In a landmark achievement, Singapore-based Executive Ship Management (ESM) has successfully completed the first remotely conducted Tanker Management Self-Assessment (TMSA) audit by an oil major, utilizing their proprietary web-based software system, Phoenix. Conducted in April, the audit marked a significant leap in the realm of maritime operations, leveraging Phoenix to allow auditors remote access to ESM’s workstations and operating systems. This system, which was developed by South Nest Software Solutions (SNSS), aimed to recreate a standard in-person audit experience despite the physical distance between auditors and the subjects of their assessments.
The Phoenix system’s integrated TMSA module replicates the TMSA matrix of the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), seamlessly linking to the company’s ISM Manuals. This configuration ensures the smooth and immediate retrieval of necessary documents during the audit process. By enabling seamless data extraction, organized data management, alert-based modules, and vendor management through a third-party interface, Phoenix optimizes marine operations and introduces a new era of remote working within the shipping industry, a concept that had previously been thought nearly impossible.
Preparations and Challenges
To ensure the success of this groundbreaking remote audit, ESM conducted rigorous internal trials of the Phoenix system. These trials involved using Microsoft Teams for screen sharing across various departments and locations. Initially, the team encountered issues such as managing screen toggles and timing, which needed to be swiftly addressed. Despite these early hurdles, the integration between Phoenix’s multiple modules and the document management system eventually functioned flawlessly, facilitating the requisite data retrievals with remarkable efficiency.
The trial phase highlighted ESM’s commitment to overcoming technological barriers and perfecting the remote audit process. Critical feedback from these internal trials enabled the team to fine-tune the Phoenix system, addressing specific concerns that could impede the actual audit. As a result, the subsequent three-day remote audit proved not only feasible but also highly efficient, mirroring the structured rigor and scrutiny of in-person assessments. The positive feedback from auditors further affirmed the system’s potential to revolutionize maritime auditing practices.
The Audit’s Success and Industry Implications
The successful completion of the remote audit turned out to be a positive experience for the auditors as well, marking their first foray into utilizing remote technology for such evaluations. This development underscores a momentous shift in the maritime sector, facilitating remote operations that ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance while adhering strictly to industry standards. By demonstrating the viability of digital solutions like Phoenix, the audit sets a precedent for future practices, particularly important in contexts where restrictions on physical inspections may persist.
Bob Jaques, former editor of Seatrade Maritime Review, emphasized the significance of this development, highlighting its potential to transform shipping operations. According to Jaques, the adoption of innovative approaches such as remote audits can lead to more agile and responsive maritime operations, potentially making traditional in-person audits less indispensable. This shift towards digitalization in maritime operations not only enhances operational efficiency but also expands the industry’s capabilities to ensure uninterrupted compliance and oversight, even amidst challenging circumstances.
Future Prospects and Conclusion
In a groundbreaking development, Singapore’s Executive Ship Management (ESM) has proudly completed the first remote Tanker Management Self-Assessment (TMSA) audit by an oil major. This milestone was achieved using their innovative web-based software, Phoenix. Conducted in April, this audit represents a major advancement in maritime operations, as Phoenix allows auditors to remotely access ESM’s workstations and systems. Developed by South Nest Software Solutions (SNSS), Phoenix strives to replicate a standard in-person audit experience regardless of physical separation between auditors and their subjects.
The integrated TMSA module in Phoenix mirrors the TMSA matrix from the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF), linking directly to the company’s ISM Manuals. This configuration supports the smooth retrieval of essential documents during audits. By facilitating easy data extraction, organized data management, alert-based modules, and vendor management through third-party interfaces, Phoenix enhances marine operations. This leap introduces a new era of remote work in the shipping industry, a concept once deemed nearly impossible.
