Associate Editor Aileen Mack joined Dockwalk in July 2018. She is a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. If she’s not at a concert or coffee shop, she is lost in a book, movie or a YouTube rabbit hole. Email Aileen at aileen@dockwalk.com.
As rotational positions become more prevalent and with so much already to keep track of on board, things can get lost or overcomplicated if they’re not in a centralized location. When his captain asked if he knew anyone who could develop something for rotation management, it sparked an idea for former rotational engineer Tomasz Pankowski. That solution would become MyRotat, a crew rotation management software that helps manage and plan rotation schedules.
“I always wanted to have my schedule available for at least one year ahead and know about any updates and changes straight away, and not bother my HOD about it every time,” he says. “I feel like it is very important for seafarers and their families to know this, so they can make plans for the future and maintain a better work-life harmony.”
Before joining yachting in 2018, Tomasz worked on cargo vessels and in shipyards as a service engineer. Recognizing the problem and frustration that can come from the crew leave planning process, he knew there had to be a way to streamline and organize rotation, so he worked with a team of developers to create MyRotat.
Many boats and crew use Excel spreadsheets for managing rotation, which can lead to errors and miscommunication. MyRotat automates the process and keeps everything up to date and the crew well informed, and the app allows crew to see their schedules, along with send leave requests and travel-related documents.
“Our system is designed to save time and can be customized to specific needs,” he shares. “I know that each yacht or management company is different, so we can provide tailored solutions for everyone.”
The software bridges the gap between crew, management on board and management companies. Tomasz creates the database for the clients and can migrate past data, such as from Excel, so everything is kept in the same place and there is no need to use multiple solutions to do one job. Documents, travel instructions and articles, such as crew policies and existing rules, can also be uploaded by the software manager to the mobile app.
“Our notifications system will remove unnecessary back and forth emails and streamline administrative tasks,” he says. “Everything is in the cloud, so any updates and manual changes introduced in the calendars by the purser, HOD or captain will immediately be updated everywhere, so everyone is always up to date.”
Captains, HODs, fleet managers and management companies have access to the desktop application, while crew members only have access to the mobile app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play.