OCIMF is pleased to share that the phased roll-out of SIRE 2.0 is now underway. As per the transition plan, Phase 1, the internal testing stage whereby a pre-selected group of Inspectors, Submitting Companies and Vessel Operators test the entire end-to-end system with the support of the Secretariat (if required) is in progress and showing successful results.

Phase 1 will continue for one month or until all Phase 1 critical success factors are met. OCIMF will then activate Phase 2 of the roll-out plan. Phase 2 participants have already been engaged in preparation and are undertaking the necessary steps to ensure their readiness for a SIRE 2.0 inspection. During Phase 2, participants will test the entire end-to-end process without support from the Secretariat.

All companies and individuals that have not been actively engaged for Phase 1 or Phase 2 will be provided with ample warning before Phase 3 is activated.

Phase 3 will be open to all users of the SIRE programme, offering programme participants the opportunity to conduct SIRE 2.0 inspections for familiarisation and testing purposes (however VIQ7 will still be used as the commercial inspection programme throughout Phase 3). All users are encouraged to engage in Phase 3 to test their readiness before the system goes live and SIRE 2.0 becomes the commercial inspection programme at Phase 4.

Feedback from Phase 1

While still underway, the initial feedback from all participant groups involved in the Phase 1 testing of SIRE 2.0 has been very encouraging so far and has affirmed the strategic decision to roll-out SIRE 2.0 using a phased approach. OCIMF is thankful to all users of the programme for their continued engagement and support throughout the process.

There have been no significant issues of concern raised through the trial inspections and the comments provided by participants have been constructive. It is pleasing to note that Inspectors have been well received onboard and have, in their feedback, suggested that the new regime is intuitive and practical. Vessel Operators and crew have been well-prepared and Submitting Companies have also been positive about the outcomes.

All parties have also been working cooperatively together throughout the inspection process, which has been helpful in identifying and addressing issues for further investigation, if any. The SIRE 2.0 Quality Assessors have been engaged in reviewing inspection reports, facilitating any training needs for programme participants. Efforts are now underway to implement improvement actions where possible.

The key learning so far is that preparation by all programme users is critically important. The Vessel Inspection Project (VIP) team and OCIMF Secretariat firmly urge all programme users to make use of all of the training and guidance material (shared previously) available through the OCIMF website and to ensure all required actions are followed in advance of participating in a SIRE 2.0 inspection.

Distribution of tablet devices

While Phase 1 is underway, work is continuing at pace to provide all Inspectors with their tablet devices. All OCIMF inspectors must conduct SIRE 2.0 inspections using the OCIMF-approved tablet device – an i.safe MOBILE IS930.1 tablet which will be distributed to Inspectors with the SIRE 2.0 software and associated applications pre-installed. Each tablet will be provided with a carrying case and strap so that an Inspector can keep their hands free and the tablet secure while moving around the vessel, according to the ergonomic assessment and guidance, available here.

The tablet devices are being distributed in line with the SIRE 2.0 Phased Roll-Out Timetable detailed below, with Inspectors receiving their devices in time for the phase they are participating in.

Once delivered, all Inspectors will undertake familiarisation by conducting a virtual test inspection. OCIMF will manage a service desk, through its nominated contractor, to provide tablet and software maintenance and support services, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year through the roll-out and beyond. Full information on the tablet devices, distribution and support is available in the SIRE 2.0 Tablet Provision and Use Policy available in the resources area of the Inspectors’ SIRE programme account.

Reminder of roll-out timetable

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

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