As part of trials before phased rollout, two of our managed Chevron TC vessels, the “SAKURA VOYAGER” and the “BLUE BUTTERFLY”, have recently had inspections under the upcoming SIRE 2.0 program.
To ensure comprehensive familiarisation and training for the particular focus and new requirements of SIRE 2.0, we meticulously prepared both vessels under the expert command of Captains Achuthan and Nitin Dua. Many of our office staff were also to play a critical role, so they were likewise trained and prepared in order to ensure the success of these trial inspections. For the “SAKURA VOYAGER” the team included Captains Sachin Bagga (DPA) and Sam Sundar (MSI) and Mr. Madhan (TSI), with Captain Dipan (MSI) also involved for the “BLUE BUTTERFLY”.
Enhanced Safety Measures
SIRE 2.0 is more exacting, but it is also more rewarding as it has several enhanced safety measures. As well as integrating human factors as part of focussing on a risk-based approach, these engage advanced inspection technology like the tablet outlined below, and so achieve a more comprehensive and objective assessment. These new features allow operating companies to proactively identify potential risks and mitigate them promptly.
Streamlined Compliance Procedures
Navigating complex regulatory frameworks is a constant challenge, and SIRE 2.0 simplifies the process by providing a comprehensive compliance management system. This offers up-to-date regulatory information and guidelines, ensuring that companies stay fully informed and compliant. Moreover, the new system’s intelligent algorithms analyse vessel data, allowing those responsible to identify non-compliance issues in real-time and take immediate corrective actions.
The SIRE 2.0 program also represents a major change in its emphasis on the vessel’s crew. It evaluates the management of defects, onboard procedures and seafarers’ familiarity with their tasks and their company’s protocols. Another very significant shift is that the SIRE 2.0 program now begins in the office ashore, with the majority of information being sent to the inspectors before they board the vessel.
Synergy Marine crew during SIRE 2.0 inspections on “SAKURA VOYAGER” and “BLUE BUTTERFLY”.
Improved Operational Efficiency
SIRE 2.0 boosts operational efficiency by streamlining various owner/manager processes. It offers an integrated platform that allows seamless communication and collaboration between different stakeholders, including operators, charterers and inspectors. This fosters efficient data exchange, reduces administrative burdens and optimizes operational workflows. With SIRE 2.0, companies can eliminate redundancies, minimize downtime and maximize productivity.
Upon arrival at the Master’s office on each vessel, the SIRE 2.0 inspector outlined the inspection’s scope, highlighted the main differences from SIRE VIQ 7 and introduced another key advancement. This is the explosion-proof, GPS – enabled tablet which is used for tracking the progress of the inspection, monitoring of GPS locations and recording of observations. As part of this initial meeting the inspector requested a list of all open defects, and noted that additional negative observations could follow if he identified a defect that was not recorded in the vessel’s reporting system.
Data-Driven Decision Making
One of the standout features of SIRE 2.0 is its ability to harness the vast amount of data generated in the shipping industry. By leveraging advanced data analytics and visualization tools, companies can gain valuable insights into their operations, fleet performance and compliance trends. These data-driven insights empower informed decision-making, identify areas for improvement and help in devising robust strategies for sustainable growth.
The inspector also explained that the process involved a specific set of questions unique to each vessel, known as the Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ). The CVIQ consists of 100 questions – about a third of approximately 300 in VIQ 7 – allowing the inspector to address all hardware, processes and human factors within the same eight hour timeframe.
Proactive Risk Management
SIRE 2.0 introduces a proactive approach to risk management. By incorporating risk-based inspections and assessments, the platform enables operators to identify potential risks and vulnerabilities before they can escalate into major incidents. This approach helps companies to prevent accidents, reduce operational disruption and safeguard industry reputation.
A very significant feature of SIRE 2.0 is the tablet referred to above, which tracks the inspection’s progress and monitors GPS locations, with both positive and negative findings recorded. Negative observations from previous inspections are carried forward for verification following resolution, and as part of their own vetting processes oil majors can validate any changes to these observations through date and timestamp records. Additionally, the inspector must confirm that the photos uploaded by the vessel’s operators accurately represent the vessel’s condition, and inaccuracies can and in many cases would lead to negative observations.
Environmental Sustainability
In response to the growing focus on this, SIRE 2.0 also incorporates measures to minimize the ecological footprint of shipping operations. The platform encourages companies to adopt eco-friendly practices, such as reducing emissions, optimizing fuel consumption and implementing sustainable waste management systems. By integrating environmental sustainability into their operations, stakeholders in this part of the industry can further contribute to a greener future.
A major component of the SIRE 2.0 process involves extensive interviews with crew members, on a wide range of matters concerning company procedures and the operation of equipment and machinery. As with any inspection, and as with these two vessels, initial impressions are crucial for what here proved to be a successful outcome.
