Seafarers have to carry out a variety of challenging tasks to ensure optimal maintenance and smooth operation of the vessel. Welding and other hot work can be particularly risky. Fires or explosions onboard tankers are especially dangerous as flammable cargoes can potentially cause crew fatality and destroy the entire vessel. Hence, proper safety standards and inspections must be enforced to ensure the safety and welfare of crew members at all times.

Launched in 1993, the OCIMF governs tanker safety through its risk assessment tool and Inspection Report Program (SIRE) database, with the Vessel Inspection Questionnaire Seventh Edition (VIQ 7) requiring all ship operators to annually inspect and replace/refurbish all critical gas equipment every five years.

The SIRE inspection regime has now been revised and enhanced, with the launch of SIRE 2.0 expected in Q4 2022. SIRE 2.0 transforms operational safety culture through a risk-based approach that takes human factors into account across the entire inspection process. As an example, the questionnaire comparison below clearly illustrate the difference between VIQ 7 and SIRE 2.0 on Hot Work Procedures and Management:

Based on the SIRE 2.0 Question Library and supporting documentation, this brochure explains the key updates for welding and how tanker operators can remain compliant with the new regulations.

Reference: https://www.ocimf.org/ja/news-and-events-7/news/bulletins/sire-2-0-question-library-published

Our Global Port Service Engineers provide an annual inspection service to help you ensure safe management of welding equipment and accessories onboard your vessels

Through our global network we provide easily available, high-quality welding and cutting products that are safe and compliant with maritime regulations and requirements including SIRE 2.0.

Members of our global technical support team are always on hand to help you with technical and product enquiries, as well as providing advice on Welding Standardization.

Our portfolio of Unitor™ welding and cutting equipment is fully compliant with all maritime regulatory and international requirements, promoting crew safety and peace of mind for customers worldwide.

Wilh. Wilhelmsen Holding ASA published this content on 11 October 2022 and is solely responsible for the information contained therein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 11 October 2022 03:31:03 UTC.