ABS has announced the launch of e-Certificates, digital equivalents of traditional ABS paper certificates which will now be made available to ABS’ entire classed-fleet, subject to individual Flag Administrations’ authorisation.
The new electronic certificates will be continuously available, tamper-proof, independently verifiable and secure, ABS says, though the class society notes that traditional paper certificates will still be made available as required.
“E-Certificates are the latest product from ABS’ FutureClass programme. Defining the future of class focuses on the utilisation of data and digital technology to deliver benefits for our clients,” said ABS chairman, president and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki.
“ABS’ e-Certificates are a perfect example of how we strive to add value and operating efficiencies for our customers.”
The digital documents are available via the ABS online database, and while they may be locally stored electronically or printed as needed, these copies should be used for reference purposes only as the e-Certificate in its digital form is the vessel’s valid certificate.
The e-Certificate system also allows for a simultaneous, vessel-wide view of all applicable certificates, rather than requiring the user to look up each certificate individually, with unique tracking numbers and electronic signatures and endorsements linked to each document.
Authenticity, originality and traceability can be verified by authorities through the ABS Validation Portal, available for any third parties that need to confirm the information contained in the e-Certificates.
Originally published on Digital Ship.
