Safety update

for welding on tankers

What are the revisions in OCIMF SIRE 2.0 and what actions
do you need to take to stay compliant?
Safety update for welding on tankers 01

Introduction
Seafarers have to carry out a variety of challenging tasks to ensure optimal
maintenance and smooth operation of the vessel. Welding and other hot work can
be particularly risky. Fires or explosions onboard tankers are especially dangerous
as flammable cargoes can potentially cause crew fatality and destroy the entire
vessel. Hence, proper safety standards and inspections must be enforced to
ensure the safety and welfare of crew members at all times.

Launched in 1993, the OCIMF governs tanker safety through its risk assessment
tool and Inspection Report Program (SIRE) database, with the Vessel Inspection
Oil Companies International Marine Forum
Questionnaire Seventh Edition (VIQ 7) requiring all ship operators to annually
inspect and replace/refurbish all critical gas equipment every five years.

Human factors take center stage in new approach

The SIRE inspection regime has now been revised and enhanced, with the launch of SIRE 2.0 expected in Q4 2022. SIRE 2.0
transforms operational safety culture through a risk-based approach that takes human factors into account across the entire
inspection process. As an example, the questionnaire comparison below clearly illustrate the difference between VIQ 7 and
SIRE 2.0 on Hot Work Procedures and Management:

VIQ 7 Q5.24 SIRE 2.0 Q5.5.2

Were the Master, Officers and, where directly involved,

Are Officers aware of the requirements for hot work
Ratings familiar with the company hot work procedure,
and are hot work procedures in accordance with the
and was evidence available to demonstrate that hot work
recommendations of ISGOTT and OCIMF guidelines?
had been conducted in accordance with the procedure?

Everything you need to know to comply

Based on the SIRE 2.0 Question Library and supporting documentation, this brochure explains the key updates for welding
and how tanker operators can remain compliant with the new regulations.

SIRE 2.0 Q10.3.7:

Gas Welding & Cutting Equipment (VIQ 7 Q5.26) updates –
changes you need to implement

• Use of flashback arrestors on both torch and gas regulators for long lengths
of AC-OX gas hoses.

• Ensure the AC-OX gas hoses are in compliance with ISO 3821 / EN 559 and in good
condition by performing bend test and visual inspection.

• Ensure good safety practices by purging all remaining gases in-line and keeping
the gas equipment and cylinder valves closed after completion of the work.

• Ensure all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Gas Welding and Cutting use
is well maintained.

• Ensure signages and safety posters are available, especially “No Smoking” signs.
Safety update for welding on tankers 02

SIRE 2.0 Q10.3.8:

Electric Arc Welding Equipment (VIQ 7 Q5.25) updates –
changes you need to implement
• Ensure Engineers, Officers and Ratings are all
aware of safety precautions for electric arc welding
equipment and its use, with written guidelines posted Welding Workshop
in the vessel workshop.

• Ensure adequate main power supply capacity with Welding Curtains Welding Safety
Welding Fume Poster
auto cut-off in event of a fault. Extraction Unit
Approved
Main 1P/3P Power
Supply Ratings
• Ensure the welding machine’s open circuit voltage
Return clamped
(OCV) is in compliance i.e., max 25 VAC or 70 VDC,
Appropriate
to workpiece
Welding PPE

and that the machine is in well-maintained condition. Compliant Welding

Power Source
Good, well insulated

• Ensure the welding machine’s accessories e.g., Fire Extinguisher

and approved
welding accessories

electrode holder, return clamp and welding cables

are in good condition and fully insulated. The return
clamp must be clamped as close as possible to work
piece and not on the ship’s structure. Twisty-type Welding
Consumables Storage
electrode holder with no electrode should be left on
holder after completion of work.

• Ensure proper storage for welding consumables.

• Ensure all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Electric Arc Welding use is well maintained.

• Ensure the welding fumes extraction unit, welding curtains or screens are in good condition.

Helping you stay compliant with

SIRE 2.0 for Welding Safety

Welding Safety Compliant Global Technical

Inspection (WSI) Products Support

Our Global Port Service Engineers Through our global network we Members of our global technical
provide an annual inspection service provide easily available, high-quality support team are always on hand to
to help you ensure safe management welding and cutting products that help you with technical and product
of welding equipment and are safe and compliant with maritime enquiries, as well as providing advice
accessories onboard your vessels. regulations and requirements on Welding Standardization.
including SIRE 2.0.

Reference: https://www.ocimf.org/ja/news-and-events-7/news/bulletins/sire-2-0-question-library-published
Safety update for welding on tankers 03

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Notice: The information and guidelines in this Welding Safety Updates are based on general
information and knowledge at hand and are believed to be accurate and reliable, but the information
and guidelines are not to be taken as a guarantee or warranty for a special purpose. The information
and guidelines are provided to the customers solely for his/her own consideration, and Wilhelmsen
Ships Service AS assumes no legal responsibility or liability for eventual damages and/or losses
should the information and/or guidelines turn out to be incorrect or unsuitable. Wilhelmsen Ships
Service AS is not liable for any loss or damages whatsoever and howsoever arising which is due
to force majeure, other events beyond the reasonable control of Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS or
events that could not reasonably be foreseen by Wilhelmsen Ships Service AS when this document
was made. Wilhelmsen Ship Service AS is in no event liable for indirect, incidental or consequential
damages or losses, including damages for loss of profits. These conditions are automatically
accepted by anybody using the information and guidelines in this Welding Safety Updates.