Page 24 - 2023 - Q4 - Minerva in Focus

SIRE 2.0

The SIRE 2.0 program focuses on the effective

management of defects, onboard procedures, and
crew familiarity with the tasks they perform

“

SIRE 2.0 pays closer
attention to the human
element and the crew’s
familiarity with company

procedures and the operation
An interview of equipment
of Capt. Elias J. Lazarakis

Master Mariner ”
M/T MINERVA LEO

Can you please introduce yourself? The current SIRE program uses VIQ 7.0, be included in the relevant list and ready to
I have been serving with Minerva Marine standardized with Yes/No responses. The be provided at the opening meeting.
for over two decades. I originally joined the PIQ (Pre-Inspection Questionnaire) is ab-
mother company, Thenamaris Shipmanage- sent from the data provided by the vessel What advice would you give to
ment, and I take great pride in being associ- operator. Moreover, SIRE 2.0 introduces officers that are about to participate
ated with the esteemed Martinos Family. tailored questions generated algorithmi- in a SIRE 2.0 inspection soon?
cally, preventing the crew from predicting Although the inspection process has changed,
When was your latest SIRE 2.0 the questions that will be asked during an the inspection subject remains the same,
inspection? inspection. Lastly, it is designed to have ob- i.e. our vessel and the on board personnel.
My most recent SIRE 2.0 inspection occurred servations be positive, negative or neutral, Similarly, the main principles for a successful
in Algeciras, Spain, on October 31, 2022. The compared to the previous systems which vetting inspection remain the same.
inspection was conducted by Captain Sean classified observations as only negative.
Noonan, one of the top vetting inspectors. The inspection begins from the moment
The inspection lasted approximately 12 What tips and best practices can you the inspector approaches the ship. The first
hours, with satisfactory results; the bridge share with fellow officers of Minerva? impression is very important; the gangway
team received a positive comment and an Daily preparation, rather than last-minute should be in top condition, the crew well-
observation was noted on the Drill Matrix. efforts, is extremely important, ensuring trained for the first contact with the inspec-
a thorough study of the company’s Safety tor, and the appropriate personal protective
Based on your recent experiences, Management System (SMS) and regular crew equipment must be worn.
what were the major changes training. Also, the psychological well-being
in relation to the previous SIRE of on-board personnel is paramount, and Treat the inspector with politeness and calm-
inspections? the company plays a vital role in boosting ness, and speak openly to him, without being
SIRE 2.0 revolutionizes vessel inspection their confidence. afraid or stressed. Be familiar with your tasks
with a risk-ranking system categorizing The senior officers should be well familiar and responsibilities, and share/demonstrate
questions into Core and Rotational, focus- with company procedures for reporting de- the work you are responsible for. There is no
ing on Hardware, Processes, and the Human fects/failures to vessel structure, machinery blame culture, so do not be afraid to answer.
Factor. The SIRE 2.0 program focuses on the and equipment to shore based manage- In case you do not know the answer, respond
effective management of defects, onboard ment through the company defect reporting by stating who you would ask or where you
procedures, and crew familiarity with the system and to be able to demonstrate that would find the information.
tasks they perform. Overall, SIRE 2.0 pays all defects/failures have been reported
closer attention to the human element and accordingly. All open defects/failures ex- I would like to express my gratitude to my
the crew’s familiarity with company proce- isting on board the vessel at the time of chief engineer Bougioukas Markos, for his
dures and the operation of equipment. inspection, except the sudden ones should suggestions/comments on this writing.

24 MINERVA IN FOCUS – ISSUE 26 / Q4 2023