After global shipping came to a halt this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ports and shipping lines are now starting to move again.
Logistics reporter Costas Paris with
The Wall Street Journal wrote on Sept. 4: “Container imports are flowing back into the U.S. after a six-month hiatus, with U.S. retailers knocked back by pandemic-driven lockdowns now stocking up before the holiday season.”
Keeping crews healthy by minimizing, at all possible costs, potential exposure to the COVID-19 virus is now imperative. Once at sea, this shouldn’t be a problem, but while in port, medical screenings, crew changes, commissioning of equipment and repairs are all opportunities for exposure.
The good news is technology is available through
augmented reality (AR) headsets to help mitigate the risks, while also allowing all crucial functions to get completed safely and on time -- or potentially even faster.
DigiGone has recently partnered with RealWear for a hand-in-glove venture that combines a secure, hands-free, voice-based, collaboration tool that’s purpose-built for low bandwidth, hard-to-reach environments.
Our digiTech Solution has a built-in camera and flashlight, headphones and speakers along with an adjustable display pod, which appears like a 7” tablet at arm’s length. Users can access data files with voice-activated commands allowing for a completely hands-free experience.
With this technology, crews can collaborate with teams from anywhere, in real-time, allowing them to complete important work promptly, increasing both efficiency and the bottom line.
Below are four scenarios where digiTech can keep your crew and vessel moving and keep ‘boots off boats.’
Scenario 1: INSPECTIONS
Some shipping lines simply aren’t allowing vendors or inspectors on vessels right now because the risk isn’t worth it. This is where digiTech can be invaluable.
Harley-Davidson recently demonstrated the ease of use of a RealWear headset in a bone-rattling loud garage. A mechanic was wearing the headset and an engineer at another location was tapped in. RealWear’s superior noise cancellation technology allowed them to fully communicate and the engineer was able to see everything the mechanic was doing while going through the 10-point inspection.
This is a perfect example of the capabilities of the RealWear headset; only loaded with digiGone software, it can be used in low-bandwidth locations such as oil rigs, mines and vessels at sea.
For comparison, they tried the same 10-point inspection using an iPhone. The results were clear:
• RealWear's hands-free headset was considerably easier to use.
• The noise-cancellation capability of the headset was phenomenal.
• And, of course, an iPhone wouldn’t be able to provide a clear video or a smooth connection in a low-bandwidth environment.
Scenario 2: COMMISSIONING of EQUIPMENT
The digiTech solution can also be used for commissioning of new equipment. This tool and technology was specifically designed for a seamless transfer of knowledge from designers, engineers and experts to those who are not as familiar with the machinery.
This allows crews to avoid exposure to individuals who might have traveled through busy cities and airports to board their vessel, potentially shutting things down for weeks if the personnel are required to isolate after such travel.
Scenario 3: COVID-19 SCREENINGS
Since this summer many vessel owners are using virtual medical screenings before all crew changes to ensure all personnel are healthy and free of any COVID-19 symptoms before embarking.
But, what’s unique about the digiGone solution is telemedicine is already a part of our product line.
Using the Five Plus Telemedicine kit, crews can connect to the digiMed® Consult Dashboard to live stream face-to-screen consultations with doctors 24/7 from anywhere in the world. Diagnostic information, such as temperature and pulse rate, can be shared instantly via encrypted data. DigiGone’s Doctor Consult application can be used in the RealWear headset.
Scenario 4: REPAIRS
Imagine a situation where instead of making a costly diversion to repair equipment, a crew member can use an AR headset to consult with technicians and engineers from sea.
In this
video, a foreman at Seaport Steel uses the headset to repair machinery while collaborating with engineers. They’re looking at the same thing he’s seeing through the camera and are able to guide him through a repair. This type of collaboration is a game-changer for remote worksites and vessels that require regular maintenance and repair.
Now more than ever, being able to collaborate remotely, provide remote medical support, ‘keep boots off boats’ and seafarers safe is paramount.
Fortunately, DigiGone’s technology is available to make that happen.
