so started searching on line and asking other vessel operators whether they knew of a solution. Whilst searching we found three software / App based systems for vessel management – one of which was Sea-Flux, it stood out from the others as providing what we were looking for in terms of recording checks and maintenance etc and provided other elements that would be very helpful too. It was also apparent that it was current and still evolving which we liked.”
“What we liked, and made Sea-Flux different from the other systems we’d used, and seen, was that it covers what we need across all areas of compliance, it is still evolving and improving and the way it works is straight forward and easy to pick up. As the crew hadn’t used a digital vessel management system before, we focused on a slower step by step transition, which now has the crew quite happy to show others how it works.”
Rachel goes on to say; “We really like the way Sea-Flux records and holds every aspect of vessel management in one place, accessible by all crew, and everyone has access to whatever information they need. We also really like the fact that the web version and the app version running on our phones and tablets is exactly the same.
Working with the Sea-Flux team has been a great experience too. They are responsive, and have been a great help in getting us up and running. We also know that we are now compliant with the MCA regulations, and have the confidence to know that.
When asked whether Sea-Flux had enhanced crew and vessel safety, and whether Sea-Flux delivered time and money savings Rachel had this to add; “We are certainly much more able to demonstrate our compliance and the reminders make sure we keep on top of schedules and expiry dates. The crew have become much more involved in the maintenance checks and this helps with their vessel familiarity. There is definitely a time benefit as recording on the app is much quicker than using paper records and the crew are more involved in keeping all records up to date.”
“We feel using the app has enabled us as a company to make a big leap forward in how we record our monitoring and show compliance in a relatively short space of time. This has been recognised and commented on by the MCA at our annual inspections.”
“We’d like to congratulate Sea-Flux on winning the Best Innovation Award for Electronic and Electrical Systems at the European Commercial Marine Awards (EMCAs) at the Seawork Expo. Your recognition was very well deserved, I’m sure it will have a very positive impact for you in the UK.”
