Following the launch of a new Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) under the OCIMF’s SIRE 2.0 tanker inspection program, SQE MARINE has advised ship operators, managers, and crews to thoroughly review their company procedures and vessel-specific hardening plans to ensure they are robust, effective, and fully implemented.
Focus on Ship Hardening and Crew Familiarity
The six-month campaign, running from 1 October 2025 to 31 March 2026, aims to assess crew familiarity with company procedures and vessel hardening measures, with particular attention to SIRE 2.0 Question 7.2.1 – Ship Hardening and Access Control. Inspectors will address this question during every SIRE 2.0 inspection, regardless of the vessel’s operating area.
An interim review will be conducted in February 2026, during which OCIMF will evaluate preliminary findings and issue further guidance if needed.
SQE MARINE Guidance for Compliance
SQE MARINE emphasized that the Ship Security Officer (SSO) must ensure the crew is fully trained in implementing the vessel’s hardening procedures as outlined in the Vessel Hardening Plan (VHP) and Ship Security Plan (SSP).
To ensure compliance with OCIMF guidelines, SQE MARINE recommends that companies:
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Develop ship-specific VHPs based on a risk assessment, following the ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principle.
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Include a detailed list of equipment/materials and their inspection and maintenance schedules within the VHP.
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Integrate citadel arrangements and their equipment within the plan.
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Review the VHP as part of every voyage preparation, especially before transiting high-risk areas.
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Conduct specialized crew training to ensure familiarity with security duties and procedures.
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Maintain detailed work evidence such as bridge logbook entries, reports, or photographs when implementing hardening measures to demonstrate compliance.
By emphasizing vessel-specific security planning, training, and documentation, the campaign aims to strengthen industry-wide adherence to OCIMF’s security standards and improve preparedness for operations in high-risk maritime areas.
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Source: Safety4Sea
