Launch of SIRE 2.0 Trial Inspections
OCIMF’s ongoing work to develop an updated and enhanced Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE 2.0) is now entering a crucial stage, with a programme of trial inspections underway. The trial inspections will be carried out across a variety of vessel types between April and September 2021, with each inspection conducted in full to rigorously test the tools, processes, procedures and policies that have been developed for SIRE 2.0.
The trial inspection programme, while not limited to the below, will validate the effectiveness of:
- The end-to-end inspection processes managed by various OCIMF software packages, databases and tools and their useability/functionality.
- The inspection compiling process based on vessel type and outfitting.
- The efficacy of the question set development, common understandings of top-level questions and supporting guidance, programming of answers and time management.
- The effectiveness of Inspector training programmes and supporting guidance for all parties.
- The reliability of processes for inspection booking and Inspector allocation, pre-inspection questionnaire (PIQ) development, certificates and photo evidence provision.
- The suitability of processes related to VIQ download and review, inspection report validation and upload, member inspection report review and release and Operator comment feedback.
Throughout the trial process, improvements and adjustments will be made where necessary based on the feedback from participating members, Inspectors, Observers, Vessel Operators, and Crew. Checks and balances have been put in place to ensure transparency and fairness throughout the process and all results and feedback will be anonymised in accordance with confidentiality agreements.
Trial Inspection Process
The Submitting Companies, Programme Recipients, Vessel Operators and Inspectors participating in the trial inspection programme have been nominated by OCIMF member companies following an invitation to participate. In line with existing procedures, the trial inspection process for each vessel will be managed by the nominating member.
Accredited SIRE Inspectors are also selected by the nominating member and recommended to OCIMF for inclusion in the trial inspection programme based on their overall vessel inspection knowledge and experience and following their consent to participate.
For each inspection, all participating parties are being provided with relevant coaching and familiarisation on what to expect from the SIRE 2.0 inspection process and will be expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the updated inspection protocols. The inspection will be conducted in full using the new mobile tablet device and following all planned processes and procedures. Feedback will be sought from all inspection participants including Vessel Operators and the Master and Crew of the inspected vessels. Observers will be assigned to witness selected inspections to gather additional insight.
Reporting Trial Results
All of the inspection reports will be collated by OCIMF’s Vessel Inspection Programme (VIP) project team and fully anonymised, with all findings remaining confidential and available only for the use of the OCIMF groups, committees and contractors working on the development of SIRE 2.0.
A further update on the findings of the trial inspections will be shared with all OCIMF members and companies engaged in the existing SIRE programme following the completion of the trial inspection programme in Q4 2021. OCIMF thanks all parties that have kindly agreed to participate in this important work, and for playing a crucial role in the development and delivery of what will be a significantly enhanced tanker risk assessment tool.
It is important to stress that while OCIMF develops SIRE 2.0, the existing SIRE programme will continue to be supported and improved, ensuring SIRE incorporates the latest industry standards, best practice and regulations.
Should you have any queries relating to the project, please contact Sam Megwa, OCIMF Programmes Director, at