ABS Introduces Dynamic Checklists

ABS announced the introduction of electronically prepared, vessel type-specific, dynamic checklists for surveys of ABS-classed vessels. The new checklists are generated for the attending surveyor at the time the survey is ordered. The surveyor is automatically provided with a checklist specific to the type of vessel he or she is attending based on thirteen different parameters that are considered by the system. The dynamic checklist module can produce approximately 600,000 unique checklists from those parameters. And the system does not allow the surveyor to close the survey report without addressing each item on the checklist. The parameters are: Survey Task; Facility (Vessel or Company Office for Audits); Vessel Function, Type, Age, Length and Deadweight; whether Single or Double Hull; Flag (drawn from 240 possibilities); the vessel's Service Restrictions; and applicable Notations (drawn from 290 different possibilities). Check items are drawn directly from the relevant ABS Rules, statutory criteria and additional content approved by the Chief Surveyor. Changes to the Rules are automatically posted as of their effective date. Statutory requirements are updated after receipt from the relevant flag State by the Chief Surveyor. Dynamic checklists will be available to the owner for preparation prior to survey. Then, upon surveyor and reviewer sign-off, completed checklists will become immediately available to the owner through the web-based ABS SafeNet system. The new system also means that owners will be the recipient of positive reporting. They will be able to see which items have been surveyed and found satisfactory.