OCIMF is pleased to share that Phase 2 of the roll-out of SIRE 2.0 is progressing well and is nearing completion.
Work is now underway to ensure readiness for moving to the next phase of the transition timetable (Phase 3), when all programme participants will have the opportunity to conduct SIRE 2.0 inspections for familiarisation and testing purposes.
The key objective for the project team now is to ensure all remaining accredited SIRE 2.0 inspectors are supplied with their tablet devices, which are being procured, programmed and distributed to inspectors as and when ready via OCIMF’s procurement and logistics partner, Vokhus Ltd.
Programme participants will be alerted via the Programmes Messaging Centre and an AFM message once all Critical Success Factors have been met to progress to Phase 3. Based on the projections for tablet lead times, configuration and delivery, OCIMF anticipates transitioning to Phase 3 in the middle of January 2024.
With this in mind, we strongly urge all programme participants to ensure their readiness to participate in Phase 3 in the new year by ensuring all engaged parties/individuals are fully familiarised with the resources for programme users, provided in full here.
How to participate in a Phase 3 inspection
When Phase 3 begins, all programme participants will gain access to a SIRE 2.0 inspection tab on their registered SIRE user account – this means there is no need to complete any registration process. Vessel operators can then request an inspection for vessels in their fleet directly from their SIRE account using the SIRE Inspection Request functionality, shown below.
The inspection request will then be visible to the submitting company nominated for the inspection via the Inspection Requests screen. The submitting company may then proceed with the inspection management process.
Full instructions for booking a SIRE 2.0 inspection during Phase 3 of the roll-out are available in the SIRE 2.0 Inspection Management Process documentation provided previously and, in the links, below:
- Vessel Operators: https://www.ocimf.org/document-libary/812-sire-2-0-inspection-management-processes-vessel-operator-version-1-0/file
- Submitting Companies: https://www.ocimf.org/document-libary/813-sire-2-0-inspection-mangement-processes-submitting-company-version-1-0/file
- Inspectors: https://www.ocimf.org/document-libary/811-sire-2-0-inspection-management-processes-inspector-version-1-0/file
Importance of participating in a Phase 3 inspection
Phase 3 offers an opportunity for all programme users to test their readiness before the new inspection regime goes live at Phase 4, when VIQ7 is withdrawn and SIRE 2.0 becomes the commercial inspection regime tool. All Vessel Operators, Submitting Companies and Programme Recipients are strongly advised to participate in this crucial phase of testing.
During Phase 3 of the roll-out, inspections will be carried out as full end-to-end inspections, under normal inspection conditions. It is important to note that Phase 3 SIRE 2.0 inspections will be available for testing/trial purposes only and cannot be used as a commercial tool. To ensure there is no commercial risk to companies participating in Phase 3, all resulting Phase 3 SIRE 2.0 Inspection Reports will be published anonymously. In Phase 3, the cost of conducting a SIRE 2.0 inspection (for testing purposes) will need to be agreed between the Vessel Operator and the Submitting Company.
Vessel Operators wishing to use SIRE 2.0 APIs (Application Programme Interfaces) to integrate their own inspection data can find all required documentation by logging in and accessing the API Documentation portal here. Vessel Operators are responsible for requesting access for any credentials needed by their IT departments or service providers.
Lessons from Phase 2 for programme participants
OCIMF has been rolling out the new digitalised programme in a phased approach in recognition that SIRE 2.0 inspections are significantly different from the existing SIRE vessel inspection regime. Although no major issues were reported during the inspections conducted in Phase 1 and 2 of the roll-out, programme participants should pay particular attention to the following during their preparations:
- Vessel operators must ensure crew are fully familiarised with SIRE 2.0 processes, procedures and documentation (https://www.ocimf.org/programmes/sire-2-0).
- Vessel operators are reminded of the importance of the pre-inspection submissions stage. This task must be completed in full as the pre-inspection information is used by inspectors to plan the inspection and for discussions during the opening meeting with the vessel staff.
- Unlike the existing programme, SIRE 2.0 inspections require the vessel operator to complete the Pre-Inspection Declaration not less than 48 hours, but ideally at least 96 hours, before an inspection is planned to commence. Any SIRE 2.0 inspection request requiring vessel operator input will be displayed on the specific user’s landing page.
- All participants are reminded that under SIRE 2.0, an inspection report will no longer be accessible for resubmission once a report has been published. Once a report has been published, it can only be withdrawn from the system by the submitting company.
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 until Phase 4.
Should you have any queries relating to the project or preparation for participating in a Phase 3 SIRE 2.0 inspection, please contact