Nautisk unveils digital publications tablet
The NaviTab, a high-spec Lenovo tablet housed in a rugged case and equipped with Nautisk’s publications – which include sailing directions, lists of lights as well as IMO rules and guidelines – aims to save operators both the weight and space cost of paper publications, as well as the logistical problems of updating the books.
“Managing publications is a big administrative burden and can have expensive consequences if materials are not up-to-date, including ships being detained,” said Peter Johan Pran, Head of Global Sales, Nautisk. “We ship around 420 tonnes of paper a year and our average air freight distance is more than 5,000km. You never know where a ship might be at port or for how long.”
The NaviTab comes equipped with a dock allowing publications to be instantly updated through a ship’s internet connection. The tablet also offers functions allowing users to search and annotate documents. Nautisk will begin shipping NaviTab to customers worldwide from next month. The tablet will be available for £1,980 including software, with publications paid for individually.
“We see digitisation happening with publications much faster than with charts,” Pran added. “A major benefit is the reduction in shipping costs. With NaviTab worldwide trading vessels will make back the cost of the tablet within one year on saved air freight costs.”
Pran said that he expected NaviTab to be in demand from bridge officers as well as maritime schools, pilots and superintendents. He added that under many flag state rules two copies of publications were required onboard, suggesting the need for multiple NaviTabs per vessel.
