The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has officially announced that its updated Ship Inspection Report Program (SIRE 2.0) will become fully operational and the standard tanker inspection tool starting from September 2. This transition signifies a major milestone in marine safety, marking the end of the phased introduction of this enhanced digital inspection program.
Transition to SIRE 2.0
OCIMF has confirmed that with the successful completion of all pre-agreed ‘Critical Success Factors,’ the previous SIRE Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (VIQ7) option will be withdrawn. This decision follows approval from the OCIMF Vessel Inspection Program Steering Group, Programs Committee, and the OCIMF Executive Committee (ExCom).
SIRE 2.0 is set to revolutionize the way the marine industry conducts inspections, providing a more rigorous and detailed assessment of tanker safety and operational conditions. Aaron Cooper, OCIMF’s Programs Director, highlighted the effectiveness of the multiphase roll-out approach in preparing the industry for this transition. According to Cooper, numerous SIRE 2.0 inspections conducted during Phase 3 have ensured that every sector of the marine industry is engaged and ready for the new system.
“This phased approach allowed for comprehensive testing under real-life conditions, thus ensuring readiness and confidence as we move to fully implement SIRE 2.0,” said Cooper. “OCIMF appreciates the industry’s support as we reach this pivotal point.”
The Impact of Digitalization
The shift to a digitalized inspection system means every tanker inspection under SIRE 2.0 will be bespoke and tailored to the individual vessel’s risk profile. This requires vessel operators and their crews to be prepared for an array of potential inspection questions drawn from the extensive SIRE 2.0 Question Library.
Using intrinsically safe tablets, SIRE 2.0 inspectors will respond to each unique Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ), covering aspects related to hardware, processes, and human factors. This approach aims to provide detailed inspection reports that offer more comprehensive marine assurance data compared to the current SIRE reports.
Preparing for the Transition
With the go-live date rapidly approaching, Cooper stressed the importance of using the next 60 days effectively to ensure complete readiness for SIRE 2.0. “Phase 3 inspections remain available during this period,” Cooper added. “It’s crucial that all program users, from personnel at sea to those onshore, are fully familiar with the new inspection processes, procedures, and guidance. Ensuring that in-house procedures, tools, and systems are aligned is also essential.”
To aid in this transition, OCIMF is urging the industry to utilize the extensive documentation and training resources available on their website, ensuring all personnel are well-prepared for the upcoming changes.
The implementation of SIRE 2.0 is set to enhance the robustness of tanker inspections, thereby improving safety standards and operational efficiency across the marine industry.
MaritimeHub Editor
