Are you ready for the changes coming with SIRE 2.0 in the maritime tanker industry? The talk in the industry is all about adapting smoothly to this new inspection regime.
Are you ready for the changes coming with SIRE 2.0 in the maritime tanker industry? The talk in the industry is all about adapting smoothly to this new inspection regime. OCIMF started working on SIRE 2.0 back in 2017, and it officially kicked in by 2023. Now, tanker operators are working to follow the new rules, and they need effective tools and strategies.
The SIRE 2.0 isn't just about Ship Inspection Report Exchange anymore. It now covers all of OCIMF's inspection programs, including Barge Inspection Report (BIRE) and Offshore Vessel Inspection Database (OVID). So, it's important for tanker operators to ensure their fleet can handle these changes and stay compliant in this updated inspection setup.
Human Factor
One of the major updates in SIRE 2.0 focuses on incorporating the human factor, recognizing the vital role crew members play in ensuring vessel safety and performance. The new inspection framework involves interviewing and evaluating more crew members during vetting inspections. This aims to ensure their preparedness in addressing SIRE 2.0-related questions about their vessel and showcasing their effective daily operation of the vessel.
A significant difference between the former SIRE (VIQ7) and SIRE 2.0 is that inspectors will now spend considerable time interviewing both officers and ratings, a practice introduced for the first time. This emphasizes the importance of inspectors' communication skills in making the crew feel comfortable during these conversations.
Additionally, the increased scrutiny may pose a significant stress factor for crew members, especially from the perspective of ratings who are not accustomed to such extensive interviews and scrutiny.
Digital Transformation
Incorporating digitalization, SIRE 2.0 has revamped the inspection process, fostering better communication among stakeholders. Inspectors now employ intrinsically safe tablets to conduct onboard vetting inspections in real-time, generating instant inspection reports. This shift to a digital approach enables more efficient data collection and sharing, trimming down the time dedicated to paperwork. This not only streamlines the entire inspection process but also elevates the inspection experience for both inspectors and tanker operators.
New Features of SIRE 2.0
Transition to Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ):
Implementation of a ship-specific set of questions, known as the Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ).
Continuous Training Challenge:
Operators face the task of continually ensuring that the crew remains consistently informed and aligned with forthcoming changes in the inspection regime.
Photographic Documentation Requirement:
Operators must now submit a specific set of ship photographs before the inspection.
Incorporation of GPS-Enabled Ex-Proof Tablet:
SIRE Inspector will make use of a GPS-enabled Ex-proof Tablet for comprehensive documentation during inspections.
Verification of Previous Negative Observations:
There will be a more rigorous verification process by the SIRE Inspector for negative observations noted during the previous inspection.
Enhanced Inspector Empowerment:
SIRE Inspectors will now be able to capture photographs and voice memos detailing observed conditions.
Streamlined Questionnaire:
Reduction in the number of questions during SIRE 2.0 inspections, minimizing the count to approximately 100— a notable decrease from the current VIQ7, which comprised around 300 questions.
Holistic Evaluation Framework:
Consideration of four different key elements (Hardware, Process, Human, Photograph) for each observation.
Graded Responses Implementation:
SIRE 2.0 breaks away from the conventional binary method of Yes/No responses and introduces Graded Responses, allowing inspectors to provide more nuanced and detailed answers regarding their observations.
Inspector’s Preparation Before Inspection
Before the inspection kicks off, the inspection template undergoes a comprehensive pre-population process. This involves incorporating various pieces of information such as:
Vessel particulars
Certificates
Pre-inspection questionnaire
Past inspection observations
Port State Control (PSC) data
Incident data
Relevant photographs and plan
This information will be available to the inspector prior to boarding the vessel.
RIsk-based Questionnaire
Customized for the specific vessel under inspection, a risk-based questionnaire will be pre-populated with questions covering four essential categories:
Core: Encompassing the minimum questions essential to meet the fundamental risk assessment criteria set by the members.
Rotational: A dynamic aspect of the questionnaire algorithm ensures the coverage of all non-core questions over a designated timeframe. Each inspection template is intricately designed for a specified duration.
Conditional: Tailored questions are derived based on the available data pertaining to the vessel, operator, or ship-type, offering a personalized dimension to the inspection process.
Campaign: This segment focuses on a specific area identified by OCIMF and its membership, necessitating time-limited exposure to address and evaluate pertinent aspects.
Enhanced Emphasis on Visual Documentation in SIRE 2.0
SIRE 2.0, in its updated program, places heightened importance on the inclusion of vessel photographs within the inspection process. These images serve as visual documentation, offering tangible evidence of the vessel's condition and adherence to regulatory standards.
As part of this requirement, tanker operators are mandated to adhere to standardized guidelines for capturing photos and subsequently upload them to a designated Photo Repository. The stringent criteria involve ensuring the accuracy, currency (within a 6-month timeframe), and alignment with OCIMF guidelines for each photograph submitted.
Questionnaire and Question Library Evolution in SIRE 2.0
While the current SIRE program relies on a standardized questionnaire, SIRE 2.0 is set to adopt a risk-based questionnaire that offers a more precise assessment of a vessel and its crew on an ongoing basis. This approach aims to forecast future performance accurately by leveraging advanced tools.
The revamped SIRE 2.0 Questionnaire Library brings several innovations into play. It not only offers Industry Guidance, aligning each question with the best practices of the industry and referencing relevant documentation, but also provides inspectors with a suggestive (though not exhaustive) list of potential grounds for imposing observations. This list guides inspectors on specific elements to focus on during inspections.
Operators can freely access (download) this questionnaire library on OCIMF's website. This valuable resource serves as a tool to enhance their understanding and prepare ship crews for the new challenges introduced by SIRE 2.0.
Challenges Confronting SIRE 2.0 Inspectors
SIRE 2.0 inspectors are poised to encounter new challenges in the field. With an increased on-site presence, these inspectors must possess strong interpersonal skills to establish rapport with the crew.
Additionally, the update necessitates proficiency in utilizing the tablet device in real-time during inspections. This includes the skill to allocate appropriate time to each question for effective evaluation.
Furthermore, the inability to erase observations introduces an additional layer of challenge to their role. This becomes a potential source of extra stress for SIRE inspectors, as they are continuously measured against the work of other inspectors who assessed the same ship in the past, but also against those who will inspect the same ship in the future.
Summary
In summary, the changes happening with SIRE 2.0 are a big deal for the maritime world. From how inspections are done to the new rules for taking pictures, and the challenges for inspectors, it's a lot to take in. But, as everyone gets used to these updates, it's clear that safety and doing things right are at the forefront.
SIRE 2.0 is making sure that ships are in good shape, crews are well-prepared, and the whole industry is on the right track for smooth sailing. It's a team effort, and as everyone adjusts, the seas are looking clearer for a safer and more efficient maritime journey ahead.
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