What's Happening?
The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has initiated a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) under its SIRE 2.0 tanker inspection program. This campaign aims to bolster maritime security readiness
across the global tanker fleet. The initiative, which began on October 1, 2025, will last for at least six months. It focuses on ensuring ship staff are familiar with company procedures and vessel hardening plans, as well as their understanding of SIRE 2.0's ship hardening and access control protocols. Inspectors will address these aspects during every SIRE 2.0 inspection, regardless of the vessel's location. The campaign seeks to verify that ship Masters and staff can effectively apply these procedures in areas with increased maritime threats. An interim review is scheduled for February 2026 to assess preliminary findings and provide further guidance.
Why It's Important?
This campaign is significant due to the rising geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts that pose threats to maritime security. By reinforcing security protocols, OCIMF aims to protect crew welfare, safety, and ensure operational continuity. The campaign's findings will help identify industry trends and challenges, potentially leading to updated inspection protocols and improved security measures. This initiative underscores the importance of preparedness and familiarity with security procedures, which are crucial for mitigating risks in high-threat areas. The campaign's outcomes could influence global maritime security standards and practices, benefiting operators, ship managers, and crews by enhancing their ability to respond to security threats effectively.
What's Next?
OCIMF plans to conduct an interim review in February 2026 to evaluate the campaign's initial findings. Based on this assessment, OCIMF may issue further guidance or updates to inspection protocols. The data collected will contribute to OCIMF's Maritime Security Committee's publications and advocacy work, supporting continuous improvement in security and compliance guidance. Stakeholders in the maritime industry are encouraged to review and update their security procedures and ship hardening plans to align with the campaign's objectives.
