If you’re a captain, crew or manager facing the increasing demands of managing a modern superyacht, look no further than dsnm - the all-in-one bridge management solution whose goal is to take the stresses out of navigation and compliance. What sets dsnm apart is the sheer breadth of its service - from yacht management and bridge outfitting to its leading navigation platform, known as Compass, and accompanying technical support. BOAT explores five reasons why dsnm is leading the pack.
1. An industry-leading navigational hub
Key to dsnm’s strengths is its innovative superyacht navigation hub Compass and accompanying in-house digital support team, who are readily available to assist with any technical support required.
Featuring all the essential tools in one place, Compass is an indispensable tool for passage planning, incorporating a wealth of information for captains to effortlessly plot their routes.
Its digital charting layers combine unofficial charting, provided by i4 Insight, with official ENCs by Navtor to provide up-to-date navigational data, allowing Compass to serve as a bridge between traditional paper charts - via weekly paper corrections from the UK Hydrographic Office - and cutting-edge electronic navigation charts (ENC). NavArea Warnings give a visual representation and detailed information on various warning areas on the map.
Additionally, Compass includes weather overlay and MARPOL layers (which provide easy access to Annex I to VI regulations by location), while the Explore with Imray tool allows navigators to look closely at over 13,500 locations around the world and access local information such as port plans and mooring facilities.
2. Groundbreaking new software
Compass' software is constantly updated - with recent enhancements including the globe and weather layer by a respected meteorology app. Expect to see even more exciting new features added when Compass Version 2 is launched. This new version will include tools that are yet to be seen in the industry, changing the way people use the software for passage planning and bringing as many sources of information relevant to passage planning into one place, outside of the information contained within ECDIS or paper charts.
Stuart Denham-Harding, dsnm's head of digital, explains: “From its origins as a chart correction delivery tool six years ago, Compass has evolved to adapt to the navigational needs of superyacht bridges that are rapidly moving towards the latest digital solutions available.”
His team is now preparing the launch of 'Compass Version 2' using real-time insights from captains to develop the software. “This approach has allowed us to spend time updating the core technologies behind the user experience and to apply a renewed focus on the tools offered within the application, all of which will allow Compass to continue to evolve and meet the needs of navigational officers and bridge teams," says Denham-Harding.
3. Dedicated yacht navigation management
Onboard tool Compass works in synergy with experienced shore-based support in the form of a dedicated yacht navigation management team. At dsnm, you will be allocated your own dedicated yacht navigation manager to assist you with everything from licensing and regulations and publications to charts (both physical and digital), ensuring everything remains bang up to date. They will offer storage for inactive folios and publications to provide the best possible use of space on the bridge. Not sure what you need? They can also advise and recommend products to make your life easier.
Your yacht navigation manager will also be able to source and supply the right equipment to help make your bridge run more smoothly, from binoculars and publications to sextants, rangefinders and chart-correcting equipment. An extensive range of hand-crafted flags is also available, including ensigns, national flags and signal flags in various sizes. dsnm's experienced yacht navigation managers can also provide full outfitting for new build and refit yachts.
4. Comprehensive maritime training
dsnm also works with industry leaders in maritime training to provide a wide range of courses for all levels of crew - from e-learning to virtual reality training and essential safety procedures to helicopter safety training (MCA-accredited).
The Bridge Refresher course, conducted by experienced in-house master mariners, is suitable for masters, officers and navigation or bridge team members and is perfect for those who want to brush up on their skills, boats that have been in the yard for a while, or new-builds during the last stages of construction seeking to top up their knowledge.
As technology moves forward, a module in ECDIS Risk Assessments, together with a bridge equipment refresher, will keep captains and their crew on top of their game. Or, if you want to concentrate on specific topics, dsnm's range of online interactive training courses can be carried out wherever you are in the world. Subjects range from COLREGs to navigation and passage planning, GMDSS, and safety and international safety management.
5. Great feedback from customers
Over the years, dsnm’s comprehensive management system has attracted a loyal following. A chief officer on board a 55-metre yacht tells us, "Working with dsnm and Compass has been amazing. Compass software is so easy to use and makes our life easy in the bridge when doing passage planning. The weather layer is an absolute gem and I can’t wait to see the next step in the system.”
These sentiments are echoed by a chief officer on board a 60-metre, who lists the “excellent Compass interface that is easy to use and updated constantly” and the fact that you are always kept in the loop on what is up and coming via email newsletters as plus points. “dsnm seems to have everything you need from ENC's to both digital and physical publications. And all of this can be seen through your holdings in their software programme. I’m looking forward to seeing where we can go with digital publications in the very near future.”
For more information on how to get set up, contact the dsnm team today.
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