Marine Operations
The Importance of Vetting Inspections to penalize but to pinpoint the procedural errors that led to a deficiency which could compromise safety. The introduction of the SIRE 2.0 vetting system in 2022 will bring many changes to the vetting process. The new vetting system will be a subject of a future Wavelength article. By Yannis Romanidis / Marine Manager
& Captain Prashant Kumar/ Marine Superintendent
Oil Tankers Ship vetting is a very important tool for our Customers (Oil Majors, Charterers & Terminal Operators) and for the ship’s Crew and Operators. It involves a broader evaluation of activities onboard, including the proper implementation of regulations in force and Company procedures. It is a wider risk assessment based on the condition of the Vessel and Crew safety culture and competence. Our Customers have a wide range of Vessels to choose from for an intended voyage, thus Vessel acceptance is critical. Vessel acceptability is assessed when a Vessel is proposed with the use of Vetting records, including SIRE reports, terminal feedback, commercial information etc. A vetting assessment’s overall goal is to give the Customer/ ordering party a SIRE report that depicts a factual record of the Vessel’s condition and standards of operation at the time of inspection .The vetting inspection result allows an assessment to be performed of the risk that a Vessel’s trade engagement will pose to the stakeholders (Oil Majors, Terminals, cargo traders, cargo owners etc.).The ultimate aim of the vetting inspection and assessment is to ensure a safe voyage and to avert harm and losses to human lives, environment and cargo property. Regular self-assessments are critical for maintaining the vessel's continual preparedness. Sharing the findings of the selfassessment during onboard sessions with the office allows for effective and transparent feedback to solve issues as they arise. Preparation for vetting inspections is an ongoing process which requires team work, both on board and ashore. The outcome achieved by cohesive teams, teams that look out for one another, teams that exhibit good leadership, and teams that prepare together (both on board and ashore) is always positive, and actual progress is seen. A timely and accurate response after the publishing of the SIRE report is essential. Close cooperation between the ship and office is required to address any observations made during the vetting inspection. Each observation requires precise root cause analysis, documented rectification and steps taken to avoid any reoccurrence of the same deficiency. The “No blame culture” applies in all cases as the aim is not
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Issue 78-December 2021
Preparing for a vetting inspection
Bulk Carriers Equally important to SIRE vetting inspections for Tankers are Rightship’s inspections for Bulk Carriers. Rightship’s Dry Bulk inspections have been developed to assess the quality of a Vessel by verifying Crew competence and familiarity with statutory and safety requirements as well as industry recommendations and best practices. Rightship inspectors also observe closely the welfare of the ship’s Crew. Rightship issued an expanded inspection questionnaire (RISQ, Rightship Inspection Ship Questionnaire) in November 2021. The newly issued RISQ will be the template for all future inspections.
