"Thank you to everyone who continues to support and contribute to OCIMF’s mission. I look forward to sharing more updates as we close out the year."
Director's Log
In November, the team and I spent more than two weeks meeting stakeholders across Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.
A particular highlight was our visit to STIP, Indonesia’s School of Maritime Sciences. Spending the day with the academy’s dedicated staff and capable students was energising. I returned to London with an even stronger commitment to exploring new ways OCIMF can support the next generation of seafarers and maritime leaders.
On 18 November, the Executive Committee (ExCom) met in Singapore for ExCom 96. Throughout the meeting, members underscored the importance of robust governance, financial resilience, and organisational clarity. We reviewed the budget and long-term planning with a focus on ensuring OCIMF remains sustainable, adaptive, and well-positioned to support members and deliver value in an increasingly dynamic industry landscape.
The Secretariat also provided a high-level update on major programmes, publications, and member-engagement activities. ExCom recognised how this year’s regional events – held across three continents – have strengthened dialogue with members and helped shape our shared priorities.
We concluded with an update on the Mission, Scope and Branding work, which will help us communicate OCIMF’s purpose and value more clearly as we prepare to implement the new plan in 2026.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support and contribute to OCIMF’s mission. I look forward to sharing more updates as we close out the year.
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
Learning through collaboration with members and stakeholders in Southeast Asia
OCIMF secretariat members met with member companies and stakeholder organisations based in Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Singapore while in Southeast Asia for the OCIMF Executive Committee meeting and the OCIMF Day-Singapore in November.
In Kuala Lumpur, SIRE 2.0 Technical Adviser Sashi Gopala and P&A Director Darron L. Biddle met with representatives from Malaysia OSV Owners’ Association and Malaysia Petroleum Management, the division of PETRONAS responsible for overseeing the sustainable development and management of Malaysia’s upstream oil and gas sector. Sashi and Darron also had meetings with representatives from OCIMF members: Hengyuan Refining Company Berhad focusing on the MTIS programme and MISC Maritime Services covering OCIMF’s numerous links to the wide cross-section of MISC’s offshore and shipping activities.
In Jakarta, OCIMF Managing Director Karen Davis and members of the secretariat attended meetings with the leadership teams of members Pertamina and Medco E&P Natuna Ltd. Pertamina also graciously arranged a visit for OCIMF secretariat to the Jakarta College of Shipping Sciences, the oldest and largest maritime academy in Indonesia, where women comprise approximately 30% of the student population. During this visit, secretariat members had the opportunity to interact with students and instructors and were provided a tour of facilities including engine room, bridge and cargo control simulators. Additionally, OCIMF Security Adviser Russell Pegg met representatives from Pertamina International Shipping to discuss approaches to global and regional maritime security issues.
In Singapore, secretariat representatives met with members Ampol Shipping & Logistics Pte Ltd and PetroChina International Co., Ltd. to discuss learnings from OCIMF programmes and visited the headquarters of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to review areas of mutual interest related to emerging fuels. The secretariat was also hosted by Admiral Ng and his staff at Information Fusion Centre (IFC) at Changi Naval Base; it was impressive to see how the IFC has developed since OCIMF’s last visit, including their focus on regional threats to seafarers. The week in Singapore concluded with Karen Davis and Darron L. Biddle meeting with leadership from the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD) to discuss areas where OCIMF and GCMD may learn from each other.
Across the two weeks of meetings and discussions, the recurring theme was the benefit to all from collaboration and sharing of challenges, as well as lessons learned of how challenges are successfully overcome.
For more information, contact Darron L. Biddle, OCIMF P&A Director,
OCIMF Day – Singapore focuses on barging and coastal shipping
On 20 November 2025, OCIMF hosted more than 120 attendees at the fourth and final OCIMF Day event of 2025.
The attendees represented a wide range of maritime industry stakeholders, including OCIMF members, SIRE/BIRE and OVID inspectors, vessel owners, vessel operators, governmental agencies and regional maritime industry member organisations. Continuing the practice of hosting OCIMF Days that focus on topics of particular interest in the host region, the presentations and discussions looked at the successes and challenges related to barging and coastal shipping in the Asia Pacific region. The learnings from this OCIMF Day will help inform the development of the Asia-Pacific Regional Barge Meeting group whose contributions will be vital to the successful delivery of the Global Barge Guide currently in development.
OCIMF looks forward to continued engagement with the various barging and coastal shipping stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly member organisations such as Singapore Shipping Association and Malaysia Shipowners’ Association.
For more information, contact Darron L. Biddle, OCIMF P&A Director,
OCIMF holds successful SIRE inspector engagement forum in Singapore
OCIMF is restarting a programme of inspector engagement forums after a hiatus of six years triggered by the restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A successful half-day inspector engagement forum for SIRE Cat-1 inspectors was held in Singapore on Friday 21 November. The forum was attended by over 50 inspectors from the region and was facilitated by the Programmes Director, Dave Cudbertson and the Training and Accreditation Manager, Ajay Gour. Also attending was the SIRE 2.0 Technical Adviser, Sashidaran Gopala.
Attendees were provided with presentations on the inspector training programme as well as statistical reports on inspection reports and their quality. A number of issues were raised and discussed at the forum. These ranged from issues faced with the inspection tablet to response types within the inspection programme and how certain questions should be answered. The forum was followed by a light lunch and networking session with the inspectors.
Inspectors attending gave positive feedback when asked what benefit these forums provided inspectors. The word cloud captures the feelings expressed by the inspectors:
OCIMF plans to hold similar inspector engagement forums in different regions worldwide and will announce a schedule when this is confirmed.
For more information, contact Ajay Gour, OCIMF Training and Accreditation Manager,
OCIMF representatives with (top) OVID inspectors and (bottom) vessel operators.
Offshore-focused OCIMF Day – Aberdeen
An Offshore Vessel Inspection Database (OVID) User Forum took place in Aberdeen on 5 November, in the form of an OCIMF Day event.
The day provided a platform for OVID programme users to give feedback and make suggestions for improvements to the programme. The agenda covered publications updates, OVID User Survey results, OVID inspection statistics, Q&A with inspectors and Q&A with vessel operators. On hand to answer quesitons were P&A Offshore Committee Chair Matthieu Bougeant, OCIMF P&A Director Darron L. Biddle, Offshore Vessel Operations Expert Group members and OCIMF Secretariat.
The primary topics discussed were:
- Feedback from user groups following the implementation of the new Offshore Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (OVIQ4).
- Perspectives from members and vessel operators on OVID inspection processes.
- Promoting wider adoption of the Vessel Particulars Questionnaire (VPQ) across the industry.
- Exploring the application of OVID within emerging offshore sectors, including renewable energy.
OCIMF plans to hold similar sessions in 2026 in the Americas and in Southeast Asia; each to be adjacent to other industry forums to encourage in-person participation.
For any enquiries, please contact Christopher Holland, OCIMF Offshore Adviser,
OCIMF participates in China Oil Transportation Safety Forum
In September, Fahmi Tarmizi represented OCIMF as a speaker at the China Oil Transportation Safety Forum held in Qingdao.
The event, organised by the China Classification Society (CCS), brought together regulators, industry leaders and technical experts to discuss developments in maritime safety and operational standards. Coverage of the forum was published on the CCS website in both Chinese and English and shared by China Transport News, the China Water Transportation Agency, and CCS Maritime’s official X account.
Fahmi delivered an overview of OCIMF’s key programmes, highlighting recent developments in the SIRE 2.0 vessel inspection programme, the OVID/OVIQ4 offshore assurance framework, and other digital and self-assessment tools supporting operational integrity. His presentation emphasised OCIMF’s focus on human factors, risk-based inspections, and strengthening safety culture across tanker and offshore operations. Updated programme features – including the Dynamic Question Library, expanded offshore inspection criteria, and enhanced guidance on crew competence, energy efficiency, and cyber readiness – were also discussed.
For more information, contact Fahmi Tarmizi, Programmes Technical Manager,
Collaborating to address enclosed space fatalities
OCIMF, INTERTANKO and InterManager came together in London on 20 November to steer industry efforts on a critical initiative addressing enclosed space fatalities.
The follow-up session, held at the INTERTANKO office, brought together representatives from various segments of the marine sector to review progress and share insights. Updated data presented during the meeting highlighted that fatalities continue to occur during enclosed space entries involving both ship and shore personnel. In response, the group examined lessons learned and agreed on actionable steps to drive improvements. Key focus areas included training, education, information sharing/communications and technical solutions.
The session underscored the commitment of industry stakeholders to collaborate and develop solutions aimed at improving safety in this recurring high-risk operation.
For further enquiries, contact Javed Bhombal, OCIMF Nautical Adviser,
Meeting reports
Environment Committee
Intersessional meeting: 28 October (virtual)
Chair: Maria Polakis (BP)
Vice-chairs: Saif Saleh Alhammadi (ENOC), Samar Pradhan (Shell)
Secretary: Martin Young (OCIMF Environmental Adviser)
The Environment Committee (EC) held a virtual intersessional meeting on 28 October to review the outcome of the IMO meetings MEPC-ES2 (14-17 October) and ISWG-GHG 20 (20-24 October).
The decision to adopt the mid-term measures, approved at MEPC 83 in April, was deferred with MEPC-ES 2 being adjourned for one year following a procedural voting process. Next steps with the mid-term measures and the net zero framework remain unclear as member states need to reassess their positions in response to the adjournment. The IMO Secretariat itself is considering the implications but noted that the agenda for MEPC 84 had already been agreed and issued, and that the timing of reconvening MEPC-ES 2 would need to fit within the IMO calendar for 2026.
The subsequent meeting of the ISWG-GHG 20 continued with modest progress being made on addressing some technical aspects to the net-zero framework, notably drafting Terms of Reference for the fifth IMO GHG Study to be discussed at MEPC 84 in April 2026. The Committee also discussed planning for the 2026 EC meeting schedule.
For any queries, contact Martin Young, OCIMF Environmental Adviser,
Ship to Ship Expert Group
Meeting: 4 November 2025
Lead: James Scalli (Shell)
Co-leads: Roopak Puri (Ampol), Simon Toland (Chevron)
Secretary: Javed Bhombal (OCIMF Nautical Adviser)
The Ship to Ship Expert Group (STS EG) met virtually to review completed work, ongoing activities and plans for the months ahead. Key discussion points included:
- Feedback on the Ship to Ship Transfer Guide – the recently launched second edition of the guide received positive feedback from various industry stakeholders. Queries and requests for clarifications are being addressed. Some have commended the guide for integrating human factors within a risk-based framework.
- SIRE 2 updates – the group will focus on reviewing and updating SIRE 2.0 questions and guidance notes on STS operations in alignment with the new guide.
- Upcoming information paper review – Handling, Storage, Use, Maintenance, and Testing of STS Hoses is scheduled for review following completion of the above task.
- A poll has been circulated to capture members’ interest and participation in supporting the Falls to Water Working Group.
- POAC/STS Supt course/qualification being set up by South Tyneside College.
- Dynamarine and Lloyd’s Register have developed an STS audit programme, using the OCIMF STS Transfer Guide as the benchmark for evaluating service providers.
The meeting reinforced the group’s commitment to continuous improvement and collaboration in enhancing safety and operational standards for STS transfers.
Next meeting: March 2026 (to be confirmed)
For further enquiries, contact Javed Bhombal, OCIMF Nautical Adviser,
Ship to Shore Interfaces Expert Group
12th meeting: 10 November 2025
Lead: Anne Beverwijk (Shell)
Co-leads: Stephen Blake (ALNG) and Walter Garibotto (YPF)
Secretary: Javed Bhombal (Nautical Adviser)
The Ship to Shore Interfaces Expert Group (SSEG) convened virtually to confirm priorities for 2025 and review key agenda items:
- The Principal Committee has approved the SSEG proposal to begin revising the operational chapters of the Marine Terminal Management Self Assessment (MTMSA). Concurrently, other work groups will develop an alignment strategy for the various MSAs. Efforts are underway to identify subject matter experts for a dedicated work group to initiate this revision.
- The revision of Manning at Conventional Marine Terminals is underway.
- A project plan for a new information paper on falls to water has been approved by the Principal Committee. Work is progressing to establish a cross-functional work group to drive this project forward.
- Review of publications and information papers: The paper Marine Terminal Operator Competence and Training Guide was highlighted as due for review.
Next meeting: March 2026 (to be confirmed)
For further enquiries, contact Javed Bhombal, OCIMF Nautical Adviser,
Nautical Expert Group
12th meeting: 28 October 2025 (virtual)
Lead: Nitin Malik (Chevron)
Co-lead: Nitin Chaudhary (BP)
Secretary: Javed Bhombal (Nautical Adviser)
The Nautical Expert Group (NEG) met virtually to review ongoing activities and agree plans for the next year. Agenda items included the following:
- TMSA: plans for forming a cross functional and collaborative work group to commence work on the TMSA revision were discussed.
- Danish Straits transit information paper: stakeholder feedback on the information paper was reviewed, and responses were drafted to finalise the document. The paper is expected to be published soon.
- Review of publications and information papers: the IPs Use of ECDIS and Capabilities of Emergency Response Services were highlighted as due for review.
- New IP on falls to water: a project plan for this initiative has been approved by the Principal Committee. Work is progressing to establish a cross-functional work group to drive the project forward.
- Industry initiatives on enclosed space fatalities: updates were shared and members were invited to participate and support OCIMF’s efforts in addressing relevant action items.
Next meeting: March 2026 (to be confirmed)
For further enquiries, contact Javed Bhombal, OCIMF Nautical Adviser,
IMO news
IMO Awards Ceremony 2025
The 2025 IMO Awards Ceremony took place on Monday 24 November, during the week of the 34th IMO Assembly, and included the following presentations.
International Maritime Prize for 2024
The International Maritime Prize for 2024 was awarded to Dr. Rosalie Balkin in recognition of her contribution to maritime law over her career span of more than five decades. Dr. Balkin has served as the Secretary General of the Antwerp-based non-governmental organisation Comité Maritime International (CMI) since 2017. Her previous positions include IMO Director of Legal Affairs from 1998-2013 and the Assistant Secretary General. She was the first woman to hold these offices.
In addition to overseeing the adoption of several key international conventions related to maritime safety, pollution liability and wreck removal during her tenure at the IMO, Dr. Balkin is also a founding member of the Advisory Group of Seafarer’s Rights International.
2025 IMO Honours for Exceptional Bravery at sea
This year’s IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery was awarded to Officer Lee Tae-Young in recognition of his heroic actions which led to the saving of 12 fellow crew members when fishing vessel 135 Geumseongho sank after capsizing off the coast of South Korea. Mr. Lee was nominated by the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), which collected the award on his behalf.
Certificates of Commendation were awarded to individuals and crew representing the Royal Canadian Airforce, supply vessel Aigaion Pelagos, the Japanese Coast Guard and the United States Coast Guard, respectively. A further 18 Letters of Commendation were received by 18 individuals and teams in recognition of their acts of courage at sea which led to saving lives or mitigating damage to the marine environment.
Current IMO Correspondence Groups
MEPC 84 – Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gas Emissions & Onboard Carbon Capture
Focus: Measurement and verification of non-CO2 GHG Emissions and Onboard Carbon Capture & Storage.
ToR:
- Further develop framework for the measurement and verification of actual tank-to-wake methane (CH4) and/or nitrous oxide (N2O) emission factors and Cslip value for marine diesel engines.
- Develop regulatory framework for the use of onboard carbon capture and storage.
Timeline: Five rounds of questions (currently on round four), completing January 2026.
Secretary: Martin Young (OCIMF Environmental Adviser)
If you would like to participate in the OCIMF Working Group supporting this IMO Correspondence Group, please email
CCC 12 – Amendments to the IGF Code
Focus: Revision of then IGF Code guidelines for alternative fuels
ToR:
- Revise interim guidelines for methyl/ethyl alcohol as fuel
- Draft interim guidelines for ships using low-flashpoint oil fuels
- Revise interim guidelines for fuel cell power installations
Timeline: Six rounds of questions from November 2025–May 2026.
Secretary: Lexy Nielsen (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
If you would like to participate in the OCIMF Working Group supporting this IMO Correspondence Group, please email
For enquiries regarding IMO matters, contact Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, Abhijit Aul,