Managing a maritime shipping company can be challenging. You never know what your cargo vessels may encounter out at sea. Knowing the safest routes to take can mean the difference between keeping your cargo secure and losing them to ocean bandits.
Most modern cargo vessels possess state-of-the-art technologies that help with navigation and security. Regardless, every maritime professional can benefit from using mobile applications to plan shipping routes before (or during) a voyage. These mobile apps allow you to access important information such as international regulations, overseas codes and signs, and storm surge warnings.
Apps To Help You With Your Shipping Routes
The following apps can help you plan safer routes for your cargo vessels.
Marine Fire Safety Pocket Checklist
Cargo vessels need to comply with various international conventions and criteria. The Marine Fire Safety Pocket Checklist can help you monitor your compliance and keep you out of hot water with international port authorities. This app contains information on over 30 areas where seafarers often experience deficiencies. It also has details on 30 certifications and documentation required of all cargo vessels. You can download the app on both Android and iOS devices.
Maritime World Ports
If you’re looking for detailed information about ports around the world, the Maritime World Ports app is a great tool to consider. It allows you to access data about ports from various countries. This includes information about its sizes, type, water depth, and other characteristics. Android users can download the app via Google Play Store. Unfortunately, iOS users don’t have access to this app; however, they may use an alternative app.
HidroWeb
The HidroWeb app provides seafarers access to a wide collection of data from the National Hydrometeorological Network. You can find information about rain, river levels, and climatology using this application. This tool can help seafarers avoid getting surprised by sudden high tides and severe rainfall. You can download the app on both Android and iOs devices. It also has a web version which you can access using a browser.
SeaBook
SeaBook has loads of information about sea navigation that seafarers will find useful. It also contains important data about naval engineering, international codes and signs, country flags, the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), and so much more. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
Ship Finder
Ship Finder is an app that shows you real-time information about all the vessels in operation in every country. It shows you an image of the world map and you can zoom in or out on the images to find the exact location of different ships in a specific location. The app is available on both Android and iOS devices.
Apps Every Seafarer Should Have
The following apps aren’t exclusively for vessel navigation; however, they can help improve the safety and security of your cargo and men. Keep reading to learn more about each app.
Equasis
Is there a particular vessel or cargo company you want information about? Equasis is a great app because it contains a wide range of data about all sea-going merchant vessels over 100 GT (Gross Tonnage). This app contains details from over 45 data providers from the maritime industry and public sector. A few examples include the US Coast Guards, Tokyo MoU, Paris MoU, and the Indian Ocean MoU.
Equasis is available on both iOS and Android devices.
First Aid Apps
Seafaring is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Emergencies can happen at any second; thus, it’s important to know exactly what to do at any given time. First aid apps such as the one developed by the American Red Cross and British Red Cross contain information on how to perform various first aid methods properly. You can access step-by-step instruction articles and videos using the app. You don’t even need an internet connection — everything is stored directly on your mobile.
You can download first aid apps on both iOS and Android devices.
Greenship
Shipping companies are subject to rules and regulations, just like other companies in different industries. The Greenship Environmental Calculator Application can help seafarers monitor the environmental impact of their ships. It can track variables such as SOx emissions, Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), and NOx emissions. Although useful, the app is currently only available for iOS devices. If you’re an Android user, you’ll have to look for a different app.
Cargo Handbook
Cargo Handbooks has the largest collection of guidelines for over 800 commodities, to ensure that your goods reach their destinations intact. You can get information on proper shipment storage and risk factors. You can also access data on various transportation requirements, e.g., paperwork, permits, and more.
The app was developed by BMT surveys and is available on both iOS and Android devices.
Hazcheck DGL Lite
Seafarers often handle dangerous goods that require specific care and storage. The Hazcheck DGL Lite app contains everything you need to know about handling dangerous cargo at sea. Its entire database is free and regularly updated. You can download the app on both iOS and Android devices.
Keeps Your Vessels Safe and Secure
The apps above can help you prevent or solve everyday maritime issues that plague most shipping vessels. Take some time to read each app’s description and find the one that best suits your situation.
