SIRE 2.0 Human Factors in Tanker Inspections

Human Factors in OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Inspections

SIRE 2.0 represents a major shift in tanker inspection philosophy, moving beyond documentation and equipment checks to focus strongly on human performance, behaviour, and decision-making during real onboard operations.

This reflects the industry understanding that most maritime incidents are not caused solely by technical failures, but by human actions, communication gaps, and organisational culture.

What Are Human Factors in SIRE 2.0?

Human factors refer to the behavioural and cognitive elements influencing shipboard operations. Inspectors evaluate how crews interact with systems, procedures, and each other during normal and high-risk operations.

• Decision-making under operational pressure
• Communication between departments
• Situational awareness
• Leadership and supervision
• Fatigue and workload management
• Team coordination and response
• Risk perception and control

Why Human Factors Matter

Tankers operate in high-risk environments involving hazardous cargo, strict environmental regulations, and complex operational procedures. In such conditions, human performance directly influences safety outcomes.

SIRE 2.0 evaluates whether crews consistently demonstrate safe decision-making, effective communication, and proper procedural application in real operations.

Communication on Board

Communication is one of the most visible human factors during inspections and is closely observed in all operational areas.

• Clarity between bridge, deck, and engine teams
• Use of standard maritime terminology
• Coordination during cargo operations
• Response to instructions under pressure

Weak communication often leads to misunderstandings and inconsistent execution of procedures.

Decision-Making in Operations

Inspectors assess how decisions are made during real-time operational conditions, especially during high-risk activities.

• Risk evaluation before action
• Adherence to procedures under pressure
• Appropriate escalation of decisions
• Master–officer interaction quality

A common weakness is isolated decision-making without adequate team consultation.

Situational Awareness

Situational awareness reflects the crew’s ability to understand operational conditions and anticipate risks.

• Monitoring of cargo and machinery status
• Awareness of environmental conditions
• Identification of abnormal situations
• Understanding system interdependencies

A frequent issue is task-focused execution without broader risk awareness.

Leadership and Supervision

Leadership behaviour is a key indicator of safety culture onboard.

• Clear instruction and supervision
• Enforcement of safe practices
• Monitoring of task execution
• Response to deviations

Strong leadership is reflected in structured, consistent, and calm operational control.

Teamwork and Coordination

Effective tanker operations depend on coordination between bridge, deck, and engine departments.

• Alignment during cargo operations
• Clear task distribution
• Effective handovers
• Shared operational understanding

Siloed working remains a common deficiency across vessels.

Fatigue Management

Fatigue significantly impacts human performance and decision-making in operational environments.

• Work/rest compliance
• Crew alertness during operations
• Watchkeeping effectiveness
• Fatigue mitigation practices

Procedural Compliance in Practice

A key focus of SIRE 2.0 is whether procedures are actively followed during operations, not just documented.

• Checklist usage during operations
• Permit-to-work compliance
• Risk assessment execution
• Cargo procedure adherence

A common gap is the difference between documented procedures and actual onboard practice.

Safety Culture and Behaviour

Safety culture reflects overall onboard attitudes toward risk and operational discipline.

• Willingness to stop unsafe work
• Reporting of near misses
• Open communication about risks
• Active participation in safety discussions

A strong safety culture is often visible through daily operational behaviour.

Key Insight

Human factors in SIRE 2.0 are assessed continuously through observation of real operations, including cargo handling, bridge interaction, maintenance activities, and emergency readiness.

Inspectors evaluate the vessel as a complete system where people, processes, and equipment must work in alignment.

Conclusion

Human factors are now a defining element of SIRE 2.0 inspections. While technical systems remain important, inspection outcomes are heavily influenced by communication, leadership, situational awareness, and procedural discipline.

High-performing vessels consistently demonstrate strong teamwork, structured decision-making, and a proactive safety culture embedded in daily operations.