HAWK Marine Inspection and Consultancy

Remote Navigation Audits

As per TMSA 5.4.1 “Where it is impractical for a vessel to be audited within the 12-month period due to trading pattern, then an unannounced remote audit by an independent contractor including VDR downloads may be used.” Using remote navigation audits results in a more cost-effective and realistic appraisal of bridge team performance.

Advantages of Remote Navigation Audits include:

Allows a good VDR performance check
The operator chooses when and where the audit takes place - This can be used for port arrival / departure or critical areas of particularly high traffic density
Extensive review - the data can be paused/replayed by the auditor more than once to check exactly what’s happened, in a way that’s not possible with a conventional audit
Known costs as no travel logistics including variable travel and waiting times/costs of conventional audits
There is no impact on Bridge Team by presence of the auditor, enables actual routine practices & procedures to be reviewed
An invaluable bridge team training tool
An important tool to assess bridge team performance, helps to identify & implement preventive measures and reinforce positive operational safety culture within the bridge team.
Enables the operator to take necessary steps to enhance navigational practices

Process – How does it work

The operator sends in the VDR data along with copies of requested voyage documents.
The auditor carries out a review of the Bridge Team procedures, submitted VDR data, passage plan, record keeping & other requested voyage documents against company procedures, applicable requirements, and industry best practices.
A comprehensive report is prepared which includes:

Event description for which the Remote Navigation is done
All Good Practices undertaken
All Observations noted
Suggestions for Good practices
Evaluation of elements (look out Management, Bridge equipment management, Pilot integration in Bridge Team, UKC Management, Route & Track Management, etc.)