News

This information paper provides general guidance and recommendations for the maritime industry in developing and implementing controls for drugs and alcohol. It gives guidance on developing a drug and alcohol policy, where operators can refer for standards, and suggestions for effective procedures onboard, aligned with standards and policies. It covers workplace testing but does not address testing associated with the...

SIRE 2.0 Developed alongside industry and the OCIMF membership, the new and updated Ship Inspection Report Programme, SIRE 2.0, will future proof the tanker inspection process in line with evolving risks, technology and expertise. The digitalised inspection programme will transform how inspections are conducted and will support industry efforts to continuously enhance safety. The SIRE 2.0 transition continues in 2023...

The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has confirmed its updated Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE 2.0) will be delivered to industry in a ‘phased approach’ comprising four stages, rather than a single ‘go-live’ switch between the current SIRE (VIQ7) and new SIRE 2.0. Since its launch in 1993, OCIMF’s SIRE tanker inspection programme has become central to supporting safety...

The new SIRE 2.0 regime is expected to become operational in Q4 2022. Until then, the current SIRE programme will continue to be updated and improved to incorporate the latest standards, best practice and regulations. While currently in development, the new vessel inspection regime, SIRE 2.0, will more accurately report on the quality of a vessel and its crew (on...

OCIMF has released a new paper providing a framework to integrate Human Factors into management systems. It is intended help companies and leadership teams address the conditions and systems that influence human actions and decisions, and so promote safety and excellence across all operations. OCIMF Managing Director Rob Drysdale said: “Human Factors is an integral part of the OCIMF strategy. It...

This information paper provides guidance to enhance policies and procedures regarding the safe use of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). With more vessels using Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs) for primary or secondary navigation, there have been several significant navigational incidents over the last decade where one of the contributing factors has been ECDIS-related. Recommendations on Usage of ECDIS...

OCIMF and ICS together with the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) have worked together over the past two years to revise and update the International Safety Guide for Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT 6). This Sixth Edition encompasses the latest thinking on a range of topical issues including gas detection, the toxicity and the toxic effects of petroleum products...

BMP West Africa OCIMF is pleased to support the publication of Best Management Practices to Enhance Maritime Security for Vessels and Mariners Operating Off the Coast of West Africa including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP WA) to update maritime security guidance for mariners operating off the coast of West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. Twenty-eight industry organisations, supported by...

In response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, this Guidance has been produced by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) to support all types of ships which operate in international waters. The purpose is to help shipping companies follow advice provided by United Nations agencies including the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Labour...

Developed by OCIMF, IPIECA and other participating organisations, this e-learning module is based on material published in the Joint Industry Guidance – The supply and use of 0.50%-sulphur fuel. It is designed to provide guidance for use across the marine fuels and shipping industries, and addresses specific issues relating to the introduction and use of max. 0.50%-sulphur fuel oils. The...

Maritime trade between Arctic destinations and the rest of the world is expected to expand and an increasing number of ships are now undertaking voyages in polar waters. Technical developments in ship design and equipment continue to facilitate more and more ship operations in remote polar areas, despite challenging and unpredictable sea and weather conditions. The International Code for Ships...

Tanker Accident Database Please register your interest The Learning Lessons, Accidents, Statistics and Trends (LLAST) database, known as the Tanker Accident Database, provides an anonymous reporting tool for use by vessel owners and technical managers to document measurable accident data. The aim is to collate anonymous tanker accident details which, over time, will allow for root cause analysis of tanker...

Effective Mooring, Fourth Edition is out now. Mooring is one of the most complex and dangerous operations for ship and terminal crew. If something goes wrong, the consequences can be severe. Effective Mooring gives crew a general introduction to mooring and guidance on how to stay safe during mooring operations. It is written in an easy-to-understand style for seafarers worldwide...

New information paper released   OCIMF has released a new information paper, A Guide to Best Practice for Navigational Assessments and Audits. Navigational assessments and audits help vessel owners, operators and Masters to identify areas for improvement and increase safety. They also assure companies that high standards of navigation and watchkeeping are being maintained. While a wide range of navigational...

Release of the seventh edition of the SIRE Vessel Inspection Questionaire (VIQ7): 17 September 2018 OCIMF is pleased to announce the release of the seventh edition of the SIRE Vessel Inspection Questionnaire (VIQ7). This edition has undergone an extensive revision process which has brought the VIQ up-to-date with respect to changes in legislation and best practices. The SIRE Focus Group, which...

Aim The aim is to give people a preview of what’s coming in MEG4, to introduce new terminology and to address frequently asked questions. Other features include links to related OCIMF publications, industry guidance and other industry organisations. New content will be added over time – including some introductory videos – so keep checking back for updates. What’s coming The...

The mandatory fuel consumption data collection system for international shipping, adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in October 2018, has entered into force as of 1 March, 2018. It requires ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to start collecting and reporting fuel consumption from the start of 2019. The data collection methods may be based on using bunker delivery notes...

D. van Wolferen Marine Inspection & Consultant BV is pleased to announce that recently a new service has been started. D. van Wolferen Marine Inspection & Consultant BV conducts Flag State Inspections in The Netherlands and Belgium on behalf of Transport Malta. These Flag State Inspections are carried out by approved Flag State Inspectors.  

The amendments to MARPOL Annex V adopted at MEPC 70 will enter into force on 1 March 2018. The changes include criteria for determining whether cargo residues are harmful to the marine environment, and a new Garbage Record Book format with a new garbage category for e-waste. This news provides a summary of the new regulations. The main amendments included...

Be Cyber Aware at Sea – film OCIMF has worked with the global maritime cyber security awareness campaign “Be Cyber Aware at Sea”, other industry sponsors and Fidra Films to produce a new film highlighting the vital and increasing importance of cyber security to the maritime industry. The film uses real-life case studies to show how easy it is for...

The information paper, jointly released by CDI and OCIMF on 21 April, recommends an Emergency Shutdown (ESD) connection that will link ship and terminal ESD systems, so that manual activation by the terminal or ship will stop cargo transfer operations. The information paper recommends an electrical umbilical incorporating 5-pin twist connectors for universal adoption. Link OCIMF papers.

D. van Wolferen Marine Inspection & Consultant is pleased to announce the re-launching of the new website. After a couple of weeks of sharing ideas and information, together with Vivars we came to this result of a clear, easy readable and well thought website. D. van Wolferen Marine Inspection & Consultant thanks everybody who was involved in creating this very...

A new video is available to view for the Marine Terminal Information Systems (MTIS). Click on the image above, or follow this link to view the video. It offers a clear overview of the programme, its benefits to stakeholders and the vital contribution it will make to improving operational standards of safety, reliability, efficiency and environmental protection.