"Most importantly, this week my thoughts and prayers are with the brave people of Ukraine, the Ukrainian seamen who are concerned for their family and friends at home, and the ships and their crews that are impacted by the related events."
Director's Log
Most importantly, this week my thoughts and prayers are with the brave people of Ukraine, the Ukrainian seamen who are concerned for their family and friends at home, and the ships and their crews that are impacted by the related events.
OCIMF’s Maritime Security Committee is closely monitoring the situation in the Northern Black Sea waters and particularly the reports of attacks on merchant vessels and maritime infrastructure.
This month I would like to highlight the decision made to defer the official launch date of SIRE 2.0 from Q2 2022 until Q4 2022. We consulted closely with the OCIMF Executive Committee, our members, users of the SIRE programme and industry partners. OCIMF listened to feedback and is putting additional support in place to ensure all parties are better equipped for the SIRE 2.0 transformation.
SIRE 2.0 is not just an upgrade to the existing programme. It is a complete overhaul, and its success requires vessel owners, operators, managers, charterers, inspectors, and third-party vetting companies to embrace the transformational journey. The programme’s effectiveness relies upon changing the mindset of all involved in how they prepare for and utilise the results of SIRE 2.0 inspections.
Deferral does not mean we have slowed down on the large body of work still required before launch. We are keeping the pace and maintaining our focus – and hope all stakeholders will do the same.
I’d like to recognise the accomplishments that the OCIMF Secretariat and Committees have made to date and thank industry partners for the feedback that helped us make this decision.
Meanwhile, OCIMF’s structures are gearing up for the spring. Our Expert Groups have been holding their first meetings of 2022 – see the many reports in this month’s newsletter – and our Principal Committees will meet over the coming weeks.
Until the next newsletter, I wish you a safe, happy, and healthy March.
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
OCIMF and INTERTANKO host seminar on Tanker Accident Database
Some 200 people attended the joint INTERTANKO-OCIMF webinar on the Tanker Accident Database (TAD) on 23 February.
The aim was to explain how TAD works, what it can be used for and how data is input, accessed, analysed and distributed. INTERTANKO outlined the history of the project, while OCIMF Publications and Advocacy Director Saurabh Sachdeva emphasised the importance of data in accident investigation. OCIMF reiterated that its members do not have access to the data and anonymity is assured. Other speakers highlighted how to use the database and input the data, as well as need for this information for the benefit of the wider industry. During the Q&A session it was made clear that the database is free to use and all operating members are encouraged to submit data. The operation of the TAD is dependent upon data and without data the accident trends cannot be generated. The TAD can be accessed here.
A recording of the webinar is available here and the presentations are here.
For any queries, please contact Saurabh Sachdeva, OCIMF Publications and Advocacy Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Maritime Security snippets
OCIMF was delighted to support the International Maritime Exercise 2022, where maritime partners from 60 nations and international organisations delivered the Middle East region’s largest maritime exercise.
The International Maritime Exercise (IMX) 2022 was a two-week biennial event, led by the US Naval Forces Central Command. More than 9,000 personnel and nearly 50 ships operating across two regions participated in the exercise, which was also the largest unmanned exercise in the world, involving more than 80 unmanned systems from ten nations. Among many applications, for the first time ever, autonomous systems were used to survey and maintain safe water for merchant vessels to pass. This has provided valuable data to help produce future operating procedures. The exercise was combined with the annual exercise Cutlass Express (CE 2022) led by US Naval Forces Europe-Africa in East African coastal regions and the West Indian Ocean. The IMX spanned across the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and North Indian Ocean.
Members of OCIMF’s Maritime Security Committee supported the event, providing valuable interface between navies and the industry to ensure commercial shipping and vital supply chains were appreciated.
IMX/CE 2022 was the seventh iteration of IMX since its establishment in 2012, OCIMF has supported each one.
New regional counter piracy guide out now
OCIMF is pleased to share the 2nd Edition of the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia, published on 2 March.
OCIMF’s Maritime Security Committee was one of several stakeholders involved in updating the content of this important document and ensuring alignment with other regional Best Management Practices (BMP). The guide is available for download on the OCIMF website here. Printed copies will be made available by ReCAAP IFC in due course.
SIRE 2.0 launch deferred
At the latest review of the SIRE 2.0 project, OCIMF’s Executive Committee agreed to defer the launch from Q2 2022 to Q4 2022. This decision was made after a rigorous review of the critical factors involved in the project’s progress.
The fundamentals for SIRE 2.0 have been established, but with more time the new programme can be further tested and enhanced before roll-out later this year. More resources will also be given to supporting companies and users in adapting to the new regime, its tools, processes and procedures as well as embedding the supporting IT infrastructure.
The inspector training courses will continue, and ongoing support will be provided as necessary. A programme of engagements including webinars, familiarisation and engagement sessions, including one-to-one sessions with companies integrating with SIRE webservices, is planned for the coming months. All stakeholders will be updated on the progress of the project.
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 and improved, ensuring SIRE incorporates the latest industry standards, best practice and regulation.
Should you have any queries relating to the project, please contact Sam Megwa, OCIMF Programmes Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
OCIMF attends sub-group on Sustainable Alternative Power for Shipping
Publications and Advocacy Director Saurabh Sachdeva attended the 7th meeting of the European Sustainable Shipping Forum (ESSF) sub-group on Sustainable Alternative Power for Shipping (SAPS), held virtually on 23 February.
The sub-group focusses on mid- to long-term solutions for maritime GHG emissions reductions. The day involved a series of presentations from stakeholders, including EU member states and the European Commission. Discussions covered a wide range of topics, including new research on sustainable alternative fuels, the project on ammonia as fuel for shipping, shore power considerations, an update from the Renewable and Low Carbon Fuels Alliance, and preparations for future IMO work.
Details of ESSF meetings can be found on the European Commission website.
For more information contact Saurabh Sachdeva, OCIMF Publications and Advocacy Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
PIANC and OCIMF sign Memorandum of Understanding
The World Association for Waterborne Transport Infrastructure (PIANC) and OCIMF have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalise their long-standing working relationship.
The MoU outlines the organisations’ commitment to cooperate, communicate and collaborate in the area of the ship-shore interface while recognising and respecting their individual identities, membership expectations and traditions.
For more information, or if you would like to be involved in the ongoing work, please contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Meeting reports
OCIMF Expert Groups have held their first meetings of the year.
Programme Governance Expert Group
5th meeting: 17 February 2022
Lead: Aaron Cooper (Chevron)
Co-leads: David Cuthbertson (Shell), Oscar Danilo Rodriguez Luna (CEPSA)
The Programme Governance Expert Group discussed the SIRE 2.0 launch schedule and their related work on Programmes alignment. There was an update on the delivery of a new Programmes Document Library, which will provide a single reference location for all programme documentation and user guides. Discussions rounded out with proposals to amend the terms of reference for ongoing work to review inspector experience criteria along with the alignment of training and to update inspector guidance on COVID. The group reviewed a recent incident related to third party vetting contractors.
Inspection Processes Expert Group
5th meeting, 9 February 2022
Chair: Capt. Ruchir Seth (Marathon Petroleum Company)
Supported by: Capt. Deb Cobb (OCIMF Programmes Committee)
The group discussed a number of key issues including:
- The set-up of stakeholder engagement groups to facilitate ongoing engagement with stakeholders such as inspectors and operators. A further announcement will be made to each stakeholder group inviting participation.
- The review of the Harmonised Vessel Particulars Questionnaire (HVPQ) has been completed and it is to be released to industry, keeping in mind the launch of the SIRE 2.0 Programme and its impact on the working of the SIRE 2.0 inspection. HVPQ is expected to be launched in June 2022. This document will be coordinated and harmonised with the Chemical Distribution Institute (CDI).
- Integration of the European Barge Inspection Scheme inspection questionnaire into the Barge Inspection Questionnaire (Europe). This is currently ongoing and is expected to be completed in Q3 2022.
- Review of the Offshore Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (OVIQ3). Members had identified that the OVIQ3 document needs to be updated and brought up to date with industry requirements. A working group has been established with the aim to complete its work by the end of Q3 2022.
Next meeting: 3 July 2022
Offshore Vessel Operations Expert Group
5th meeting: 25 January 2022
Lead: Alex Morton (Harbour Energy)
Secretary: Graham Coles (OCIMF Offshore Adviser)
The Offshore Vessel Operations Expert Group received an update from the workgroup carrying out gap analysis of OCIMF related publications and inspection processes to ensure that all best practice guidance (and associated MSA/VIQ) related to static towing operations remains valid. Following this, the group then spent some time discussing the upcoming collaborative activity with Programmes Expert Group. The related workgroup will carry out review and update of the current OVIQ3 question set. The workgroup is currently in the planning stages and in process of finalising terms of reference and planned timelines.
Finally, the OCIMF secretary provided an update on recent advocacy discussions with GOMO and the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA).
Next meeting: 27 April 2022
For any enquiries, please contact Graham Coles, OCIMF Offshore Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Floating System Expert Group
5th meeting: 10 February 2022
Lead: John Dunhill (Shell)
Secretary: Graham Coles (Offshore Adviser)
The Floating System Expert Group is currently in the process of carrying out a periodic review of a number of offshore publications and spent some time discussing current review status, received comments and process moving forward. Following this, some time was spent discussing current challenges faced by members related to the use of lifeboats in offshore environments, along with various developments by both members and industry in this arena.
The group then received a presentation covering an improvement opportunity related to floating system asset integrity, and how best OCIMF can use current publications to address this issue. The group then reviewed proposal evaluation and assessed using the OCIMF Risk Advisory Function (RAF) process to determine priority and opportunity.
All topics developed active discussion and the group felt a number of the new issues discussed were seen as potential opportunities and appropriate for further investigation by the group.
Next meeting: 10 May 2022 (TBC)
For any enquiries, please contact Graham Coles, OCIMF Offshore Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Structures Expert Group
5th meeting: 26 January 2022 (virtual)
Lead: Rabinder Manku (BP)
Next meeting: 29 April 2022
Engineering Expert Group
5th meeting: 3 February 2022 (virtual)
Lead: Gajendra Verma (Chevron)
Next meeting: TBC
The agendas for the Structures Expert Group and the Engineering Expert Group focussed on two areas:
- Updates on the expert group work overview and external activities.
- Robust review of new work proposals focussing on high-priority and high-value issues.
If any member would like to nominate a representative to the SEG or the EEG, please contact Filipe Santana, OCIMF Engineering Adviser This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Nautical Expert Group
5th meeting: 7 February 2022 (Virtual)
Lead: Nitin Malik (Chevron)
Co-leads: Ken Fernandes (Cepsa) and Ola Olubowale (Viva Energy)
Secretary: Sanchay Srivastava (Nautical Adviser)
The Nautical Expert Group met virtually for its fifth meeting in Q1 2022. The topics listed below were discussed and progressed:
- Nautical Expert Group, having delivered all previous actions, used this meeting to set the direction of travel for 2022.
- The decision was made to undertake a high-level review of Anchoring Systems and Procedures, 2010 edition, and make further recommendations.
- There was a guest presentation on enhancing quality of Master-Pilot information exchange by sharing pre-arrival information between Masters and Pilots. The proposal will be pursued by the presenting member with OCIMF’s support to advocate further.
- A discussion on MASS related developments at IMO was held and inputs were sought from members to develop OCIMF’s MASS strategy. This is an ongoing discussion and will involve cross-functional engagement.
- Annual review of the group’s terms of reference with a proposal to expand the remit to include management of nautical risks related to decarbonisation of the maritime sector. The proposal will be submitted for Principal Committee’s review and approval.
- It was also agreed to review the frequency of expert group meetings to align before Principal and Functional Committee meeting calendar. This is in line with OCIMF’s proposed 2022 meeting calendar.
- A joint industry video is being developed to further promote Mooring Safety: “The Missing Link” in coordination with Port of Rotterdam, IACS, NI, Harbour Masters’ Association, due to be released in Q1 2022.
- The group welcomed a new nominee, Amit Kamo on behalf of Ampol.
Next meeting: July 2022 (Virtual)
For enquiries, contact Sanchay Srivastava, OCIMF Nautical Adviser This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ship-to-Ship (STS) Expert Group
5th meeting: 10 February 2022 (Virtual)
Lead: Patricia Clarke (Aramco)
Co-leads: Hemant Berry (Ampol), Bill Kappelman (Chevron)
Secretary: Sanchay Srivastava (Nautical Adviser)
The following topics were discussed and progressed:
- The STS Expert Group used this meeting to set the direction of travel for 2022.
- Decision to proactively do a high-level review of Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide for Petroleum, Chemicals and Liquefied Gases, 2013 edition with an intention to make further recommendations. This is a joint publication with CDI, ICS and SIGTTO who are being consulted to participate in a joint review.
- The information paper Mooring Load Analysis during Ship to Ship (STS) Operations with Varying Environmental Conditions is due to be published in April 2022.
- Plans to engage regional STS forums were discussed and will be progressed from Q2 2022 onwards.
- Annual review of the group’s terms of reference with no proposed changes.
- It was agreed to review the frequency of expert group meetings to align before Principal and Functional Committee meeting calendar, in line with OCIMF’s proposed 2022 meeting calendar.
- The group welcomed a new nominee, James Scalli on behalf of Shell.
Next meeting: July 2022 (Virtual)
For enquiries, contact Sanchay Srivastava, OCIMF Nautical Adviser This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Ship to Shore Interfaces Expert Group
5th meeting: 8 February 2022 (Virtual)
Lead: Bharat Bhatia (Shell)
Co-leads: Mohammed Majdali (Aramco) and Mohd Hanafi (MISC)
Secretary: Sanchay Srivastava (Nautical Adviser)
The Ship to Shore Interfaces Expert Group met virtually to discuss various agenda items including the ones listed below:
- The expert group used this meeting to set the direction of travel for 2022.
- Decision made to undertake a high-level review of Manning at Conventional Marine Terminals, 2008 edition, in March-April 2022.
- Plan to proactively review the Marine Terminal Management Self-Assessment(MTMSA), 2012 edition, to do a high-level gap analysis that would feed into future revisions of MTMSA.
- Marine Terminal Particulars Questionnaire 2nd edition (MTPQ2) and new Vessel-Berth comparison tool (VBCT) have now been incorporated into the MTIS programme platform. Expert group members decided to re-convene in May 2022 following commitment to promote use of MTIS within respective organisations.
- Members of this group have supported the SIRE 2.0 project team towards development of tablet promotion strategy and are currently enabling tablet acceptance within their organisations for future use.
- Annual review of the group’s terms of reference with no proposed changes.
- Review of expert group meeting frequency to align before Principal and Functional Committee meeting calendar. Additional working group and expert group meetings will be scheduled on the basis of inputs from expert group members. This is in line with OCIMF’s proposed 2022 meeting calendar.
- The group thanked Kurt Hallier who will be stepping down from the group and welcomed Jonathan Novak on behalf of ConocoPhillips.
Next meeting: July 2022 (Virtual)
For enquiries, contact Sanchay Srivastava, OCIMF Nautical Adviser, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
IMO news
IMO Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping
Saurabh Sachdeva, Publications and Advocacy Director, virtually attended the 8th meeting of the Sub-Committee on the Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 8) on 7-11 February 2022. The following items discussed were particularly aligned with OCIMF’s advocacy, publications and programmes, and further the submissions we have made to IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) meeting on VDR:
- Guidance on Lessons Learnt from Casualties cases –this session finalised the draft guidance framework for the application of lessons learned to seafarers’ education and training. This would help seafarers gain greater understanding from incidents and improve safety across the industry.
- Electronic issuance of seafarers’ certification – this was agreed and will be sent to MSC 104 for further consideration and approval.
- Human element in sustainable shipping operations.
- Seafarers’ mental health and psychological safety and wellbeing – agreed to develop a new model course to incorporate these topics into the Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities training course. Further proposals have been invited for due consideration at the next session.
- Cyber security training for seafarers – an approved safety management system should take into account cyber risk management in accordance with the objectives and functional requirements of the ISM Code. This is relevant in the context of new technologies in the maritime sector, as well as the ongoing work on Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). The Sub-Committee invited proposals for a new output to the Maritime Safety Committee.
- Alternative training route to comply with the IGF Code – review of ICS’s proposal to develop guidance on complying with the practical and experience requirements of STCW regulation V/3 for certification in advanced training for service on the small number of ships subject to the IGF Code. The sub-committee invited future proposals for a new output to the Maritime Safety Committee.
A summary of the key outcomes can be found on the IMO site.
IMO upcoming meetings
The Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE 8) takes place from 28 February–4 March 2022. Key topics under discussion include:
- Model training course Survey of Machinery Installations.
- Escape from steering gear space.
- Dry chemicals (fire-fighting media) for gas carriers.
- Lifesaving appliances – Risk index.
- Lifting appliance and anchor handling winches.
- Hyperbaric evacuation system.
- Isolation valves of IG systems.
- Hazardous zone classification and potential discussion on the use of alternative fuels (in particular, hydrogen).
- Onshore power supply.
The detailed pre-meeting brief is available to members in the IMO section of the OCIMF website.
In case of further queries, please contact Saurabh Sachdeva, OCIMF Publications and Advocacy Director, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..