Electronic stamping and sealing

[tmckeon_PE]

Just want to hear if anyone has had experience using the new electronic signing and sealing of documents for submittal. WMD's in FL seem to be pushing that a lot and it does make sense, but I am as concerned as the next person about security and the ability to defend ones designs if submitted electronically. Insurance and all comments are welcome.

 

[DVINNY]

WMD's???? Weapons of Mass Destruction?

 

[tmckeon_PE]

Water Management Districts. Most states have them. Could easily be confused with Weapons of Mass Destruction if you ask some people. lol :blink:

 

[Guest]

tmckeon_eng --

I work for the Florida DEP. h43r:

My Department is still reviewing the legalities of electronic stamps - diffent offices have different opinions. It is interesting because some of the FDEP district offices have gone to electronic correspondence, which means that electonic signatures are utilized in the process. This appears to have worked well, because I have been told that my office is suppose to be the next section within my Division to go paperless (so to speak).

I asked about electronic stamps, but our program attorney has kind of dodged that Q for awhile.

If I hear anything once our office updates to e-correspondence, I will let let you know how we are handling engineering/geolgical certifications.

Regards,

JR

 

[tmckeon_PE]

Thanks JR, for posts/replies on two threads. Would like to hear from you about this issue when you get more info. BTW love your icon emoticons.

 

[tmckeon_PE]

Just testing the add a file portion of the forum. It is a FEMA map from GIS data.

View attachment 209

 

[DVINNY]

We have P.S.D.s - Public Service Districts

 

[RIP - VTEnviro]

I tend to use an e-seal on drawings I am going to sign off on. We basically just drafted up seals for VT and NH in AutoCAD based on what an actual seal looks like. (Creating polar arrays for tick marks and curving text was a pain.)

We just insert the e-seal in the title block box for the PE's stamp. It comes out cleaner than an ink stamp. You don't have to worry about the stamp coming out unevenly inked or skewed at an angle.

 

[Road Guy]

we do the stamp and corporate seal electronically but it has to be signed & dated in blue ink on the cover sheet. (Blue is actually a contract requirement)

We do submit scanned copies of all plan sheets (also part of our contract requirements) & since its a state contract, by law anyone can print them or request copies, but I dont think anyone is going to be able to manipulate the signature block and apply it to another set of plans.

 

[tmckeon_PE]

Just knowing what I know about manipulating images (it's really cool), I could easily reproduce any image without a hologram in it. Raised seals offer more protection, but even that can be duplicated if one is willing to actually try it.

I won't do that, of course. But I am concerned at the ease with which it can be done. What would happen if it did? Would I be believed that I hadn't signed the plans or calculations, or would the doubt be on me?

 

[jeb6294]

Why make it that hard?

When I ordered my stuff from engineerseals I just gave them my number and name and they sent me my stamp and seal no questions asked. They may have checked with the state to verify, but I doubt it...especially since I had it sent to my office address which is different than my home address which the state has onrecord.

Anyone could probably go online and choose someone's name and number from the state's listing and get a set made. Heck, you could probably make up a number and get a set.

 

[tmckeon_PE]

Someone should try to order a seal from them (under a bogus name) to see if they will actually send the seal (I think they will).

 

[tmckeon_PE]

If anyone is wondering why I am posting right now, it is commercial time in the game between the Gators (normally a "Gator hater", but they are playing Ohio) and Ohio.

:true: