The need for improved access control
Since the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010, also known as the Kerry bill, was signed, on-board safety and security has been improved on cruise ships headed to or from American ports. Under the numerous specifications of the act were significant improvement requirements to crew member access and control procedures.
The new requirements meant cruise lines needed to move fast to make upgrades, especially the lines with high demand and around-the-clock travel schedules. This would require a reliable system, along with a smooth implementation process in order to keep goals on track and ships on schedule.
For one of the world's leading luxury liners, the act meant that they would have to establish a new key control system for its four ships. With thousands of weekly passengers and destinations in Europe, Panama, the Caribbean, Alaska, and other transatlantic locations, an updated key management system was an instant priority. The cruise line's previous key system not only lacked individual and time-based access control, but it also required long periods of key collection and distribution.
Automated key control with access restrictions
"With the new requirements of the CVSSA of 2010, we needed the tools to meet the new key control guidelines. This meant that controlling access to different keys by person and time-frame was necessary, as well as a system to go along with it."
Traka fulfilled this goal by providing intelligent, software-driven key cabinets with automated key issuing to ensure the cruise line exceeded the CVSSA requirements, along with a complimentary system that could be maintained by the existing security staff. For a smooth implementation process, the cruise line required a solution that could be integrated with their existing manual systems. Traka's key cabinets were a clear solution for the four vessels, as they could be quickly integrated with existing systems and exceed the access requirements of the Kerry Bill with their products.
The roll out
The implementation of Traka technology made this the first cruise line in the world to adopt the latest in key management in accordance with the CVSSA of 2010. With no complete key management systems in place and only manual processes, critical Traka electronic key cabinets were installed.
Meeting the CVSAA requirements calls for a thorough planning process to go alongside the installation and training, but Traka went above and beyond what was expected with unique, specific processes designed for each ship. In a one to two week period, Traka carefully planned out how keys would be managed for the cruise line, who would have access to them, along with pinpointing when, why and how auditing the system would occur.
An existing Traka security officer with the cruise line is able to manage the Traka systems with little impact on current workload, following a quick turnaround, implementation with the current specs, as well as training.
With Traka, the increase in |
Accountability and increased productivity
"The main benefits of using Traka have been the key accountability and increased productivity, which eliminated approximately 120 personal hours per month that had previously been spent collecting and distributing keys."
Though the Kerry Bill required access changes, the cruise line got much more in return by using the best in key management technology. With Traka, the increase in accountability and productivity allowed for average monthly savings close to $2500, completely covering the return on investment in just six months along with a quick, continuous profit.
Once the new Traka systems were implemented, crew members saw major productivity increases. Now that keys don't have to be issued at the beginning and end of shifts, crew members appreciate the time saved. As a whole, the cruise line immediately recognised an extended list of benefits from implementing Traka, including:
- Key accountability
- Increased productivity
- Lower collection & distribution time
- Reduced costs
- Quick, effective implementation process
- Access control by person & time
- Return on investment in under six months
After being the first cruise line to adopt key management, they plan on continuing to stay ahead of the pack with compliance and security for their passengers. Moving forward, they plan to purchase 10 more Traka key management systems and standardise based on Traka's complete fleet of key and asset management systems, including expansion with storage lockers to help protect electronic equipment and ignition control systems for vehicles. They also look forward to continued cost saving with Traka systems, along with training the shore side crew, so that they are up-to-speed with the on-board crew members and their grasp of the full range of key management solutions.
