The current SMS edition — not last year’s binder copy
Change Log and current-edition access cut the chance of working from a superseded PDF.
Why fleets still struggle
The cost of how it’s done today
Outdated SMS copies in bridge binders and shared drives mean crew follow the wrong edition—and auditors notice first.
The traditional approach
PDFs are emailed “latest version” with no change log. There is no reliable proof that the people who needed to read a notice actually did.
With WaterTightVM
What changes when this is under control
Publish controlled SMS sections with revision history, search the library in minutes, distribute fleet notices with acknowledgement when configured, and let crew open the current edition on ship or shore.
Time back
Find a procedure in minutes with sections and search instead of hunting binders or shared drives.
Less waste
One controlled library reduces reprint and redistribute cycles when procedures change.
Lower risk
Change Log and current-edition access cut the chance of working from a superseded PDF.
In the module
How SMS Documents delivers it
PDF and linked procedures with Change Log history
Fleet notices (safety, marine, engine) with acknowledgement
Superseded notices retained muted for audit
Manage sections and uploads with safety_manage
Crew app Docs → SMS with offline prepare for PDFs
Capabilities
- Browse with safety read; edit with safety_manage write
- Vessel-scoped access where configured
- Not the sole emergency alerting channel
- Supports Master and SMS authority—does not replace it
- Verify edition after offline cache before relying on it
- Public exports must not expose restricted SMS content
Ship to shore
How the work moves
- DPA or safety manager publishes an updated SMS section
- Crew open the current edition on dashboard or mobile Docs
- Fleet notice acknowledgement tracked when required
- Change Log shows what superseded the previous version
Supports your records for:
Customers remain responsible for regulatory compliance. WaterTightVM is the operational system of record.
Questions before you commit
Can crew access SMS offline?
Yes. After prepare-for-offline in the crew app, SMS PDFs can be cached. Always confirm you have the current edition before relying on a local copy.
Who can edit the library?
Anyone with safety read can browse. Adding documents and managing sections typically requires safety_manage write.
Does acknowledgement replace a safety briefing?
No. Acknowledgements help prove distribution. You still brief crew who are not on the app and follow your SMS.
Is this certified SMS software?
WaterTightVM supports controlled document workflows for your SMS. It is not a Document of Compliance certificate.
Related guides
Related solutions
See it in 30 minutes
Book a 30-minute call and we'll show SMS Documents on a sample vessel, set up the way your dpa and safety manager work.
Any questions, just get in touch. If you’re not sure we cover something you need, outline the issue and we’ll find a way to solve it.