SIRE 2.0’s path to zero incidents

In a video interview recorded at the 2025 Chemical & Product Tanker Conference, John T Essberger SSHEQ manager Niall Mushet provided a compelling analysis of SIRE 2.0, an evolved safety inspection regime that aims to drive the industry towards zero incidents.

Mr Mushet explained that SIRE 2.0 represents a shift from focusing on "how things are done" to understanding "why things are done."

This approach, he believes, helps foster a deeper understanding among crew members and stakeholders about the necessity of safety practices, ultimately leading to improved execution and adherence to safety protocols.

“The logic behind this change is simple,” Mr Mushet stated in his interview. “If the crew understands why they are required to perform certain tasks, they gain a better understanding of how to do it correctly.”

This shift in focus is at the heart of the new safety culture that SIRE 2.0 seeks to cultivate.

At the conference, Mr Mushet elaborated on how the introduction of SIRE 2.0 was driven by the industry’s collective desire to achieve zero incidents. He highlighted while the framework provides more robust and nuanced safety assessments, the success of the initiative depends on the active participation of all involved companies.

Under SIRE 2.0, inspectors have been empowered to issue positive observations, a critical shift designed to encourage a more constructive safety culture.

However, Mr Mushet pointed out the criteria for positive observations must evolve to reflect the changing landscape of maritime safety.

“The criteria for positive observations needs to evolve,” he noted.

This is crucial in ensuring safety practices continue to advance and align with modern safety standards, as well as ensuring operators and crews remain motivated to strive for continuous improvement.

Mr Mushet’s insights resonated with many in the industry, particularly in a session where the regulatory landscape and its impact on tanker operations were central themes.

SIRE 2.0, with its focus on preventative measures and evolving criteria for inspections, is designed to help reduce human error, a leading cause of incidents in the maritime industry.

To learn more about the key changes brought by SIRE 2.0 and the role of positive reinforcement in safety inspections, watch the full interview with Niall Mushet.