"At OCIMF, we are united in purpose to drive maritime safety, and we believe real progress happens when we engage openly, listen actively, and learn from one another."
Director's Log
OCIMF is proud to host a one-day event focused on key topics shaping our industry today – onshore power, ship-to-ship transfer operations, and SIRE 2.0.
The event will take place on Tuesday 10 June in Athens, Greece, near the ICS Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit on 11 June 2025. This allows attendees to maximise the value of their travel time by attending two informative events in a single visit.
Attendees will include OCIMF members, vessel owners, and a broad range of maritime industry stakeholders. This gathering is more than just a meeting – it is a chance to collaborate, share knowledge and strengthen our collective commitment to maritime safety.
At OCIMF, we are united in purpose to drive maritime safety, and we believe real progress happens when we engage openly, listen actively, and learn from one another. That is the purpose behind this OCIMF Day. This event is designed to be more interactive, technically focused, and more inclusive than ever before.
This will be a terrific opportunity for the Secretariat to meet members and industry, talk about OCIMF’s ongoing projects, gather feedback about our programmes, and learn about emerging risks and opportunities in the region.
Thank you to everyone who has registered for the event. We look forward to insightful presentations, dynamic panel discussions, and meaningful conversations around our latest publications and programme developments.
Look out for reports of the event on social media and in next month's newsletter.
Karen Davis
Director OCIMF
OCIMF was proud to co-sponsor and attend the International Women in Maritime Day seminar and reception at Trinity House on 13 May. The event was organised by Women's International Shipping and Trading Association UK (WISTA UK) to mark IMO's annual celebration of women in maritime on 18 May. Panel speakers included Lacey Griffin of Trinity House, Rachel Noronha of ICS, Monica Kohli, President of WISTA UK and Darrell Bate of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets.
OCIMF gives insights on SIRE 2.0 at tanker conferences
OCIMF joined panel discussions at the International Chemical & Product Tanker Conference on 23 April and BIMCO's Tanker Safety Event on 28 April to talk about the experience of the first eight months of SIRE 2.0.
At the International Chemical & Product Tanker Conference hosted by Riviera Maritime Media in London, OCIMF's Programmes Technical Manager Fahmi Tarmizi spoke on a panel titled 'First-hand Experiences of SIRE 2.0', covering themes such as adapting to inspection changes, the evolving workload for onshore and onboard personnel, and early learnings from the implementation of SIRE 2.0.
A notable highlight from the discussion was the industry's growing embrace of human factors within the SIRE 2.0 framework. OCIMF highlighted positive feedback received on this approach, particularly its influence on operational practices and vessel design. Reference was made to OCIMF’s 2020 publication, The OCIMF Human Factors Approach – A Framework to Materially Reduce Marine Risk, which continues to guide thinking across the sector. The session also examined how the programme is reshaping the screening landscape and what future developments lie ahead.
OCIMF's presentation at the online BIMCO Tanker Safety Event focused on key elements of the SIRE 2.0 programme, offering insights into inspection management processes from a vessel operator’s perspective, particularly for newbuild vessels. The session also explored the integration and practical application of human factors within SIRE 2.0 and addressed how observations are categorised – whether related to hardware, processes, or human responses. OCIMF shared industry-wide feedback received so far, reflecting perspectives from members, programme recipients, inspectors and vessel operators.
Both events provided valuable platforms to share progress, challenges and continued collaboration in improving tanker safety.
For more information, contact Fahmi Tarmizi, Programmes Technical Manager,
OCIMF shares best practice on quality assessment
OCIMF shared valuable insights and lessons learned since the launch of SIRE 2.0 at BP Shipping's Vetting and Clearance Global Conference, held in London from 28 April to 1 May.
OCIMF’s Programmes Director Aaron Cooper and Quality Assessor Tony Jones were pleased to attend the conference to promote the continuous improvement element in the inspection process and support a better understanding of the revised programme. The session highlighted best practices on the quality review of reports, including lessons learned and challenges faced to date. As well as an interactive Q&A session on the day, pre-submitted questions were addressed through dedicated presentation modules to ensure focused discussion and resolution of specific issues.
For more information, contact Aaron Cooper, OCIMF Programmes Director,
Qatar Energy team visit the OCIMF office
Following OCIMF's trip to Doha to meet with Qatar Energy in March 2025, the Ras Laffan Port leadership team visited the OCIMF office on 6 May to continue engagement with the Secretariat.
The visit included discussions on Qatar Energy's participation in OCIMF committees and expert groups as well as the SIRE 2.0 implementation process, feedback and learnings so far. Other conversations covered OVID candidatures and course planning for 2025 and beyond, and enhancing collaboration through marine technical events and forums.
For more information contact Kevin Coelho, Nautical Adviser,
Annual Report 2025 out now
Highlights of OCIMF's work over the past year are summarised in the Annual Report.
The report covers the work of the committees and expert groups, including outputs in the form of publications, programmes and advocacy. It also highlights key areas of focus, such as member engagement, the energy transition, and the launch of SIRE 2.0.
The Annual Report is now available to download on OCIMF's website.
Top: OCIMF members and ReCAAP staff. Below: OCIMF members, Information Fusion Centre (IFC) staff and delegates to the Maritime Exercise organised by the Singapore IFC.
Maritime Security snippets
OCIMF attended two events in Singapore in May, taking the opportunity to engage with regional members, promote its activities and highlight the release of BMP Maritime Security.
On 5 May, OCIMF Security Adviser Russell Pegg and members of the Maritime Security Committee met with Mr Vijay D Chafekar, who recently assumed the position of Executive Director of ReCAAP. The meeting was productive and covered an introduction to OCIMF, including the importance of our memorandum of understanding, and discussions on the rise in armed robbery. OCIMF impressed the importance of the Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) reminding vessels of maritime threats, especially during the hours of darkness in the Phillips Channel. ReCAAP offered to engage with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore to promote awareness.
On 6 and 7 May, the Security Adviser represented OCIMF at a Senior Leadership Programme and a Maritime Exercise organised by the Singapore Information Fusion Centre (IFC). Both events presented opportunities to engage with several Chiefs of Navies to promote the importance of collaboration and cooperation in keeping seafarers safe.
Maritime threat information – If any members feel they are lacking information on maritime threats or updates on regional activity, please reach out to the Security Adviser to discuss requirements. There are products produced by the Maritime Security Committee that may help.
For more information, contact Russell Pegg, OCIMF Security Adviser,
OCIMF invited to join PIANC working group
OCIMF was invited to join PIANC Working Group 262, which aims to produce a report on remote inland waterway navigation.
OCIMF's Barge Adviser Ton Mol attended the initial meeting, held at the office of the Port of Brussels on 29 April. The group will produce a report for Local Authorities to guide legislation for these operations. This work is in line with that of OCIMF's working group on smart shipping for remote controlled operations and the IMO’s work towards a Marine Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Code.
The meeting agreed plans for the next year and beyond, and OCIMF will actively participate in upcoming meetings.
For more information, contact Ton Mol, Barge Adviser,
Meeting reports
Engineering Expert Group
13th meeting: 30 April 2025 (virtual)
Lead: Dave Deltano (Marathon)
Co-lead: Kevin Lappage (BP)
Secretary: Lexy Nielsen (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
The 13th meeting of the Engineering Expert Group (EEG) highlighted ongoing activities supporting the energy transition. This includes participation in the IMO Correspondence Group developing safety codes for the use of Hydrogen as a fuel and a recent tour of the Green Pioneer dual-fuel ammonia vessel. The group has started revising the Safety Critical Equipment and Spare Parts Guidance information paper and will begin a review of the information paper The Supply and Use of 0.50%-Sulphur Marine Fuel.
For enquiries, contact Lexy Nielsen, OCIMF Engineering Adviser,
Structures Expert Group
14th meeting: 28 April 2025 (virtual)
Lead: Jeff Bayham (ExxonMobil)
Co-lead: Gerard Spaan (Shell)
Secretary: Lexy Nielsen (OCIMF Engineering Adviser)
The 14th meeting of the Structures Expert Group (SEG) featured a presentation by SIGTTO Technical Adviser Adrian Ruiz introducing the new publication Liquified Gas Terminals - Site Selection, Design and Operation of Marine Facilities. Upcoming items for the SEG include the blue-ribbon review of PIANC WG 153C - Recommendations for the Design and assessment of Marine Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Terminals and the revision of Recommendations for Oil and Chemical Tanker Manifolds and Associated Equipment. SEG has kicked off the revision of Guidelines for the Design, Operation and Maintenance of Multi Buoy Moorings; an industry survey for feedback on the revision will be circulated soon.
For enquiries, contact Lexy Nielsen, OCIMF Engineering Adviser,
IMO news
12th session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communication and Search and Rescue (NCSR 12)
NCSR 12 was held at the IMO headquarters from 13 to 22 May 2025, with the following developments of relevance to OCIMF members taking place:
Enhancing digitisation of navigation
- Benefits of high-speed digital navigational data (NAVDAT) broadcasting systems against the existing slower NAVTEX which it could potentially replace, subject to detailed consideration. An updated roadmap was agreed by NCSR 12 to reflect a range of discussions, including how to safely implement NAVDAT, allowing both systems to co-exist.
- Integration of Very High Frequency Data Exchange System (VDES) into the IMO’s regulatory framework, with a view to initially enhancing the capabilities of the Automatic Identification System (AIS). Amendments to SOLAS Chapter V were agreed.
- Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) and its transition to the Universal Hydrographic Data Model or S-100 platform. There was progress on guidelines to establish a framework for data distribution and internet-based connectivity between ship and shore.
- Finalisation of guidelines for the carriage and use of Electronic Nautical Publications (ENP) system. Approval expected at MSC 111 in 2026.
Other navigational safety matters
- Finalisation of a draft MSC Circular on Guidelines for software maintenance of shipboard computer-based navigation and communication equipment and systems: Approval expected at MSC 111.
A full summary report for NCSR 12 will be released to members in due course.
Karin Orsel receiving the Gender Equality Award for 2025 from the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez.
Karin Orsel receiving the Gender Equality Award for 2025 from the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez.
IMO International Day for Women in Maritime 2025
Observed on 18 May every year, the day promotes the recruitment, retention and raises the profile of women in the maritime sector. The IMO hosted an event on 16 May, including the following highlights:
- Gender Equality Award Ceremony: Presented to maritime entrepreneur Ms. Karin Orsel for her work in empowering women in the industry.
- Presentation of the IMO-WISTA Women in Maritime Survey 2024: The survey gathered significant baseline data about women’s participation in the maritime sector and offered actionable recommendations to help governments and industry leaders develop and implement policies to support recruitment and retention.
- Panel discussions highlighting the experiences of colleagues representing the wider maritime industry.
For enquiries regarding IMO matters, contact Risk and Regulatory Affairs Adviser, Abhijit Aul,