Qastor is a precise navigation, piloting and docking software application that has been operational since 2000. Although primarily designed for piloting operations, Qastor has also proven to be a useful navigation tool in several other fields including, but not limited to:
- Ship Trials
- Oil Rig Positioning
- Inland River Barges
- SPM Approaches
- Ferry Operations
- Oil and Gas Tanker Approaches and Docking
- Patrol Vessels
- Tugboat Operations
Designed entirely to specifications provided by professional pilots, Qastor can be configured to comply fully with ECDIS standards. It does, however, maintain configurability that permits each pilot to customize the software to his own preference. Once configured, the software runs automatically each time, presenting pertinent information with a minimal response required from the pilot.
Using wired or wireless techniques, Qastor connects to NMEA and AIS devices, including the onboard AIS pilot plug and many portable pilot units (PPUs) providing independent position, heading and rate of turn.
The user-interface complies with the Windows user interface guidelines. In other words, if you can navigate around Windows, you can navigate with Qastor. Complete information is logically presented on one screen. All positioning data, active routes, scales and display views are continuously stored for replay purposes.
Various digital chart formats are supported including IHO S-57 Version 3.1.1, C-Map CM93 version 3, DNC and UKHO ARCS charts.
Qastor has a wide range of navigation aids, including:
Danger Detection & Avoidance- Enhanced Route Planning & Verification
- Dynamic Under Keel Clearance
- Real-time Tide Reduction
- Meeting point predictions
- Support for geo-referenced annotations such as approach descriptions, pictures, tugboat instructions and so on.
There are a number of modes for dedicated operations:
Planning Mode for route creation- Navigation Mode for general navigation
- Docking mode for precise approaches
- Lock approach mode for precisely controlled lock maneuvers
- Tandem mooring mode for FPSO operations
- Buoy approach mode for SPM operations
Qastor Connect
On its own, Qastor is an accurate navigation and information product that takes full advantage of the information available onboard. If connected to the Internet via Wi-Fi or cell phone network, Qastor Connect can open up a whole new world of data that was previously unavailable. This data can include:
- Real-time hydro-meteorological data including NOAA Ports
- Validated VTS traffic images
- Long range AIS images, combining collected data from any number of AIS receivers
- Chart updates
- ...with new data easily being added as it becomes available
All data is pre-processed on the Qastor Connect Server, so that only relevant information is sent to each individual Qastor user. For example, only AIS/VTS data is sent for the location it is needed, and tide is only calculated for the exact vessel position. This approach ensures the pilot is not distracted with useless information, and that internet bandwidth is used most cost effectively and efficiently. Centralizing the data on the server ensures that all pilots share the same information, enhancing safety for all.
For more inormation on Qastor, please contact us.