Dear OCIMF members,

Members are advised that OCIMF will roll out SIRE 2.0 to industry in a phased approach comprising four stages, rather than a single ‘go-live’ switch between SIRE (VIQ7) and SIRE 2.0.

As SIRE Submitting Companies and programme participants know, work to overhaul SIRE has been ongoing for several years. This project – which aims to transform how tanker inspections are organised, conducted, and managed – continues towards completion, with work ongoing to meet specific critical success factors before SIRE 2.0 goes live.

Why is SIRE 2.0 being rolled out in phases?

OCIMF has adopted a phased approach so that the new vessel inspection regime is fully developed and robustly tested and to ensure full value can be extracted by the SIRE community throughout the transition and beyond. The phased approach will provide the opportunity for all industry sectors to become fully familiar with the SIRE 2.0 guidance materials, question library, training materials and inspection process.

The move to the four phased approach is outlined below, and is underpinned by a comprehensive plan of phase-specific critical success factors which need to be met before moving to the next phase. This readiness-driven rather than date-driven approach follows a careful Management of Change process.

All SIRE programme participants can expect more information in the coming weeks, with further details on each phase plus guidance on how to manage and engage in this phased transition.

SIRE (VIQ7) will continue to run for the duration of the above roll-out and will remain the commercial programme until all critical success factors have been met to move to Phase 4 (SIRE 2.0 launch).

A transformational change for the industry

Aaron Cooper, OCIMF’s Programmes Director, explains: “Moving from SIRE to SIRE 2.0 is a significant change for all parties involved in the programme and the roll-out of the new inspection regime must reflect the readiness of the programme, as well as inspectors and programme participants. We have been listening to feedback from all stakeholders throughout this project, which has been of significant value in informing our recommendation to follow a phased, gradual roll-out of SIRE 2.0.

“OCIMF’s Executive Committee has agreed with the recommendation of the project team and the Vessel Inspection Programme Steering Group and Programmes Committee to implement a roll-out process that builds additional opportunities for all SIRE users to familiarise with and build confidence in the programme before industry switches entirely to SIRE 2.0.

“OCIMF is making every effort to engage all parties in ensuring they are adequately prepared and strongly urges SIRE Submitting Companies and programme participants to take the opportunity to participate in the optional rounds of testing in Phase three. OCIMF will also continue to monitor SIRE 2.0 and capture feedback after its launch in Phase four.”

More phase-specific information will be provided to all programme participants in the coming weeks. It is important to stress that while OCIMF refines and finalises the development of SIRE 2.0, the existing SIRE programme will continue to be supported, ensuring SIRE incorporates the latest industry standards, best practice, and regulation.

For a range of resources and information about SIRE 2.0 visit https://www.ocimf.org/programmes/sire-2-0