Leading fleet management software provider BASS has announced the release of BASSnet™ HR Manager, an entirely Web-based software product that covers all crew management and payroll needs. By allowing all stakeholders to work on the same data in real time, the product reaches out to the global workforce and creates a sense of community.

The recruitment and retention of top-quality officers and crew has been an omnipresent issue in the shipping industry in recent years. HR Manager proactively addresses these challenges by bringing all stakeholders – manning agents, training centres, charterers, and not least seafarers – into shipowner/ship manager work processes.

“Seafarers get to meet with management ashore far too seldom. But, by utilising HR Manager, seafarers can update their own biographical data, see the details of their next assignment, access training and career plan information, upload their CV and professional resume, and apply for positions online,” says BASS Product Manager Rajesh Purkar. “Giving employees the capability to manage certain aspects of their personnel data not only provides information accuracy, it  helps create a closer relationship with employers and a sense of belonging – translating into higher qualified officer retention and re-joining rates.” 

BASSnet HR Manager’s central repository provides for coordination and minimises duplication of data entries while eliminating unnecessary paperwork. System advantages are plentiful for the other stakeholders as well:

•  Manning agents have access to identical info, making crew planning easier and ensuring that all parties are up to date

•  Superintendants or charterers can monitor crew nominations from anywhere in the world, as well as stay in contact with and view crew records/activities of those who are actually onboard without numerous international calls, e-mail and faxes

•  The crewing department can concentrate their crew planning on scheduling the right person with the right competence for the right ship at the right time. Crew changes are more predictable and efficient – avoiding unpleasant surprises for the existing onboard crew, and ensuring their relievers join in time as planned

•  In addition to the “self-service” module for the seafarers to review and update their own data, training centres and medical doctors can also update relevant records and status – and automatic alerts will track what they update