Vessel Preparation Review for Shell Vetting Inspection
Reference: For Shell Vetting Inspection
Inspector: Capt. Philip
Why Pre-SIRE Inspections Matter
During a sailing onboard, several latent weak barriers and operational gaps were identified across crew knowledge, procedural understanding, record management, and emergency preparedness.
Rather than waiting for an inspector to identify these shortcomings, focused onboard training, mentoring sessions, practical demonstrations, and evidence verification were conducted to strengthen the vessel’s readiness.
Outcomes Achieved
✅ Latent barriers identified
✅ Targeted onboard training delivered
✅ Gaps effectively addressed
✅ Crew confidence improved
✅ Evidence and records verified
✅ SIRE inspection successfully passed
BRIDGE – Non-Compliance Areas
ECDIS Navigation
- Dual ECDIS failure procedures
- Backup navigation arrangements
- ENC update status
- USB port control
- Safety setting verification
- Navigation Lights Panel checks and procedures
Compass & Navigation Equipment
- Gyro repeater not matching Master Gyro
- Magnetic compass spare bulb availability
- Annual compass deviation table missing
- Compass error records
- NAVTEX corrections
Bridge Team Management
- Manning requirements during watchkeeping
- Watch handover procedures
- Bell Book verification
- Deck Log verification
- Security and routing charts missing
- BCAV assessments not completed
Radar & Collision Avoidance
- Magnetron running hours not reset
- Performance monitoring knowledge gaps
- Collision avoidance settings awareness
BNWAS
- Alarm sequence knowledge
- Maintenance records
- Activation and deactivation criteria
- Overreliance on generic SMS procedures
Nautical Publications
- Publication update procedures
- Latest IAMSAR Volume III missing onboard
Passage Planning
- Air draft calculation errors
- Wheel Over Point (WOP) procedures
- High-risk area procedures
- Route check procedures
GMDSS
- Weekly and monthly testing compliance
- Communication officer designation records
- Emergency lighting defects at GMDSS station
CCR – Non-Compliance Areas
Cargo Planning
- Cargo planning not fully satisfactory
- Critical cargo stages not adequately addressed
- COW plan verification gaps
- Planned versus actual cargo stage comparison
Loadicator
- Latest test condition comparison not verified
ODME
- Operational testing deficiencies
- Oil Record Book verification issues
Inert Gas System
- Secondary pressure settings
- IG log review
- Lack of familiarity with HI/HIHI setting procedures
Ship/Shore Safety Checklist (SSSCL)
- ISGOTT 6 checklist non-compliance
- Limited crew familiarity with checklist requirements
Emergency Response
- IG failure response knowledge gaps
- Junior officer decision-making capability in absence of senior officers
Gas Detection Equipment
- Span gas calibration demonstration
- CO₂ span gas unavailable as per new requirements
DECK – Key Non-Compliance Areas
- Expired rocket parachute flares in lifeboat
- Immersion suit pressure testing verification
- Crew unfamiliarity with updated ERP Manual
- Crew unfamiliarity with CO₂ meter requirements
- Errors identified in enclosed space entry checklist
- Multiple manifold non-compliances
- Deck machinery operating procedures knowledge gaps
- Water accumulation in inert gas line due to prolonged non-draining
ENGINE ROOM – Top Non-Compliance Areas
- Work & Rest Hours non-compliance
- Risk assessment familiarity issues
- PMS running hour mismatches
- ISM manual familiarity
- Defect reporting procedures
- Class notification process
- Lube oil analysis records
- Fuel oil analysis records
- Welding and hot work procedures
- Pollution prevention equipment
- BDN documentation
- Emergency diesel generator operation
- OWS records
- Bilge alarm records
- Dead Man Alarm records
- UMS records not aligned with Work & Rest Hours and bridge logbook entries
- Fire alarm test records
PRE-SIRE RED FLAGS IDENTIFIED
⚠ Weak PMS familiarity among crew
⚠ Limited understanding of defect reporting processes
⚠ Analysis reports not readily retrievable
⚠ Inadequate awareness of hot work procedures
⚠ Welding equipment compliance concerns
⚠ Poor familiarity with OWS and incinerator capacities
⚠ BDN filing and retrieval weaknesses
⚠ Emergency generator operational knowledge gaps
⚠ Incomplete safety testing records
⚠ Work & Rest Hours and Risk Assessment deficiencies
PRE-SIRE FOCUS SCORECARD
Bridge ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ccr ⭐⭐⭐
Deck ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Engine room ⭐⭐⭐
SMS ⭐⭐⭐
Procedure awareness ⭐⭐
Record keeping ⭐⭐⭐
Housekeeping ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
SELF-ASSESSMENT QUESTION
Can your team locate the required procedure, record, and supporting evidence within 60 seconds when questioned by an inspector?
Find the gap. Strengthen the barrier. Build crew confidence. Success will follow.