Page 22: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (June 2023)

OCIMF – The Human Factor © TawanSaklay/AdobeStock

Supporting the Frontline – a Focus on Human Factors

OCIMF explains how the new vessel inspection program,

SIRE 2.0, will benef t those onboard ’s Ship Inspection Re- by inspectors during an OCIMF tanker inspection will be re- port Program (SIRE) placed by a secure tablet device, with specialist software that

OCIMFwas launched in 1993 generates a unique question set for each inspection. to address concerns about sub-standard tanker shipping. In While this new reporting mechanism is a signi? cant depar- the intervening years, the paper-based inspection reporting ture from the current inspection regime, perhaps the biggest process has undergone seven iterations to meet signi? cant step change for industry in relation to SIRE 2.0 is the pro- developments in industry regulation, understandings of best gram’s increased focus on human factors.

practice and the changing ways of working (both onboard and Human factors are the physical, psychological and social ashore). For 30 years it has served and governed the industry characteristics that affect human interaction with equip- well as a crucial tool for vetting vessel quality and safety. ment, systems, processes, other individuals and work teams.

It is against this backdrop that the existing SIRE program OCIMF believes that by addressing and understanding these with its paper-based questionnaire will soon be replaced with interactions, incidents can be reduced and in the case of tanker the much-anticipated SIRE 2.0, designed to obtain a more ho- shipping, vessel reliability and safety improved.

listic assessment of the condition of a vessel and its crew on “The shift from paper to tablet device inspections is inno- an ongoing basis. The OCIMF secretariat and the dedicated vative,” said OCIMF Programs Director, Aaron Cooper “but

Vessel Inspection Program project team is busy preparing OCIMF’s increased focus on human factors in SIRE 2.0 is

SIRE 2.0 for a phased roll out this year. really signi? cant and original.

Once complete, the static paper-based questionnaire carried “OCIMF is a real advocate for human factors in maritime,” 22 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • June 2023

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