Self-Assessment
Operators compare their management practices with TMSA key performance indicators and best-practice guidance.
TMSA & Vetting
TMSA & Vessel Vetting Training Courses for Maritime Professionals
Develop practical knowledge of TMSA3, tanker vetting and inspection under SIRE 2.0, vessel inspection readiness and dry bulk vetting through flexible online maritime training.
Online Learning
Flexible Study
TMSA / SIRE 2.0 Focus
Tutor Support
Marine Assurance
What Are TMSA & Vessel Vetting?
TMSA and vessel vetting are related but different tools used by the maritime industry to evaluate management practices, vessel condition, operational standards and risk.
The Tanker Management and Self Assessment programme, commonly known as TMSA, was developed by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) to encourage tanker operators to assess their management systems against industry best practice and pursue continual improvement.
Vessel vetting is a broader commercial risk-management process used by charterers, cargo interests and other stakeholders when evaluating whether a vessel is suitable for a proposed business activity. Vetting may consider inspection reports, vessel particulars, operational history, management performance, certification and other available information.
For tanker operators, SIRE 2.0 is a major part of the marine-assurance environment. OCIMF's digitalised Ship Inspection Report Programme is designed to provide a more risk-based and structured tanker-inspection process, using vessel and operator information, inspection questions, human-factor considerations and standardized reporting.
Dry bulk vetting operates in a different sector and can involve tools and requirements used by organizations such as RightShip. Professionals working across tanker and dry bulk operations therefore need to understand the relevant vetting framework for the vessel type and trade in question.
Current programme context: OCIMF's TMSA3 remains the published third edition of the Tanker Management and Self Assessment best-practice guide. SIRE 2.0 went live on 2 September 2024 and is now the current OCIMF tanker inspection regime.
TMSA3
What Is Tanker Management and Self Assessment?
TMSA gives tanker operators a structured framework for reviewing management practices and identifying opportunities for continual improvement.
Continual Improvement
TMSA is intended to support progressive improvement rather than a one-time compliance exercise.
Management-System Focus
The framework looks beyond a single vessel inspection and considers how the operator manages safety, operations, people and performance.
Operational Best Practice
TMSA includes detailed areas covering ship operations, maintenance, navigation, cargo, mooring, environmental performance and security.
Management Review
Effective use of TMSA requires management attention, evidence, ownership of improvement actions and follow-up.
Evidence & KPIs
Operators need to understand how their processes, records and performance evidence support assessment against the TMSA framework.
SIRE 2.0
What Is SIRE 2.0?
SIRE 2.0 is OCIMF's updated and digitalised tanker inspection programme, designed to strengthen marine assurance through a more risk-based inspection process.
The SIRE 2.0 inspection process uses structured information submitted before an inspection together with a question set selected for the vessel and inspection. OCIMF publishes an official Question Library and supporting documents to help programme participants understand how the process works.
For vessel operators, successful preparation should not be treated as memorising answers for an inspection. Readiness depends on accurate vessel information, effective company systems, crew familiarity, good operational practices, condition of equipment, documentation and the ability to demonstrate how procedures are actually implemented onboard.
SIRE 2.0 also gives greater attention to human factors and to how people understand and carry out tasks, making crew familiarisation and practical implementation particularly important.
Inspection Readiness
Key Areas in SIRE 2.0 Preparation
Strong inspection readiness comes from normal day-to-day standards, not last-minute preparation. The following areas help operators structure their readiness work.
Vessel & Operator Data
Keep required vessel particulars, questionnaires and supporting information accurate, current and consistent.
Certificates & Records
Verify that statutory, class and operational records are available, current and properly maintained.
Crew Familiarisation
Ensure personnel understand their duties, procedures, equipment and the reasons behind key controls.
Safety Management
Demonstrate that company procedures are understood and implemented in routine operations.
Navigation
Maintain strong bridge procedures, passage planning, records and practical bridge-team standards.
Cargo & Ballast Operations
Support safe, controlled and well-documented tanker cargo and ballast operations.
Machinery & Maintenance
Maintain equipment condition, planned maintenance and clear defect-management processes.
Human Factors
Prepare crews to explain and demonstrate how tasks are actually performed rather than relying on memorised responses.
TMSA vs SIRE 2.0
What Is the Difference Between TMSA and SIRE 2.0?
They support marine assurance from different perspectives: one focuses primarily on the operator's management system, while the other focuses on vessel inspection.
- TMSA: operator self-assessment and continual improvement
- SIRE 2.0: structured tanker inspection programme
- TMSA: management-system and company-process focus
- SIRE 2.0: vessel, crew, condition and operational evidence focus
- TMSA: uses KPIs and best-practice guidance
- SIRE 2.0: uses an inspection question library and programme procedures
- Both: support stronger safety and marine-assurance performance
- Both: reward consistent standards rather than last-minute preparation
Dry Bulk Vetting
How Is Dry Bulk Vetting Different?
Dry bulk vetting applies marine-assurance principles to bulk carriers and the commercial risks associated with dry bulk transportation.
Bulk-carrier vetting may consider vessel condition, inspection findings, management standards, casualty and detention information, age, class, operational history and other risk indicators. Commercial vetting tools such as those used by RightShip help cargo interests and other users make more informed vessel-selection decisions.
For shipowners and managers, understanding vetting expectations can help teams identify weaknesses before they affect commercial acceptance. It can also support better preparation for inspections, stronger follow-up of observations and more consistent operational standards.
Who It Is For
Who Should Consider TMSA & Vetting Training?
These programmes are relevant to professionals involved in tanker or dry bulk operations, marine assurance, vessel management, inspections and commercial acceptance.
Masters & Senior Officers
Shipboard leaders preparing vessels and crews for inspections and vetting expectations.
Chief Engineers
Engineering leaders responsible for machinery condition, maintenance and technical readiness.
Marine Superintendents
Shore-based managers supporting vessel performance, inspection readiness and corrective actions.
Vetting Managers
Professionals coordinating inspection programmes, findings, responses and commercial vetting requirements.
HSEQ / Marine Assurance Teams
Personnel monitoring company systems, safety performance and improvement programmes.
Tanker Operators
Owners and managers working with TMSA, SIRE 2.0 and charterer marine-assurance expectations.
Dry Bulk Operators
Professionals working with bulk-carrier vetting and commercial vessel-assessment requirements.
Surveyors & Inspectors
Professionals seeking broader understanding of vetting processes and vessel-readiness expectations.
Skills Development
Skills & Knowledge Developed Through TMSA & Vetting Training
Depending on the selected programme, students can build knowledge across self-assessment, marine assurance, tanker inspection and dry bulk vetting.
- TMSA3 principles and continual improvement
- Management self-assessment concepts
- Marine-assurance fundamentals
- SIRE 2.0 inspection-process awareness
- Inspection preparation and vessel readiness
- Crew familiarisation and human factors
- Question-library awareness
- Vessel documentation and evidence
- Observation and finding follow-up
- Corrective-action management
- Dry bulk vessel vetting concepts
- Commercial vetting awareness
Training Options
Explore TMSA & Vetting Courses
IMT currently lists training in TMSA Awareness, Tanker Vetting & Inspection (SIRE 2.0) and Dry Bulk Vetting.
TMSA Awareness
Develop an understanding of the Tanker Management and Self Assessment programme, its role in operator self-assessment and its focus on safety, environmental performance and continual improvement.
Tanker Vetting & Inspection (SIRE 2.0)
Develop practical knowledge of the SIRE 2.0 inspection environment, tanker vetting, vessel readiness, inspection standards and management of inspection findings.
Dry Bulk Vetting (RightShip Requirements)
Build knowledge of dry bulk vessel vetting, inspection findings and the factors considered when evaluating bulk carriers for commercial acceptance.
Risk Management
Strengthen the risk-assessment and corrective-action knowledge that supports marine assurance, inspection preparation and continual improvement.
Preparing for TMSA, SIRE 2.0 or Dry Bulk Vetting?
Tell us your vessel type, current role and training objective. Our team can help you choose between TMSA awareness, tanker vetting, SIRE 2.0 or dry bulk vetting training.
Readiness in Practice
Building a Strong Vessel Vetting Readiness Culture
High inspection standards are easier to sustain when vetting readiness is built into normal operations rather than treated as a short-term campaign.
Maintain Standards Daily
Keep procedures, records, equipment condition and housekeeping at a consistent operational standard.
Use Internal Verification
Identify weaknesses through audits, superintendent visits and structured self-assessment before external inspection.
Prepare People, Not Scripts
Help crew understand their duties and controls so they can explain and demonstrate real practice confidently.
Analyse Findings
Look for recurring themes and underlying causes rather than closing observations only at surface level.
Track Corrective Actions
Assign ownership, deadlines and verification so agreed improvements are actually completed.
Feed Lessons into TMSA
Use inspection results, incidents and operational feedback to strengthen the operator's continual-improvement process.
Official Resources
Key OCIMF Resources for TMSA & SIRE 2.0
Official programme material should remain the primary reference for current SIRE 2.0 procedures, questions and programme expectations.
SIRE 2.0 Programme
Official OCIMF overview, training materials, factsheets and programme resources.
Official OCIMF Resource →SIRE 2.0 Question Library
OCIMF publishes the official question library and supporting documents used to understand the SIRE 2.0 inspection framework.
Official Document Library →TMSA3 Best Practice Guide
OCIMF's third edition of Tanker Management and Self Assessment remains the published best-practice guide for tanker operators.
Official OCIMF Reference →Frequently Asked Questions
TMSA & Vessel Vetting Training FAQ
Answers to common questions from tanker, dry bulk and marine-assurance professionals researching TMSA and vetting training.
What does TMSA stand for?
TMSA stands for Tanker Management and Self Assessment. It is an OCIMF programme designed to help tanker operators assess management practices and support continual improvement.
What is TMSA3?
TMSA3 is the third edition of OCIMF's Tanker Management and Self Assessment best-practice guide. It uses key performance indicators and expanded best-practice guidance to support operator self-assessment and improvement.
What is SIRE 2.0?
SIRE 2.0 is OCIMF's current digitalised Ship Inspection Report Programme for tanker inspections. It uses a structured, risk-based inspection process supported by vessel information, an official question library and standardized reporting.
When did SIRE 2.0 go live?
OCIMF launched SIRE 2.0 for industry use on 2 September 2024.
What is the difference between TMSA and SIRE 2.0?
TMSA is primarily a company self-assessment and continual-improvement framework, while SIRE 2.0 is a tanker inspection programme. The two are related because strong operator management systems should support reliable vessel performance.
What is tanker vetting?
Tanker vetting is the commercial risk-assessment process used by charterers and other stakeholders to evaluate whether a tanker is suitable for a proposed activity using inspection reports and other relevant vessel and operator information.
What is dry bulk vetting?
Dry bulk vetting evaluates bulk carriers using relevant vessel, inspection, management and performance information to support commercial vessel-selection decisions.
How should a vessel prepare for SIRE 2.0?
Readiness should focus on accurate vessel data, current documentation, equipment condition, effective safety-management practices and crew understanding of real operational procedures rather than memorised inspection answers.
Can TMSA and vetting training be completed online?
Yes. International Maritime Training currently provides online TMSA Awareness, Tanker Vetting & Inspection (SIRE 2.0) and Dry Bulk Vetting training.
Which TMSA or vetting course should I choose?
Choose TMSA Awareness for operator self-assessment and management-system knowledge, Tanker Vetting & Inspection for SIRE 2.0 and tanker-inspection readiness, or Dry Bulk Vetting if your work is focused on bulk carriers and RightShip-related vetting requirements.
Training Enquiry
Find the Right TMSA & Vetting Training
Tell us whether your focus is TMSA, SIRE 2.0, tanker inspection readiness or dry bulk vetting and our training team can provide relevant course information and enrollment options.
✓ Guidance based on vessel type and professional role
✓ Information about online study and enrollment
✓ Help choosing tanker or dry bulk vetting training
Related Training
Explore Related Maritime Training Categories
Individual Course Pages
Explore All TMSA & Vetting Courses
Open an individual course page for detailed learning information, FAQs, related training and course enquiries.
Tanker Vetting & Inspection (SIRE 2.0)
Explore the full individual SEO course page, learning guide, enrolment options and enquiry form.
Explore Course →TMSA Awareness
Explore the full individual SEO course page, learning guide, enrolment options and enquiry form.
Explore Course →Dry Bulk Vetting — RightShip Requirements
Explore the full individual SEO course page, learning guide, enrolment options and enquiry form.
Explore Course →Risk Management
Explore the full individual SEO course page, learning guide, enrolment options and enquiry form.
Explore Course →