Created by a team of in-house developers, the new app released this week, gives seafarers an instant overview of all relevant documentation, vessel assignments, communication with the company, pay slips, and more.
For OSM, and its global client base, the development will mean increased efficiency, management capability, and control.
OSM currently has a pool of more than 11,000 qualified seafarers, serving on more than 500 vessels worldwide. The new mobile app gives all of them a ‘one-stop-shop’ digital platform for the complete management of their professional lives, making administration easier, more secure and, as CEO Geir Sekkesaeter explained, completely connected.
He explained; “Our seafarer app is transformational in terms of its simplicity. All personal data, including experience, training, certification, medical records, and payroll can be accessed and managed from our crew members’ phones, and from our onshore office facilities.
“The crew can see what documents they have submitted, any information they may be missing, and check to ensure they are completely compliant with the requirements for relevant vessels.
“What’s more, an in-built messaging function, alongside news feeds and real-time notifications, enables seamless communication between seafarers, crew managers and the organisation as a whole. It’s a totally joined up way of working, slashing administration time, increasing efficiency and delivering greater control for both individuals and the organisation.
“The efficiency gains will impact positively on our clients, with our crew department now able to shift resources from following up documentation to actively delivering optimal crew management solutions. This really is a digital leap forward for all our stakeholders,” he said.
The app is now available for Android users through Google Play, with an iOS launch planned imminently. The in-house development, testing and refinement process took a dedicated team around six months to complete. Peter Burkal, OSM Crew Management managing director, spearheaded the project.
He said: “OSM is focused on harnessing innovative technology and solutions to optimise processes and deliver benefits, and competitive advantages, for our people, business and customers. This app is the embodiment of that strategy. It quite literally puts the future at the fingertips of our seafarers, allowing them to work flexibly and transparently to manage their working lives.
“We’ll now be looking to add further functionality to the app, while also engaging in new digital solutions, to continue driving improved efficiency and performance throughout the organisation,” he concluded.
The development comes at a busy time for the Norwegian business, which has grown significantly over the past year, as well as becoming one of the first crew management firms to join the UN Global Compact (UNGC) initiative.