CSM announces digital world-first crew Self-Assessment Tool

(Posted on 03/12/23)

Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) is set to further boost operational efficiency on its vessels, as crew members will be able to prepare for the new regime of the SIRE 2.0 ship inspection programme with the help of a world-first digital Self-Assessment Tool.

The new Kaiko Systems solution will enable seafarers to prioritise their daily tasks better through rank-specific questionnaires, provide them with necessary hardware and process and human element preparation for each relevant area, allowing them to automatically report, easily manage and categorise findings.

With the OCIMF’s new SIRE 2.0 regime on the horizon, ship managers around the world are preparing themselves for the new and updated Ship Inspection Report Programme - the first update since 1993.

SIRE 2.0 plans to future-proof the tanker inspection process in line with evolving risks, technology and expertise. The digitalised inspection programme will transform how inspections are conducted and will support industry efforts to continuously enhance safety.

Kaiko Systems has created the new Self-Assessment Tool to take the worry out of preparing for SIRE 2.0 which will become mandatory on more than 12,000 vessels next year. Kaiko’s product team has worked with vetting inspectors and industry-leading organisations to simplify over 1,200 pages of guidance into one simple mobile application.

The digital tool empowers vetting managers and technical superintendents to identify risks across their fleets. By highlighting the areas of concern for every crew member and every vessel, the final touches of vetting preparation can be conducted in a more strategic, targeted and efficient manner in the run-up to the inspection date. Vetting teams can ensure that all crew members are optimally prepared to answer any question the SIRE 2.0 inspector may ask.

CSM, member of the Columbia Group, selected Kaiko Systems earlier this year for use on its fleet of vessels to help maximise efficiencies with the use of data-driven technology that aims to prevent incidents through vessel condition insights. It has enabled crews to collect relevant information on vessel condition themselves and conduct maintenance and inspection operations using the mobile-first app, which guides them through maintenance and inspections, while facilitating real-time data collection.

Columbia Group CEO, Mark O’Neil welcomed the technological step forward, saying: “Crew members around the world are going to be looking at and trying to understand the new processes needed for the updated SIRE 2.0 inspection programme, and how that will impact them when it is introduced next year.

"Columbia is delighted to be working with Kaiko Systems and bringing the latest technology onboard our vessels. The new Self-Assessment Tool makes preparing for this new regime much easier and allows crews to be guided by the smartphone app, through the latest AI technology and self-reporting functions. This new solution confirms our commitment to our people, providing them with the very best digital solutions to carry out their jobs to the best possible standards.”