The maritime industry is embarking on a new era as the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) initiates ‘Phase 3’ of the digital transformation with the introduction of SIRE 2.0 inspections. This marks a pivotal moment as all users of OCIMF’s tanker inspection programme can now engage in trial SIRE 2.0 inspections to assess their readiness for the digitalized inspection era.
OCIMF has been progressively introducing SIRE 2.0 over the past year, representing a significant upgrade to the widely used tanker inspection programme, SIRE. The current phase, the industry-wide ‘beta-testing,’ allows vessel operators, program recipients, and submitting companies to familiarize themselves with the new inspection process under SIRE 2.0.
Aaron Cooper, Programmes Director at OCIMF, emphasized the importance of this phase, stating, “SIRE 2.0 represents a seismic shift in the way tanker inspections will be conducted, which is why we have taken a gradual approach to rolling out the new program.”
The trial period under Phase 3 offers a unique opportunity for users to identify areas for improvement before SIRE 2.0 transitions into the commercial tanker inspection regime during Phase 4. Once this transition occurs, the existing SIRE (VIQ7) will be withdrawn.
Cooper commended the efforts of program users, acknowledging their hard work in adapting to the new system. He highlighted the significance of the trial inspection period, coupled with the anonymization of reports, allowing users to put theory into practice without commercial implications. Cooper encourages all program users to participate actively in the trial.
SIRE 2.0 inspections will usher in a digital era, conducted in real-time using tablet devices. The inspections will involve a Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ), generated based on a bespoke algorithm. This algorithm selects questions from the ‘SIRE 2.0 Question Library,’ tailoring them to the specific type of vessel, outfitting, and operational history.
The bespoke nature of CVIQs means users should be prepared to respond to all questions applicable to a particular vessel within the SIRE 2.0 Question Library, covering Hardware, Processes, and Human Factors. Additionally, inspectors can support their observations with photographs where permitted.
To ensure a smooth transition, OCIMF advises the industry to leverage the documentation and training resources available on its website. Cooper emphasized the collective effort needed for a successful shift, saying, “Programme users have been working exceptionally hard to familiarise themselves with all the resources and training materials.”
As the maritime sector navigates through these uncharted waters, the beta-testing phase of SIRE 2.0 inspections emerges as a crucial step toward embracing a more efficient, digital future.
