What is SIRE?
The SIRE programme is a unique tanker and
barge risk assessment tool used by charterers,
terminal operators and government bodies
to assist in the assurance of vessel safety. First
launched in 1993 to provide a standardised
inspection format, with objective reports
capable of being shared, it has now gained
industry-wide acceptance as a benchmark
for vessel inspections and standards. Today,
SIRE inspections take place from the Pacific
Islands to Rotterdam, from San Francisco to
Melbourne and are widely recognised as an
invaluable tool for raising ship safety standards.
At the heart of the SIRE system is a large
database of objective technical and
operational information about a range of
vessels used for carrying oil, gas and chemicals.
The information helps inform vetting decisions
on vessels ahead of charter as well as focusing
attention on the importance of meeting and
driving improvements in vessel quality and
safety. Over the years the rapidly increasing
use of SIRE information right across the
world has corresponded closely to the
increasing efforts made by the oil industry
to better ascertain whether the vessels they
utilise are well managed and maintained.