OCIMF launches Focused Inspection Campaign on ship hardening to strengthen onboard security defences

Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) has launched a Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) under its SIRE 2.0 tanker inspection programme aimed at reinforcing maritime security readiness across the global tanker fleet.

The initiative comes in response to increasing geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and evolving security regulations that directly impact crew welfare, safety, and operational continuity.

The campaign, commenced on 1 October 2025, will run for a minimum of six months, and focuses on ship staff’s familiarity with company procedures and plans for vessel hardening, as well as their understanding of the SIRE 2.0 question 7.2.1 – Ship hardening and access control. Inspectors will address this question during every SIRE 2.0 inspection conducted throughout the campaign period, regardless of where the vessel operates.

Through this campaign, OCIMF seeks to verify that Masters and ship staff understand and can apply company procedures for hardening their ships when operating in areas of increased maritime threats, and to ensure plans and equipment used for ship hardening are effective and well-maintained. An interim review will take place in February 2026, when OCIMF will assess preliminary findings and provide further guidance or updates as necessary.

In the year since the launch of SIRE 2.0 24,000 tanker inspections have been conducted across the global tanker fleet. Findings from the campaign will be analysed to identify trends and common challenges across the industry. OCIMF may issue recommendations or updates to inspection protocols based on the results and the data will feed into OCIMF’s Maritime Security Committee’s publications and advocacy work, supporting continuous improvement in security and compliance guidance.

OCIMF encourages all operators, ship managers, and crews to review their company procedures and ship hardening plans to ensure they remain robust, effective, and fully implemented.

“Security at sea begins with preparedness and familiarity,” said Dave Cudbertson, Programmes Director at OCIMF. “This campaign reinforces the importance of well-trained crews and effective company procedures in maintaining safety and resilience in a complex global environment.”

Russel Pegg (pictured), OCIMF Security Advisor, added: “Running a Focused Inspection Campaign through SIRE 2.0 will provide evidence of vessel and crew preparedness against a range of maritime security threats and enable OCIMF to further support industry with updated best practices and guidance. With a changing maritime security landscape it is of paramount importance vessels are correctly hardened and crew familiar, and drilled, with the appropriate operational response. This is underpinned by the guidance in Best Management Practices (BMP) Maritime Security and related publications.”

OCIMF is a voluntary association of oil companies dedicated to the safe and environmentally responsible transport and storage of crude oil, oil products, petrochemicals, and gas. Through its inspection programmes, publications and advocacy, OCIMF continues to promote the highest standards of safety, environmental protection, and operational excellence across the global maritime industry.