2 September 2025 marked the first anniversary of SIRE 2.0 becoming mandatory for all OCIMF (Oil Companies International Marine Forum) Vetting inspections. SIRE (Ship Inspection Report Programme) was launched in 1993 by the OCIMF to improve safety and environmental standards in the maritime transport of oil, chemicals, and gas. It provided a standardised inspection framework for assessing the condition and operational practices of tankers and barges, helping charterers and stakeholders evaluate vessel suitability and compliance.
SIRE 2.0 is the enhanced, digital successor to the original programme. It introduces a risk-based, tablet-driven inspection regime that emphasises not only hardware and procedures but also human factors, such as crew competence and behaviour.
The industry has gained valuable insights into its impact on tanker inspections and safety culture. With most tanker vessels and officers having undergone at least one inspection, several themes have emerged that warrant attention:
Avoidable observations
Documentation errors – such as incorrect entries in the Harmonised Vessel Particulars Questionnaire (HVPQ) and the Pre-Inspection Questionnaire (PIQ) – continue to generate negative observations. These include misreported vessel specifications and equipment details, which could be avoided with greater diligence and professional oversight.
Observation multiplicity
A single defect can trigger multiple observations across hardware, process, and human factors. In some cases, up to six separate observations have been recorded for one issue, underscoring the need for comprehensive defect management and reporting.
Open defect reporting
SIRE 2.0 requires a printed list of “Open Defects” to be provided at the start of inspection. This can create a dilemma of sorts – “which defects to include and which ones to be left out.” To promote transparency, OCIMF has assured that wherever due defect management process has been followed, it should not result in negative observations. SOLAS Chapter 1, ISM requirements, OCIMF guidance and a pragmatic approach together with office oversight are key to meeting this requirement.
Area safety inspections
This sub-chapter under Safety Management has proven pivotal. Observations often highlight missed safety issues that should have been identified during routine inspections. The emphasis is on truly “seeing and comprehending” risks – not merely “looking”.
Interlinked chapters
The SIRE 2.0 Question Library reveals how observations can cascade across chapters. A missed defect may point to lapses in safety inspections, reporting systems, or procedural gaps, placing significant responsibility on ship staff.
Process observations
Non-compliance with SMS procedures and procedural inadequacies are key contributors. Familiarity with company procedures is essential, especially for new joiners. Masters can support improvement through annual SMS reviews.
Training & human factors
Regular drills and hands-on practice – such as donning safety gear and calibrating equipment—boost crew confidence and inspection outcomes. The inclusion of Performance Influencing Factors (PIFs) helps identify root causes of human error, from fatigue to poor communication.
Final thoughts
SIRE 2.0 represents a robust, well-structured evolution in vetting. By shifting data responsibility to operators and enhancing inspection integrity through tablet-based systems, it offers a clearer picture of shipboard conditions. More than a compliance tool, it is a catalyst for safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Contributor:
Capt. Rajendra Bhat, Assistant General Manager of Training at Anglo-Eastern boasts over 12 years of experience in maritime training. Previous roles include about 2 years in tanker operations and 10 years sailing experience as ship master on product and crude oil tankers. He also has a post graduate diploma in Shipping Management from Narottam Morarjee Institute of Shipping, Mumbai, India
