APHA Ship Inspection Management System
The APHA Ship Inspection Management System (SIMS) uses hand-held PDAs to record ship inspection details in real time, supported by a central web-based database server, and enables officers to check the inspection history of ships in the port, record inspection details and produce certificates and reports on board the vessel. The aim of the system is to prevent duplication of workload and streamline the inspection process.
The pilot phase is now complete. SIMS was tested by nine port health authorities whose user feedback has provided the basis for ongoing improvements culminating in the launch of the latest version - SIMS version 8 at the APHA Conference 2009.
News and Updates
25 Aug 2009 - SIMS New Pricing
31 Jul 2009 - SIMS Version 8 Launched
16 Jan 2009 - SIMS Demonstrations and Training Events
7 Jan 2009 - SIMS Website Ready
19 Dec 2008 - Free Training on using SIMS - all welcome
10 Dec 2008 - Version 3 of PDA Software launched
3 Dec 2008 - Update to APHA Executive Board
9 Sept 2008 - Pilot Launched at APHA Conference
More about SIMS
For several years APHA members, and the local port liaison networks have been asking APHA for a national database which records ship inspection data. This is important so that officers can tell without having to visit a ship whether it has been inspected recently within the UK and if it has, what the inspection results were. SIMS is APHA's solution to this problem. The system comprises a central database where all ship inspection data is recorded, and a front end software for use on hand held PDAs, which allows officers to record ship inspection results in real time.
Recording Data on Board
The PDA software allows officers to input the results of ship inspections straight on to the system whilst they are on the ship and also allows officers to print a ship sanitation exemption or control certificate whilst on the ship (by using a portable printer) or alternatively print the certificates when back in the office. The PDA has a number of easy to use screens which cover all the inspection areas required for a Ship Sanitation Certificate inspection under the Public Health (Ships) Regulations and also those areas included in the APHA ship inspection report. You can see screen shots of the PDA software and more information on using the PDA in the help manual which can be downloaded below.
Online Database
The PDA sends the ship inspection data to a central database which will be available on a password protected website. The website will allow users to search for specific vessels or inspections and view inspection results. It will also be possible to analyse trends and produce reports on inspections from the data. For those authorities who do not wish to use the PDAs to record inspections, there will be an area to manually input ship inspection data on to the system.
Costs
There will be a charge for use of the system, although this will be kept to a minimum to ensure that as many authorities as possible use it. The charge will allow APHA to recoup the expense it has incurred in developing and piloting the system and ensure that the system is well maintained and a high level of user support is provided.
More Information
If you would like more information on the system or are interested in receiving information updates by email please email support@apha-sims.com
SIMS User Guide (large file)
New User or Forgotten Details:
email APHA
