INTRODUCING SIRE 2.0: Human and digital safety leap
The ship vetting framework makes a veritable leap when SIRE 2.0 introduces a human element plus dynamic tools. Vetting Manager Knut Vespestad at Solvang remarks a development of inspections into regular safety assessments, where inspector and ship handle a task together.
At the turn of the year, Solvang had initiated our first test inspections under the SIRE (Ship Inspection Report Programme) 2.0, which is under implementation. The framework for ship vetting is managed by OCIMF, the Oil Companies International Marine Forum, as an extra qualification to the legal ISM Code framework, and at the end of the day the “ticket to trade” commercially.
According to Capt. Knut Vespestad, Vetting Manager and Sr. Maritime Superintendent at Solvang, SIRE 2.0 introduces a more comprehensive and robust inspection regime.
“There is an increased focus on significant risks, and a recognition of the human element in comprehending and addressing safety on a ship”, Mr. Vespestad asserts.
Expanding relations
SIRE 2.0 exchanges the current 150 pages-questionnaire for a Dynamic Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (VIQ), amounting to 1300 pages on a tablet. Inspectors will now register and upload observations along with certificates, photographs and other material directly into the database SIRE Question Library (SQL). Adversely, standardized reports, governance data and upporting photos could be downloaded.
“In my view, inspections evolve into regular safety assessments, where the inspector and the ship handle a task together”, Mr. Vespestad says.
Harmonization
SIRE 2.0 tightens requirements for inspector accreditation, including enhanced training programs to ensure inspectors’ skills and knowledge about the latest industry standards and practices.
Among the expected gains from SIRE 2.0, OCIMF announces the greater transparency and accessibility of reports, allowing all parties to manage inspection observations. Another objective is to reduce duplication of controls by harmonizing SIRE with other frameworks, like the TMSA self assessment programme. The future TMSA chapter 14 about human behaviour and performance stands out.
“Overall, an emphasis on the human element constitutes a change of paradigms in ship vetting”, Mr. Vespestad states.
