SIRE (Ship Inspection Report Programme)
SIRE (the Ship Inspection Report Programme) is the tanker vetting inspection scheme run by OCIMF (the Oil Companies International Marine Forum). A SIRE inspection assesses a tanker's safety, condition and operation against a standard questionnaire, and the report is used by oil majors, traders and charterers when deciding whether to accept (vet) the vessel for their cargoes.
Because a poor SIRE report can effectively bar a tanker from employment with major charterers, maintaining a strong vetting record is commercially critical for tanker operators. The programme has moved to SIRE 2.0, a risk-based, digital inspection regime that expands the scope and uses tablet-based reporting. Managing vetting — preparing for inspections and closing observations — is a dedicated function in tanker management.
For a tanker, employment depends on being vetted acceptable by the oil majors — and SIRE is how they judge. A weak inspection can shut a ship out of the best cargoes, so the vetting record is a direct commercial asset. Preparing thoroughly for SIRE, and tracking and closing observations, protects the vessel's earning power.
Who uses SIRE reports?
Oil majors, traders and charterers, to vet whether a tanker is acceptable for their cargoes.
What is SIRE 2.0?
The updated, risk-based and digital version of the SIRE programme, with an expanded questionnaire and tablet-based inspections.