(www.MaritimeCyprus.com) The maritime industry is standing at the threshold of a significant transformation as SIRE 2.0 goes live.
With an increased focus on digitization and human elements, SIRE 2.0 isn't just an incremental improvement from the original 1993 version; rather, it is a compelling call to action for shipping companies to shift away from their conventional work patterns and undergo a digital transformation in their technical operations. Therefore, SIRE 2.0 represents a substantial overhaul aimed at bringing the industry into a new era of digital efficiency and operational modernization.
As Phase 2 recently kicked off on July 10th, there are around 5 months left until OCIMF
replaces the whole SIRE VIQ7. What are the factors that companies should consider to ensure the readiness for the industry-wide transformation?
Understanding fundamental updates in SIRE 2.0
To prepare and leverage the opportunity brought by SIRE 2.0, its crucial to understand the fundamental updates. Since SIRE 2.0 is redesigned to improve safety standards strategically, the core modified themes are based on risks in the operational processes that have been long-standing to be addressed:
- Human Factor Evaluation: This is a significant addition to the existing hardware and
process elements. Vetting inspectors will now interview a broader range of crew
members, aiming to understand the reasons behind any negative observations more
holistically. - Streamlined Inspection Process: The new system puts a cap on the number of
questions asked during the inspection, which translates to more in-depth queries and
comprehensive answers. Inspectors will now use intrinsically safe tablets to record their
findings, further enhancing the efficiency of the process. - Enhanced Photographic Evidence: Operators will upload photographs prior to the
inspection, and inspectors will add additional images during their onboard visit. These
visuals will aid in the vetting process, offering tangible proof of conditions onboard. - Greater Emphasis on Risk Management: SIRE 2.0 focuses more on how the ship is managed, rather than just on the vessel's hardware. This shift enables a more holistic risk evaluation, considering the interplay of human factors, hardware, and management systems.
What these updates mean to operators
Having dissected the core modifications introduced with SIRE 2.0, its pivotal to now connect these changes to their practical implications. Let's translate these updates into tangible impacts and required adaptations for the operators:
1. Inclusive and Broader Vetting Process: Now, a larger number of crew members will be interviewed and evaluated during the inspection. Every crew member will be expected to answer any SIRE 2.0 question relevant to their vessel and illustrate their day-to-day
management skills. This demands a shift in training and preparation strategies to ensure all
crew members are well-equipped to handle the inspection.
2. Enhanced Photographic Requirements: Operators must adhere to guidelines for taking, storing, and transmitting photographs onboard, which will subsequently be uploaded to the Photo Repository. Although this adds to operators's responsibilities, it provides valuable visual evidence for the vetting process.
3. Comprehensive Vessel Assessment: With the new focus on management systems and human factors, operators must now conduct a holistic assessment of the vessel's condition. This includes not only the physical state of the vessel but also its operational and safety procedures, and the crew's adherence to these procedures.
4. Intensified Communication Needs: SIRE 2.0 necessitates robust information sharing
between the ship and the shore team. This involves technical, marine, and vetting departments, making the process more interdisciplinary. The objective is to achieve a complete understanding of the vessel's status and ensure alignment in readiness for inspections.
Critical Elements to Take into Consideration When Partnering With a Digital Solution
As we dive into the implications of SIRE 2.0 transition, one underlying theme is consistently
evident: the invaluable role of technology.
Harnessing digital solutions is no longer just an optional advantage; instead, it is an essential catalyst for a seamless transition into this new age of maritime operations. Digital tools, like Kaiko Systems, can offer significant support to shipping companies looking to adapt to and shape their operations and compliance procedures amidst these changes.
In choosing a digital solution specifically for SIRE 2.0, the following elements are vital to
consider:
- Streamlined Process: The digital tool should simplify the management of documentation and inspections. It should foster inspection readiness and reduce the risk of non-compliance. For instance, Kaiko Systems assists in organizing and managing all necessary information, thereby optimizing the preparation process.
- Enhanced Training Support: It's crucial that the solution integrates training tools to help crews better understand and adapt to the new SIRE 2.0 requirements. This fosters
a culture that promotes operational excellence and safety. - Efficient Communication: The system should bridge the communication gap between
ship and shore teams, facilitating real-time updates and quick resolution of issues. This
leads to an overall enhancement of operational capabilities. For instance, Kaiko Systems app works without internet connection. Upon the completion of inspections, crews can connect to WiFi, every data then can be compressed and uploaded to cloud. The dashboard then presents the shore team with actionable insights such as findings, SIRE 2.0 completion status, etc. - Data-Driven Decision-Making: The shift to a digital operations platform allows for the collection and analysis of insightful data. This data can help identify areas for improvement, monitor performance trends, and enable informed decision-making that drives operational excellence.
- Mitigating Human Errors: Recognizing the human element of maritime operations, an
intuitive user interface and user-friendly tools can be included in such a system to reduce potential mistakes and misunderstandings, decreasing the likelihood of non-
compliance or safety incidents. Overall, Kaiko Systems received 9.8 out of 10 regarding
user friendliness from crews.
In 2023, Kaiko Systems partnered with Columbia Ship Management and Sean Noonan, a respected industry vetting expert, to develop a new system module designed to assist crews in preparing for SIRE 2.0. While the main aim is to streamline maritime operations, its soft approach to integrating SIRE 2.0 compliance provides a balanced solution that can be a handy solution for maritime operators.
In conclusion, digital solutions designed with the SIRE 2.0 requirements in mind can be instrumental in transforming operations and compliance procedures. By incorporating such systems, tanker operators can seize the benefits of digitization, enhance their operational efficiency, and ensure they are adequately prepared for the upcoming industry changes.
About Kaiko Systems
Kaiko Systems empowers shipping companies to operate with confidence. The company
has developed an inspection suite that guides crews to collect structured and reliable
inspection data with a mobile app, and allows shore teams to instantly identify issues,
prioritize risks, and prevent offhires.
Working with over 400 vessels, the company’s inspection suite includes: Routine Safety
Inspection, Hull and Equipment Inspection, Pre-PSC Self-assessment, TSI Report, and SIRE 2.0 Self-assessment.
