With Vessel Vanguard, Fire Island Ferries transformed its inspection process from cumbersome paper-based checklists to a dynamic, digital workflow. This transition has enabled the crew to conduct inspections more efficiently, with instant updates and documentation, reducing the average number of correction reports from 15 to just 2-3 per vessel. Dave states, “Vessel Vanguard helps us stay proactive from a safety aspect and an inspection aspect. And if you’re doing consistent inspections using Vessel Vanguard’s program and the Streamline Inspection program, your number of deficiencies decreases drastically over time.” 

The adoption of Vessel Vanguard’s system has also allowed Fire Island Ferries to enhance its compliance with safety regulations, especially with SMS. Dave notes, “Vessel Vanguard has taken the bull by the horns when it does come to SMS and the platform that they are running. I have used Vessel Vanguard specifically to implement the Streamline Inspection Program, and Safety Management System  We’ve also incorporated and will be further incorporating the flagship program into our Vessel Vanguard 360 system.” By integrating the platform with the company’s safety management systems, including the flagship program approved by the Coast Guard, Fire Island Ferries has been able to maintain high safety standards with more ease and less administrative burden. Throughout the process, the company had put itself leaps and bounds ahead of the curve, as they partnered with Vessel Vanguard. Working closely together has allowed both companies to develop a module that will be perfectly tailored to passenger and small passenger vessels within any operation. 

The shift to a digital platform has significantly reduced the reliance on physical paperwork, making information access and record-keeping more manageable and less error prone. The ability to access records and perform updates in real-time, even remotely, has not only improved operational efficiency but also ensured that safety and compliance are continuously monitored and managed effectively. 

In conclusion, Fire Island Ferries’ integration of Vessel Vanguard into their operations has revolutionized how they manage safety, compliance, and inspections. The platform has provided the company with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of maritime regulations while fostering an environment that prioritizes safety and efficiency. As a result, Fire Island Ferries has set a precedent in the maritime industry for how digital solutions can enhance operational practices, compliance, and overall safety management. Dave concludes, “I have complete faith and trust in Vessel Vanguard 360. They have been extremely instrumental in helping me put together our program. They have tailored their program to my needs as well as industry needs.” Vessel Vanguard prides itself in building solutions to make the maritime industry safer and more reliable. Like Fire Island Ferries, Vessel Vanguard has safety at the forefront of everything they do, while also looking ahead to the future of the industry. Vessel Vanguard is committed to supporting passenger vessels and small passenger vessels in the journey toward achieving regulatory compliance as it closely approaches. Vessel Vanguard is proud of the partnership with Fire Island Ferries as it has been instrumental in the building blocks and foundation of Vessel Vanguard’s SMS/SIP module.