LinkedIn

Monday, December 3, 2018

IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS ON BOARD: PART I : INITIAL INVESTIGATION


LIVING CONDITIONS, ENTERTAINMENT, TRAINING AND VR/AR PROJECT

INITIAL INVESTIGATION 

I. MEMORANDUM




Subject: LIVING CONDITIONS, ENTERTAINMENT, TRAINING AND VR/AR PROJECT

PART I
INITIAL INVESTIGATION 
Date: April the 20th, 2017




By
Ms Annabel Bond
Out of Box Maritime Thinker © 2018






II. Table of content                                                                                                                                                                               
I. Memorandum                                                                                                                                                                                          
II. Table of content                                                                                                                                                                                     
III. Executive Summary                                                                                                                                                                              
1. Overview                                                                                                                                                                                               
2. Organization                                                                                                                                                                                            
3. Goals                                                                                                                                                                                                       
3.1 Critical Success Factor                                                                                                                                                                          
4. Research                                                                                                                                                                                             
4.1. Research for onboard training/gymnasium facilities                                                                                                                          
4.1.1 Panamax Planets Gymnasium                                                                                                                                                            
4.1.2 Aframax Flowers Gymnasium                                                                                                                                                           
4.1.3 Aframax 1 Gymnasium                                                                                                                                                                       
4.1.4 VLCC Gymnasium                                                                                                                                                                            
4.1.5 Chemicals Gymnasium                                                                                                                                                                     
4.2 Research of onboard facilities (Crew and officers TV/Smoke room and Libraries)                                                                         
4.2.1 Panamax Planets Officers & Crew Smoke Room                                                                                                                                
4.2.2 Aframax Flowers Officer & Crew Smoke room                                                                                                                                
4.2.3 Aframax 2 Officer, Crew Smoke room & Library                                                                                                                            
4.2.4 Aframax 1 Officer & Crew Smoke room                                                                                                                                         
4.2.5 VLCC Officer, Crew Smoke & Conference room                                                                                                                           
4.2.6 Chemicals Officer & Crew Smoke room                                                                                                                                           
4.3 Game consoles, the Internet available on board & Research for possible use of VR /AR                                                              
4.3.1 Game consoles on board                                                                                                                                                                 
4.3.2 Internet available on board                                                                                                                                                             
4.4 Research on VR / AR and possible use on board                                                                                                                            
4.5 Research on Curtains                                                                                                                                                                          



III. Executive Summary

This project has been set up as research to find a best possible solution for improving living conditions of vessels training of vessel staff and entertainment on board. There is potential to offer experience gained by this project as a service to other companies in the future.

In order to find an optimal solution, investigation into current living quarters and recreational areas of existing vessels has been undertaken and this document details some viable solutions.

Advances in technology allow us to have Virtual Reality (VR) & Augmented Reality (AR) devices at reasonable costs.

VR/AR allows the user to escape reality for a brief moment and become a part of an alternate reality. On today’s market, there are multiple games; single player or multiplayer, educational games and programs and some which are purely professional.

In the maritime industry, there is no well-established use of VR /AR solutions. In other words, possibilities are endless. VR/AR may be used for training and accessing any software solutions present on board. This could include but not be limited to PMS, Manuals and diagnostic readings.

Current  gyms are well equipped, however, they tend to seem less than inviting due to layout and lack of insufficient light. Solutions have been presented below to combat this.

To increase quality of air on board, having more plants on board is a potential solution. This can also give the crew a hobby.

Whilst crew retention depends on multiple factors, increasing salary may be seen as a short-term settlement to a long-term problem. Thus it is important to find and develop solutions to keep the crew happy, healthy, encouraged and enthusiastic to rejoin our vessels.

Although appealing and professional living and entrainment spaces are important, most of the feedback from the vessels is regarding faster internet and communications with families (Skype, Facetime, Viber). Some crew members ask for marine grade satellite antenna for TV. This is indicative of the desire to be more connected to the world.

1. Overview
Project code:

Project start date: TBA-Subject to approval

Budget: TBA –Subject to approval

2. Organization

This project may apply to entire fleet.

Persons involved in this project:

     Project Manager and person responsible for planning design of spaces and hardware purchasePurchasing Officer.
     Support and Project advice: Planned Maintenance Supervisor
     Persons overall in charge:
Managing Directors
     Assistance for hardware installation: Onboard crew
     Assistance may be required from IT for any onboard installation:
System Administrator
     Risk Assessment (may be necessary initially for location of setting up and use)
Technical Manager

3. Goals

The main goal of this project is to improve crew welfare while on board any XXX's vessels. This could directly lead to increased crew retention and morale; building of the XXX brand and sense of ownership and belonging.

3.1 Critical Success Factor

     Prompt feedback from Managing Directors on options presented and budget per vessel.
     Obtaining competitive offers for any solution selected
     Careful planning and teamwork.
     A step-by-step guide to vessels with instructions and our vision of the finished product.
     Feedback from vessels, visiting office staff and Port Captains
Currently, vessels in our fleets have a certain amount per month for sports fund that may be used to finance part of this project.

4. Research

Information from the current fleet as to what type of gaming consoles, training, entertainment facilities and internet currently on board has been collected.

4.1 Research for onboard training/gymnasium facilities

4.1.1 Panamax Planets Gymnasium 











Surface: 24.4 m2
Gym Equipment :
(01) running machine “WESLO” // (01) elliptical trainer “CARDIO TRAINER” //
(01) weight bench “KETTLER” // (01) exercise bike“KETTLER”//
(01)  multi exercise machine // (01) fixed rowing machine“KETTLER”
(01)  stereo speaker “TOSHIBA” // (01) pin pong table // (01) Various weights




4.1.2. Aframax Flowers Gymnasium





Surface: 19.1 m2
Gym Equipment :
Music Center: “Pioneer”// (04)Wall Type Mirrors // (02) Bar with set of different weights//(01) Bench for bar: “Trojan Power Station 610” //(01) Bench for bar: “Bremshey” //(02) Dumbbells adjustable weight// (01) Multifunction Gym: “Trojan Power Station 610”// (01) Treadmill: “Bremshey”



4.1.3 Aframax 1 Gymnasium










Surface: 21 m2
Gym Equipment: As per photo



4.1.4 VLCC Gymnasium






Surface: 32.49 m2
Gym Equipment:
(01) Running machine TR1000 “Strength Master” // (01) Total gym eqpt “Gold’s gym - Platinum”// (01) Bench press eqpt “Kettler” // (02) Cycling machine “Kettler” // (01) Table tennis PTT-310 “Peace”// (01) Assorted weights




4.1.5 Chemicals Gymnasium






Surface: 8.86m2
Gym Equipment:
(02) Stationary Bicycles // (01) Spine Press Bench // (01) Weights Set
DDD and EEE have no designated Gym, subject to some crew members on board Treadmill and Body weights are in cabins.


4.2. Research of onboard entertainment facilities (Crew and Officers TV/smoke room and Libraries)

4.2.1 Panamax Planets - Officer & Crew Smoke room





















Surface: Officers Smoke Room 24.9m2 // Crew Smoke Room 23.3m2



4.2.2 Aframax Officer & Crew Smoke room












Surface: Officers Smoke Room 27m2 // Crew Smoke Room 23 m2 


4.2.3 Aframax 2 Officer, Crew Smoke room & Library












Surface: Officers Smoke Room 24.3m2 // Crew Smoke Room 18.8m2














Library Surface: 18.8m2




4.2.4 Aframax 1 Officer & Crew Smoke room 
























Surface: Officers Smoke Room 22m2 // Crew Smoke Room 16m2 



4.2.5 VLCC – Officer, Crew Smoke & Conference room


























Surface: Officers Smoke Room 35m2 // Crew Smoke Room 34m2 













Surface: Conference Room 23.7m2



4.2.6 Chemicals Officer & Crew Smoke room 













Officer smoking room and mess room combined surface: 24.82m2













Crew smoking room and mess room combined surface 25.62m2











Crew smoking room        



4.3. Game consoles, the Internet available on board & Research for possible use of VR / AR

4.3.1. Game consoles

VESSEL
GAMING CONSOLE
ACCESSORIES
GAMES
LOCATION
Panamax 1
PS3 (2 UNITS)
2 CONTROLLERS
GOD OF WAR // LAST OF US // NBA 2014 // MORTAL COMBAT // ASSASINS CREED // PES 2014 // NEED FOR SPEED RIVALS
OFFICER SMOKING ROOM + GYMNASIUM
Panamax 2
PS4
1 WIRELESS CONTROLLER
ASSASINS CREED IV//TOMB RAIDER // BATTLEFIELD 4// CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS//FIFA 16// NEED FOR SPEED RIVALS
TRANSFER BETWEEN OFFICER + CREW SMOKING ROOM
Panamax 3
X BOX 360 (BAD CONDITION)
2 CONTROLLERS
STAR WARS // KINECT ADVENTURES // CALL OF DUTY MW3 // FIFA 12 // PES 2016
GYMNASIUM
Panamax 4
PS4
2 CONTROLLERS
NEED FOR SPEED. FIFA 2017
OFFICER SMOKING ROOM
Aframax 3
 PS4
 CONTROLLERS
 CALL OF DUTY // FINAL FANTASY // EURO 2016(PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER) // NBA 2K16
 CREW SMOKING ROOM
Aframax 4
NONE
NONE
NONE
NONE
Aframax 5
PS3
2 WIRELESS CONTROLLER
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare// Need For Speed Rivals//Diablo 3//NBA 2K16//FIFA 2016//FIFA 2014//Need For Speed Hot Pursuit
CREW SMOKING ROOM
Aframax 2
X BOX 360
KINECT // 2 JOYSTICKS
MIDNIGHT CLUB // FIGHT NIGHT // TOMB RAIDER // KINECT ADVENTURE
OFFICER SMOKING ROOM
Aframax 1
PS4
4 WIRELESS CONTROLLERS
Fifa16 // NBA 2K14 // UFC  // Call of Duty // Grand Theft Auto //  Assassins Creed IV // Rocket League
OFFICER SMOKING ROOM
Ice class Panamax
PS4
2 CONTROLLERS
PRO EVOLUTIONS SOCCER 2015 // PRO EVOULTION SOCCER 2016 // FIFA 2016 // MORTAL COMBAT X //  WW2K15 // WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP 2015
CREW SMOKING ROOM
Chemical 1
PS4
2 CONTROLLERS
FIFA 17 // PES 2017 // UNCHARTERED 4// LAST OF US
CREW SMOKE/MESSROOM
Chemical 2
X BOX ONE
3 CONTROLLERS
FIFA // MORTAL KOMBAT // FINAL FANTASY // RACE CAR
OFFICER MESSROOM
Chemical 3
PS3(2 UNITS)
 2 CONTROLLERS
FIFA 16 // FIGHT NIGHT // FIFA STREET 
CREW MESSROOM / OFFICER MESSROOM 
VLCC 1
PS3(2 UNITS)
Standard Controllers
10 games
CREW SMOKING ROOM. OFFICER SMOKING ROOM
VLCC 2
X-BOX(2 UNITS) // 1 NINTENDO WII // 1 DJ HERO CONSOLE
4 X-BOX CONTROLLERS //1 DJ HERO WII CONTROLLER // 2 NINTENDO WII CONTROLLERS
CALL OF DUTY // 2 MORTAL COMBAT XLL//NBA 2K17//1 DJ HERO // PERS SOCCER/ NINTENDO WII GAMES: 2 WII SPORT // MEDAL OF HONOR VANGUARD // CALL OF DUTY // FERRARI
XBOX + DJ HERO  + NINTENDO WII CREW SMOKING ROOM // X-BOX OFFICER SMOKING ROOM


4.3.2 Internet available on board
Vessels with the web-internet speed of FBB500 have a top speed of 438Kb/s.
Aframax 1 has new internet (FleetXpress) with top speed 2MB/s.

To keep our fleet appealing to the new and current crew, upgrading the entire fleet to faster internet speeds should not take longer than six months. Anything longer than that will discourage younger people from rejoining.

4.4 Research on VR / AR and possible use on board
There are currently multiple devices to have VR/AR experience, from low range- low cost to high range- high cost.







     
Applications (Android, Apple & MS) for training - So far the following companies have made VR apps
-       Damen VR-App
      -       ExxonMobil VR-App 
-       Marine Traffic-App
-       Man Diesel and Turbo Engine Program- App
      -       Wide run VR app for Cycling      
Whilst the first thought of the use of VR/AR is for gaming, there are also potential uses in the Maritime industry.
While it is still in early stages, there are some single player and multiplayer games already on the market. Though not limited to games, there are already motivational solutions on the market to make working out more immersive.
The use of VR/AR in Maritime Industry can range from manufacturing support to familiarisation, training and maintenance assistance. VR is now being incorporated into design procedures of new buildings providing 3D building interface modelling. This has potential to be rolled out in the maritime industry. Comprehensive 3D models of ships can be utilized throughout design and construct phases. Furthermore, this could be rolled out to provide interactive training, with a mixture of gaming and simulation offering a realistic perspective to training crew ashore or on board.

VR/AR can be extremely useful to support the crew with the limited resources by assisting in system repair or maintenance operations. It could also prove useful for training crew how to respond to hazardous situations that would otherwise be difficult to emulate.

Although TV can bring people together to watch a movie, a good multiplayer game can provide competitive and team-building entertainment. A viable solution is to provide a pair of Homido VR Headsets and Mini Bluetooth gamepads in each smoking room. This will require mobile phones that could be supplied or alternately, crew can make use of their personal mobiles. In weighing the options, PlayStation 4 with VR bundle is the best solution. It is safe (wireless), has a wide selection of games currently on the market and some vessels already have one unit on board.

4.5 Research on Curtains

The curtains on board are Flame retardant, anti-static and blackout. While they function purely as curtains a small change in the colour can bring a much-required burst of colour into the room.
Below some examples of current situation on board




Look out for PART II and PART III with regards to Proposed Solution and Development along with all accompanying surveys carried out.

Thursday, October 11, 2018

BLOCKCHAIN 101

Published in "Nord News"  Autumn 2017 pages 6 and 7
Publisher
REEDEREI NORD GmbH
ASTRATURM, Zirkusweg 2
20359 Hamburg - Germany
www.reederei-nord.com

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

VGP – BWTS Sampling – PMS INTEGRATION

Vessel General Permit – BWTS Sampling – PMS INTEGRATION




The purpose of this article is to provide vessel owners/operators with tips and tools for meeting the sample collection and analysis monitoring requirements in the 2013 VGP by integrating the timeline into their existing PMS and reduce administrative burden to already burdened crew.







For vessels with keels laid after December 1st, 2013 we are required to carry out some additional testing as indicated in the table below. This is apart from various tests and calibrations, related to overboard discharge which is already done.


VGP required tests
Test
Period
Remarks
1. Bilgewater monitoring *
Oil and grease content
Yearly
-    The test must be done by a laboratory.
-    OCM readings during sampling must be compared with laboratory results
-   Maintain record as per VGP 2013 – Page 189
-    If no discharge occurs then no sampling is necessary.
2. BWTS effluent biological organism monitoring
Measure:
- Total heterotrophic bacteria
- E. coli
- Enterococci
2 times per year (from two separate discharge events at least 14 days apart)
-    For the first year, the first test can be considered the one commissioning test from SY
-    Maintain record as required by VGP 2013 – Table on Page 185
3. BWTS residual biocide monitoring
TRO (chlorite) – less than 100 µg/l (0.1 ppm)
Initial:
3 times in the first 10 discharge events (within 180 days)
-    The life of the sample is 15 minutes. The test must be done on board. Vessel needs to be provided with the necessary equipment
-    Maintain record as required by VGP 2013 – Table on Page 185
Normal Maintenance:
2 times per year
4. Greywater*
Measure:
- BOD – biochemical oxygen demand
- Faecal coliform or E. coli
- Suspended solids
- pH
- Total residual chlorine
2 times per year
(from two separate discharge events at least 14 days apart)
-   Maintain record as per VGP 2013 – Page 188
-   If no discharge in VGP waters occurred within the year, the monitoring tests are not necessary


*As it is not normal to discharge greywater and bilge water within 3 Nm of US Coast, the tests for this will not normally be required and so are not required to be included in your maintenance program.

Depending on your PMS type and set up it would be good to incorporate the ballast water treatment tests within it, following the above table.

Example:
Ballast Water Management System
PERIODICAL CHECKS OF SYSTEM’S APPLIANCES
JOB: EFFLUENT BIO.ORGANISM RES. BIOCIDE MON
INSTRUCTIONS:
a)      RISK MANAGEMENT:
The risk assessment must be carried out as per operating procedures if deemed necessary for the specific job.
b)      PERMITS: NORMAL WORK
c)      MAN-HOURS: 2 person x 3 hours = 6 Man-hours   
d)     MANUAL: 
EPA -VESSEL DISCHARGE SAMPLE COLLECTION & ANALYTICAL MONITORING - A How-To Reference for EPA'S 2013 VGP
e)      SAFETY PRECAUTION:
SAFETY PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED AS PER COMPANY AND INDUSTRY STANDARDS. PPE TO BE USED AS PER COMPANY MATRIX. SAMPLING WILL BE DONE BY ATTENDING CHEMIST. SAMPLING AND TESTING SHALL BE CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO 40 CFR PART 136.
f)       TOOLS NEEDED:
TEST AND SAMPLING KITS WILL BE PROVIDED BY ATTENDING CHEMIST
g)      PROCEDURE:
Request attendance by an approved chemist for carrying following sampling/testing on ballast water treatment system:
1.      BWTS effluent biological organism monitoring
Measure: Total heterotrophic bacteria, E. coli, Enterococci.                              
Maintain record as required by VGP 2013 Table on Page 185
2.      BWTS residual biocide monitoring
Measure: TRO (chlorite) - less than 100 μg/l (0.1 ppm)
Maintain record as required by VGP 2013 - Table on Page 185
Note:
Prior arranging for attendance identify required sampling points for BWTS present on board.
Preferred ports are: list the preferred ports
As an alternative to attendance on board, it may be possible to provide sampling equipment for samples to be landed ashore.

For the initial testing for BWTS effluent biological organisms, the vessels testing should be initiated manually by a person in charge but always recorded within the system. When initial testing is done vessel hast to follow PMS schedule normally.

Initially, it is good for companies to choose one company worldwide to attend the vessel to take samples and carry out the required testing.
As an alternative to attendance on board, it may be possible to provide sampling equipment for samples to be landed ashore. However, due to strict sampling procedure and short lifespan of samples that will not be practical.



For a better understanding of entire sampling and testing process refer to 
“VESSEL DISCHARGE SAMPLE COLLECTION & ANALYTICAL MONITORING A How-To Reference for EPA’s 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP)”, 
which can be easily found online.


Bibliography:
1.      Stienstra O. & Van Der Vlies A. 2015. THE VESSEL GENERAL PERMIT IN A NUTSHELL - www.lagersmit.com [Online]. [3 October 2018]. Available from: https://www.lagersmit.com/the-vgp-in-a-nutshell/
2.      US EPA. 2013 “March 2013 - Final 2013 Vessel General Permit” - www3.epa.gov - [Online]. Available from: < https://www3.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/vgp_overview2013. > [Accessed: 3 October 2018].

3.      US EPA (2014). VESSEL DISCHARGE SAMPLE COLLECTION & ANALYTICAL MONITORING - A How-To Reference for EPA's 2013 Vessel General Permit (VGP). (Final Report ed.). Washington DC: United States Environmental Protection Agency.


       Disclaimer:

     “ Out of Box Maritime Thinker” © 2018 and Aleksandar Pudar assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this paper. The information contained in this paper is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own company situation or system, or without consulting a consultancy professional. The content of this paper is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only.





Friday, September 21, 2018

The Eisenhower Matrix

Aleksandar Pudar | September 21, 2018

Last updated: September 21, 2018

The Eisenhower Matrix

In the shipping industry, we witness many new tasks, and things are appearing on a daily basis, irrespective of whether we are working on board or in the office. We spend much time managing so-called situations and important jobs. We waste much energy on these on a daily basis. We all work with the same amount of time, so what makes some people better in time management than others.

The answer is simple; some people have innate ability to identify what must be done immediately and what can be left for some another time, or needs to be delegated. Some people do not have that ability, but like anything, in life, that ability can be learned. One way is to create your own to do list using President Eisenhower method of time management.
It is a useful time management tool for getting things done. It is a prioritisation framework. It focuses on radical or extreme prioritisation; this way of doing aids us in moving away from short-term thinking to long-term strategic planning and productivity.

‘Dwight D. Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States from 1953 until 1961. Before becoming President, he served as a general in the United States Army and as the Allied Forces Supreme Commander during World War II. He also later became NATO’s first supreme commander.’ (Oppong, 2017)

“What is important is seldom urgent, and what is urgent is seldom important.”
Dwight D. Eisenhower

How to create your own Eisenhower Matrix- To Do List:

1. By using excel, create below spreadsheet


2. After the spreadsheet is created, name it “Eisenhower Matrix - To Do List”.
3.  Create a folder with the name “Eisenhower Method” and move the excel spreadsheet to it.
4. Within the folder, create separate folders as per below snapshot.


5. Inside each folder, you can create separate subfolders to organise all the tasks better. See below snapshot.

How to use the Eisenhower Method
Eisenhower Method can be beneficial only if you can commit yourself to make a proper categorisation of daily tasks; method requires to group your tasks and activities into four priorities.
  1.  the tasks are both urgent and important.
  2.  tasks are important but not urgent.
  3.  tasks are urgent but not important.
  4.  tasks are neither urgent nor important

Here is how tasks based on the Principle above may be dealt with :
Important/Urgent quadrant is done immediately and personally, e.g. crisis, deadlines, problems.
Important/Not Urgent quadrant get an end date and are done personally, e.g. end of the month papers, planning, weekly reports and recreation.
Unimportant/Urgent quadrant are delegated e.g. interruptions, small tasks.
Unimportant/Not Urgent quadrant are dropped, e.g. time wasters, side activities, trivia, and junk mail.
The Eisenhower Method purpose is to help you filter the noise from your decisions and concentrate on what matters to you and your job.

Hope you will find this useful.

References:
  1. Oppong, T. 2017. “The Eisenhower Method For Taking Action (How to Distinguish Between Urgent and Important Tasks).- The Mission Podcasts.” www.medium.com [Online]. Available from:< https://medium.com/the-mission/the-eisenhower-method-for-taking-action-how-to-distinguish-between-urgent-and-important-tasks-895339a13dea > [Accessed on 21 September 2018].

Bibliography :

  1. Krogerus, M & Tschäppeler, R (2017). The Decision Book: Fifty models for strategic thinking (New Edition). (The new and revised edition ed.). England: Profile Books Ltd.
  2. McKay Brett and Kate, 2013. “The Eisenhower Decision Matrix: How to Distinguish Between Urgent and Important Tasks”. - www.theartofmanliness.com - [Online].Available from: <https://www.artofmanliness.com/articles/eisenhower-decision-matrix/ >[Accessed on : 21 September 2018]
Disclaimer:
“Out of Box Maritime Thinker” © 2018 and Aleksandar Pudar assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this paper. The information contained in this paper is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own company situation or system, or without consulting a consultancy professional. The content of this paper is intended to be used and must be used for informational purposes only.

2.13. PRESCRIPTIVE MAINTENANCE

2.13.1 INTRODUCTION 2.13.1.1 DEFINITION Prescriptive maintenance in marine engineering is an evolution of maintenance strategies, meldin...