Welfare and working environment of seafarers

SEA HEALTH & WELFARE (SHW) works to improve the welfare and working conditions of seafarers through knowledge, tools, and services.

Since 2009, we have been developing SHW’s digital solution, now called @SEA-@SHORE. Over this period, SHW’s software portfolio has evolved from individual Windows applications to a suite of specialized applications gathered on one web platform. This platform not only focuses on work at sea but also on the employees’ leisure time. After all, a seafarer does not leave the ship after working hours but spends 24 hours a day, for weeks or months at a time, onboard.

We are continuously working to further develop and improve the applications to ensure that they keep pace with changing times and meet new needs and regulatory requirements.

In the last few years, we have modernized the entire technical foundation of the solution, which includes an update to the backend engine in 2021 and an update to the frontend system in 2023.

With the web platform @SEA-@SHORE, SHW aims to contribute to all aspects of life at sea.

The applications are user-friendly and can be accessed on a computer, mobile, or tablet. Seafarers can access the @SEA version of the applications, while users on land, including shipping companies, can access the @SHORE version.

WORK@SEA

The application deals with working conditions and focuses on reducing the number of work-related accidents and long-term effects at sea. WORK@SEA consists of the modules RISK ASSESSMENTS and CHEMICALS.

RISK ASSESSMENTS

The module contains a library of all the ship's risk assessments as well as a tool to create new ones. The tool is intuitively designed and guides the author step by step through the process, resulting in a completed risk assessment that complies with current regulations. Ships can add local conditions such as how products are used, where they are stored, and which protective equipment is required.

CHEMICALS

The module helps keep track of the chemicals used on the ship.

SHW's chemical database contains thousands of products that Danish shipping companies have reported using on their ships. The products are created by the shipping companies but are approved, coded, and maintained by SHW with details such as ingredients, hazard codes, product categories, safety data sheets, and more.

This is a huge task, as 1,200-2,000 products are added, replaced, or updated annually.

Shipping companies specify, via approved product lists, which products the company’s ships use.

DAYROOM@SEA

The application provides access to news and helps seafarers stay updated despite limited internet connectivity.

CATERING@SEA

The application provides access to delicious recipes and useful advice on diet and hygiene.

HOSPITAL@SEA

The application provides access to the mandatory ‘Seafarer's Medical Handbook.’ A step-by-step manual for treating illnesses and injuries onboard the ship.

FITNESS@SEA

The application includes a large catalog of workout exercises that seafarers can combine into a personalized fitness program. The solution also features sports competitions, where seafarers can enter their training results and compete against each other in various disciplines.

WORK@SHORE

The application displays a reflection of the ships' risk assessments – which chemicals are used on the ship and the activities of the safety organization.

FLEETMANAGEMENT@SHORE

In the application, the shipping company can track the entire fleet's online, version, and license status.

HOSPITAL@SHORE

The application provides access to the mandatory ‘Seafarer's Medical Handbook.’ A step-by-step manual for treating illnesses and injuries onboard the ship.

ADMIN@SHORE

The application manages the shipping company's approved product list (the products used on the company’s ships) as well as the products in the chemical database.

A central challenge has been ensuring that the applications also function in an offline environment or in areas with very limited internet coverage.

This has been solved by installing the applications locally on the ship. Data updates and exchange with land occur via synchronization when the ship has internet access again. This synchronization is designed to only include data that is relevant for the specific ship.

Synchronization has been a challenge during development but has also provided a business advantage, as SHW can also exchange other data with the ships, such as news and fitness competitions between the ships.

As the amount of data grows, we have upgraded the solution and developed a new and improved synchronization system capable of handling larger volumes of data.

The solution for SEA HEALTH & WELFARE – in short:

• Custom solution

• A suite of specialized applications gathered on one web platform

• Works both online and offline