Ship Inspection

Report programme
(SIRE)

What is SIRE?
The Ship Inspection Report programme How does it work?
OCIMF member companies commission vessel inspections and
(SIRE) is a unique tanker and barge risk appoint an accredited SIRE inspector to conduct an inspection. The
assessment tool used by charterers, terminal inspector accesses the vessel particulars from the SIRE database and the
appropriate Vessel or Barge Inspection Questionnaires (VIQ/BIQ). The
operators and government bodies to assist inspector then conducts an on-board inspection of activities ranging
from cargo handling processes to the vessel’s pollution prevention
in the assurance of ship safety standards. measures. The inspection report contributes to the member company’s
First launched in 1993 to provide a standardised inspection format, risk assessment in advance of charter. The report is also uploaded to the
with objective reports capable of being shared, it has now gained SIRE database where, for a nominal fee, it can be accessed by registered
industry-wide acceptance as a benchmark for vessel inspections and companies who charter tankers or operate terminals. SIRE reports are
standards. Today, SIRE inspections take place all over the world and are provided for free to government agencies engaged in port state control
widely recognised as an invaluable tool for raising ship safety standards. activities.

At the heart of the SIRE system is a large database of objective technical

and operational information about a range of vessels used for carrying
oil, gas and chemicals. This information underpins informed vetting
decisions on vessels ahead of charter and focuses attention on the
importance of improving vessel quality and safety. The increasing use of
SIRE information has corresponded closely to increasing efforts made by
the oil industry to find out whether the vessels they use are well managed
and maintained.
The benefits of SIRE Port state control
OCIMF cooperates with international organisations, such as the
International Maritime Organization (IMO), with a view to eliminating
By establishing a standardised, objective inspection process that
sub-standard ships. Port state inspectors are invited to participate
systematically examines tanker operations and that is shared by
in specialised tanker training and to attend relevant seminars and
OCIMF members and other authorised recipients, SIRE has been
events. SIRE inspection reports are free for port authorities.
instrumental in driving up expectations and behaviours relating
to operational and safety standards in the industry. SIRE has also
contributed to: Looking ahead
• Improved operational standards and a reduced number of
incidents. SIRE has evolved and improved in line with the wishes of
• The establishment of uniform standards and training for ship OCIMF members and in the light of key external developments.
inspectors. Improvements have been made to all aspects of the programme,
from inspection questionnaires and training programmes to the
• A reduction in the number of repeat inspections on the same database itself. Looking ahead, we expect further developments
vessel, which reduces the burden on the vessel’s crew. as IMO standards evolve and as issues arise that demand updated
documentation or more in-depth inspector knowledge.
SIRE database For further information visit www.ocimg.org/sire or contact
The central SIRE database has over 22,000 ship reports and more than [email protected].
8,000 barge reports. It is available 24/7 via the website. All reports are
accessed electronically together with key documents, e.g. VIQs, BIQs
and crew matrices.
SIRE history
Inspector training, accreditation and auditing
Confidence in the SIRE system relies heavily on the quality and 1993 SIRE introduced
integrity of the inspection process, which is governed by the Ship 1997 Uniform Inspection report introduced
Inspector Training and Accreditation Programme.
2000 SIRE Inspector Training and Accreditation
Prospective inspectors are selected by OCIMF member organisations. Programme introduced
They must attend a four-day accreditation course and pass a written
examination. To complete the accreditation process, prospective 2001 SIRE QMS gained ISO 9002:1994 certification
inspectors must then be successfully audited during an inspection. 2004 SIRE extended to barges and small vessels
Each accreditation period runs for three years, during which each 2008 Compliance Manager role created
inspector must submit a minimum number of inspection reports each
2018 SIRE QMS gained ISO 9001:2015 certification
year, attend at least one refresher course and successfully complete
an audited inspection.
Training and refresher courses take place at various international locations
throughout the year. Contact OCIMF for dates of scheduled courses.
Vessels covered
Compliance For inspection purposes, the vessels covered in SIRE are
grouped into three categories:
A set of governing documents define the processes, standards
and behaviours expected of all individuals and organisations who Categories 1 and 2, Category 3
participate in the SIRE programme. These documents cover a wide depending on tonnage
• Offshore barges.
range of issues, from potential conflicts of interest to the quality and • Oil tankers.
• Inland barges.
integrity of inspectors and inspection reports. All SIRE inspectors are
• Chemical tankers.
required to sign an updated ethics agreement and declaration at the • Integrated barges.
beginning of each year. • LPG carriers.
A Compliance Manager, appointed by OCIMF, ensures that • LNG carriers.
participants in SIRE adhere to the principles set out in the governing
• Combination carriers.
documents, manages the complaints process and follows up on any
reported concerns or potential conflicts of interest.

For more information, visit www.ocimf.org or email [email protected]

Oil Companies International Marine Forum 29 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9BU, United Kingdom
T +44 (0)20 7654 1200 | E [email protected]
ocimf.org