The original SIRE Programme
SIRE was introduced in November 1993 with the following aims. These were to:
● make available to OCIMF Members and others who shared OCIMF’s concern for safety, details
relating to the condition and operational standards of tankers;
● increase the number of vessels that could be considered for charter;
● utilise ship inspectors more efficiently;
● increase the number of vessels inspected; and
● reduce the number of repeat inspections on the same vessel and thereby reduce the burden on
vessels’ personnel.
Report users appreciated the ease of gaining instant electronic access to inspection reports. It
improved their ability to screen vessels and make informed decisions as to suitability. Quality
tanker operators too, recognised that SIRE was even-handed. It enabled them to add comments
relating to reports and they found that SIRE was good for business.