Study Mode
Online
Delivered through the IMT learning platform.
Tanker Vetting • OCIMF SIRE 2.0
Tanker Vetting & Inspection (SIRE 2.0) Course & Complete Guide
Develop practical knowledge of the SIRE 2.0 tanker inspection environment, including vessel-specific inspection questions, HVPQ and PIQ data, CVIQ structure, human factors, observations, inspection evidence and vessel readiness.
Online Only
52 Hours Listed Study Time
Advanced Certificate
Flexible Study
Course at a Glance
SIRE 2.0 Tanker Vetting & Inspection Online Training
IMT's current course is listed as an Advanced Certificate focused on tanker vetting, SIRE 2.0 inspection readiness and the practical management of inspection findings.
Listed Study Time
52 hours
Current course-page duration.
Course Structure
1 section • 1 lesson • 1 quiz
Current catalogue structure.
Qualification
Advanced Certificate
Tanker Vetting & Inspection (SIRE 2.0).
Important clarification: This IMT course is professional-development training. Completing it does not make a participant an OCIMF-accredited or OCIMF-authorized SIRE 2.0 inspector. Inspector selection, training and authorization are governed separately by the OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Programme.
OCIMF SIRE Programme
What Is SIRE 2.0?
SIRE 2.0 is OCIMF's revised Ship Inspection Report Programme for tanker inspections, designed around a more risk-based, vessel-specific and digitally supported inspection process.
OCIMF originally established the SIRE Programme in 1993. SIRE 2.0 introduced a redesigned inspection process with refreshed questions, risk ranking, vessel-specific question selection, tablet-based inspection tools and stronger consideration of human factors.
Instead of every vessel receiving one fixed questionnaire, SIRE 2.0 uses information about the vessel and the planned inspection to compile a unique Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ). The inspection compiler uses information provided through the Harmonised Vessel Particulars Questionnaire (HVPQ) and Pre-Inspection Questionnaire (PIQ), together with question-programming rules.
The result is an inspection that gives greater attention to the risks and operational characteristics relevant to the vessel being inspected. The programme also supports photographs, structured observations and more detailed evaluation of how crew members understand and perform important tasks.
SIRE 2.0 Data & Question Flow
HVPQ, PIQ & CVIQ — How Do They Work Together?
Understanding these three terms is essential because they help determine which questions appear during a particular SIRE 2.0 inspection.
Harmonised Vessel Particulars Questionnaire
The HVPQ contains permanent or infrequently changing information about the vessel, including construction, outfitting and certification particulars.
Pre-Inspection Questionnaire
The PIQ is completed by the vessel operator before the inspection and supplements HVPQ data with additional information relevant to the upcoming inspection.
Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire
The CVIQ is the unique vessel-specific set of inspection questions generated for the individual inspection.
Accurate vessel and operator information matters. Incorrect HVPQ or PIQ information can influence which questions are selected for the CVIQ and can create unnecessary complications during the inspection process.
Question Selection
Core, Rotational, Conditional & Campaign Questions
SIRE 2.0 does not use one simple fixed question set. Questions can be included for different reasons according to OCIMF programme logic.
Core Questions
Minimum questions required to address fundamental risk-assessment criteria and included when applicable to the vessel.
Rotational Questions
Non-core questions assigned periodically when relevant to the vessel type and specialization.
Conditional Questions
Questions that become relevant because of vessel information, operational history or operator oversight information.
Campaign Questions
Questions applied broadly for a defined period in response to an incident, emerging issue or industry trend.
Human Factors
Why Human Factors Matter in SIRE 2.0
SIRE 2.0 gives greater attention to how people actually understand and perform safety-critical tasks, not only whether procedures and equipment exist.
- Inspectors can evaluate how officers and ratings understand tasks
- Human-based observations may consider actual task performance
- Interviews are used to explore knowledge and practical implementation
- Performance Influencing Factors can affect how people carry out work
- Familiarity with equipment and procedures matters
- Task design and working conditions can influence performance
- Effective performance can be positively recognized
- Weak performance should be understood in context rather than reduced to memorized answers
Inspection Coverage
What Areas Can Be Covered During a SIRE 2.0 Inspection?
The official Question Library is divided across twelve chapters covering major technical, operational and management areas.
Vessel & Operator Information
Vessel particulars, operator information and inspection-specific information.
Certification
Statutory, class and other certification relevant to the vessel and inspection.
Crew Management
Manning, competence, familiarisation and crew-management arrangements.
Navigation
Bridge procedures, voyage planning, navigation equipment and operational practice.
Safety Management
Implementation of company procedures, safety-management arrangements and related records.
Pollution Prevention & Security
Environmental controls and applicable maritime-security arrangements.
Cargo & Ballast Systems
Tanker cargo and ballast operations, systems, procedures and related safeguards.
Mooring & Anchoring
Equipment condition, procedures, risk controls and safe operation.
Machinery Spaces
Engineering operations, machinery condition, maintenance and operational controls.
General Appearance & Condition
Visible vessel condition, housekeeping and relevant physical observations.
Communications
Shipboard communication systems and operational communication arrangements.
Ice Operations
Relevant questions for vessels and operations where ice-navigation requirements apply.
Observation Management
How Are SIRE 2.0 Observations Different?
SIRE 2.0 uses more structured observation reporting than the older VIQ7 approach.
Under SIRE 2.0, an inspector can record observations associated with hardware, process and human factors. Negative observations are supported by structured classifications, including the subject of concern and nature of concern, together with supporting written information.
The programme can also use photographs to support inspection responses. This means vessel readiness should focus not just on documents but on the consistency between procedures, equipment condition, operational practice and crew knowledge.
For operators, the value of an inspection finding comes from understanding why it occurred. A strong response should move beyond closing the visible observation and consider whether the underlying issue may exist elsewhere in the fleet or management system.
Inspection Readiness
How Should a Vessel Prepare for SIRE 2.0?
Effective preparation is built into everyday vessel operations. Last-minute checklist activity cannot replace a well-implemented management system and competent crew.
1. Verify Vessel Data
Review HVPQ, PIQ, certificates and supporting information for accuracy and consistency.
2. Review Applicable Questions
Use the official Question Library to understand the range of questions that may be relevant.
3. Check Documentation
Ensure records demonstrate that required processes are actually implemented and maintained.
4. Inspect Physical Condition
Review equipment, workspaces, housekeeping, defects and maintenance status across the vessel.
5. Build Crew Familiarity
Confirm crew understand procedures, equipment and safety-critical responsibilities relevant to their roles.
6. Practice Real Scenarios
Use realistic discussions and demonstrations rather than scripted question-and-answer memorisation.
7. Review Previous Findings
Confirm previous observations and recurring weaknesses have been addressed effectively.
8. Close the Improvement Loop
Use inspection learning to strengthen procedures, training, risk controls and fleet-wide standards.
Course Learning Focus
What You Should Learn from SIRE 2.0 Training
A practical SIRE 2.0 programme should help professionals understand both the inspection framework and what effective vessel readiness looks like.
- Purpose and development of the OCIMF SIRE Programme
- Key differences between VIQ7 and SIRE 2.0
- HVPQ and PIQ data requirements
- Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (CVIQ)
- Core, rotational, conditional and campaign questions
- SIRE 2.0 Question Library structure
- Human factors and Performance Influencing Factors
- Inspection interviews and practical crew familiarisation
- Hardware, process and human-based observations
- Negative-observation structure
- Vessel documentation and evidence readiness
- Physical vessel and machinery readiness
- Corrective-action and finding management
- Vetting and marine-assurance context
Who Should Enroll
Who Is the SIRE 2.0 Course For?
The course is particularly relevant to tanker professionals responsible for vessel readiness, inspections, marine assurance, operations or technical management.
Masters & Chief Officers
Senior deck personnel responsible for vessel operations, crew readiness and inspection preparation.
Chief Engineers
Engineering leaders responsible for machinery condition, maintenance and technical readiness.
Marine Superintendents
Shore-based managers supporting tanker condition, compliance and inspection performance.
Vetting Managers
Professionals coordinating SIRE inspections, vetting submissions, observations and operator responses.
HSEQ / Marine Assurance Teams
Personnel monitoring safety-management performance and inspection readiness across fleets.
Tanker Officers
Deck and engineering officers who need stronger awareness of SIRE 2.0 expectations.
Ship Managers
Personnel managing tanker operations, documentation, maintenance and shore support.
Maritime Consultants
Consultants supporting vessel readiness, gap analysis and marine-assurance improvement.
Current IMT Course
How the IMT SIRE 2.0 Course Is Delivered
The current IMT catalogue lists Tanker Vetting & Inspection (SIRE 2.0) as an Advanced Certificate with 52 hours of online study.
Online Delivery
Study through the IMT online platform with access to digital learning materials and educational support.
Focused Curriculum
The current catalogue lists one specialist SIRE 2.0 lesson and one quiz focused on tanker vetting and inspection.
Professional Development
The course is intended to help maritime professionals strengthen SIRE 2.0 knowledge, vessel-readiness awareness and vetting-related competence.
SIRE 2.0 vs VIQ7
What Changed from the Previous SIRE Inspection Model?
SIRE 2.0 changed both the way questions are selected and the way inspection evidence is recorded.
Vessel-Specific Questions
VIQ7 used more fixed questionnaires, while SIRE 2.0 compiles a vessel-specific CVIQ using HVPQ, PIQ and programming rules.
Risk-Based Selection
Questions are risk ranked and organized into core, rotational and other relevant question types.
Human Factors
SIRE 2.0 gives greater emphasis to the performance and understanding of vessel personnel.
Structured Observations
Observation recording is more structured and can distinguish hardware, process and human-factor concerns.
Digital Inspection Tools
Inspectors use a dedicated tablet and Inspection Editor to gather and record inspection information.
Photographic Evidence
Photographs can support question responses and help verify vessel condition within the programme process.
Authoritative Resources
Official OCIMF SIRE 2.0 References
Because SIRE 2.0 programme documents can be updated, vessel operators should use current OCIMF material as the primary source for inspection procedures and questions.
SIRE 2.0 Programme
OCIMF programme overview and glossary explaining key SIRE 2.0 terms and processes.
Official OCIMF Programme →Question Library
Official questions and supporting documentation covering the twelve SIRE 2.0 inspection chapters.
Official Question Library →Programme Document Library
Current OCIMF policies and procedures for programme participants, alongside dedicated SIRE 2.0 documentation.
OCIMF Programme Documents →Frequently Asked Questions
SIRE 2.0 Tanker Vetting & Inspection FAQ
Answers to common questions from tanker officers, vetting teams and marine-assurance professionals researching SIRE 2.0 training.
What does SIRE stand for?
SIRE stands for Ship Inspection Report Programme. It is an OCIMF marine-assurance programme used in the tanker industry.
What is SIRE 2.0?
SIRE 2.0 is the revised OCIMF tanker inspection programme using vessel-specific question selection, risk-ranked questions, digital inspection tools, structured observations and greater consideration of human factors.
What is a CVIQ?
A Compiled Vessel Inspection Questionnaire is the unique vessel-specific set of questions generated for an individual SIRE 2.0 inspection.
What is the HVPQ?
The Harmonised Vessel Particulars Questionnaire contains permanent or infrequently changing information about a vessel, its construction, outfitting and certification.
What is the PIQ?
The Pre-Inspection Questionnaire is completed by the vessel operator before an inspection and provides additional information that supplements the HVPQ and helps determine inspection-question allocation.
What question types are used in SIRE 2.0?
OCIMF uses core, rotational, conditional and campaign questions within the SIRE 2.0 inspection framework.
Why are human factors important in SIRE 2.0?
The programme considers how vessel personnel understand and perform tasks and recognizes that factors such as familiarity, equipment, task design and working conditions can influence human performance.
How should crews prepare for SIRE 2.0?
Preparation should focus on real competence, accurate vessel information, current documentation, safe operational practices, equipment condition and crew understanding rather than memorising scripted answers.
Can SIRE 2.0 training be completed online?
Yes. IMT currently lists Tanker Vetting & Inspection (SIRE 2.0) as an online Advanced Certificate with 52 hours of study.
Does the IMT SIRE 2.0 course make me an OCIMF inspector?
No. The IMT course is professional-development training. OCIMF inspector selection, training and authorization are separate programme processes.
SIRE 2.0 Training Enquiry
Ask About Tanker Vetting & Inspection Training
Tell us about your current tanker role, vessel type and whether your objective is inspection readiness, vetting knowledge, marine assurance or professional development.
✓ SIRE 2.0 course and enrollment information
✓ Guidance based on vessel type and current role
✓ Help choosing related TMSA, risk or tanker-vetting training
Related Training