Helm CONNECT Maintenance Tracking Software Secures Class Type Approval

On September 1, 2017, after a detailed review process, Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), issued a Type Approval Certificate for Helm CONNNECT as a recognized planned maintenance software system. ClassNK is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). IACS members recognize and accept Type Approvals from other society members, thereby allowing any ship owner to implement the Helm CONNECT software as their planned maintenance tracking system.
 
“This is a historic moment for our organization. For many years we have been the market leader in maritime software for the global tug and barge industry. This Type Approval now makes it possible for us to expand into the much larger blue water shipping industry, regardless of which classification society the ship owner uses.”, said Helm founder and CEO Ron deBruyne. deBruyne continued, “We are looking forward to working with blue water operators all over the world.”
 
Since 1999 Helm Operations (formerly Edoc Systems Group) has been developing operations software for the commercial maritime industry. Helm CONNECT is the flagship product of Helm Operations. Whether it’s managing safety and compliance, planned maintenance, billing, or jobs, Helm CONNECT gives you the information you need to do your job efficiently. It is the workboat industry’s first software system designed through user experience principles, which makes it intuitive for use by everyone in a workboat company, from the crew right to the CEO. With more the 1700 vessels currently using Helm CONNECT, Helm Operations works with some of the largest and most respected workboat companies in the world, including SVITZER A/S, Kirby, Ingram Barge, ARTCO, McAllister, SAAM SMIT, Florida Marine Transporters and Blessey Marine.

Nippon Kaiji Kyokai is a ship classification society. It is also known by the brand name “ClassNK” or often in the industry as just “NK”. It is a not for profit society dedicated to ensuring the safety of life and property at sea, and the prevention of pollution of the marine environment.

The principal work of the Society's expert technical staff is to undertake surveys to ensure that the rules which it has developed, are applied to both newly built and existing ships to ensure the safety of these vessels. The rules cover not only hull structures, but also safety equipment,cargo handling gear, engines, machinery, and electrical and electronic systems among others.

About Helm Operations
 
Since 1999 Helm Operations has been developing software solutions for the workboat industry. Helm CONNECT is the flagship product of Helm Operations that makes preventive maintenance and compliance easy. It’s the workboat industry’s first app-based, web-based, role-based software system designed through user experience principles, which makes it intuitive for use by everyone in a workboat company.
 
As of July 1, 2014 Helm Operations became a wholly owned subsidiary of ClassNK. Headquartered in Japan, ClassNK is one of the world’s leading classification societies, dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the maritime industry, and ensuring the safety of ships, their crews, and the marine environment. With more than 9,000 vessels on its register, ClassNK provides classification and certification services to more than 20% of the world’s merchant fleet via a network of some 130 offices worldwide. For more information, please visit www.classnk.or.jp.