Training & certificates: what SIRE 2.0 inspectors ask and find
The officers' matrix, discharge books, endorsements and course certificates have to match each other and the ship type.
What the inspector wants to see
- Officers' matrix matching discharge books
- Cargo endorsements for the ship type
- Simulator and BRM/ERM course certificates in date
Questions inspectors ask about Training & certificates
Can all familiarisation items, including reading the SMS manual, be signed on the same day?
No. Spread them over the recommended periods (e.g. within 24 hrs, 7 days and 30 days). Everything signed on one date was flagged.
Which familiarisation items apply specifically to the ETO?
Power generation, electrical and electronic equipment, and all bridge alarms. Inspectors noted there was no dedicated ETO page in the checklist.
Which familiarisation items are often missed for catering staff and engineers?
Work familiarisation for catering staff, CO2/foam release for everyone, and cargo watch items for engineers (CCR alarms, BWTS start/stop, IG/N2, power pack, VECS).
What do inspectors expect for behavioural competency assessments (BCA)?
A BCA summary per crew member since joining, showing progress in navigation, cargo, mooring, engineering and bunkering, done by designated assessors with valid training.
What engine room simulator training must engineers have?
A shore-based ER simulator course within 5 years, per IMO model 1.39/2.07: 21 hrs (3 days) operational level, 40 hrs (5 days) management level. A one-day course was flagged.
What should an ER simulator course certificate state?
Emergency machinery operation, the ship's propulsion type and the IMO model course duration. Certificates missing these were flagged.
There are 17 Training & certificates questions in NilObs, with spaced repetition so the ones you miss come back. Practise them free.
Real Training & certificates observations, and how to avoid them
The familiarisation checklist did not cover job-specific tasks and equipment for galley and catering staff.
Avoid it: Make sure catering staff get documented familiarisation on galley equipment and its hazards.
A navigation assessment report left the assessor's qualifications and seagoing experience blank.
Avoid it: Check navigation assessment reports include the assessor's qualifications and experience before filing.
Another navigation assessment report also omitted the assessor's qualifications and experience.
Avoid it: Ask the assessor to fill in qualification and experience details before the report is closed.
Engineer officers' simulator training certificates did not state the propulsion type covered.
Avoid it: Check that engineer simulator certificates state the relevant propulsion type.
No summary records showed staff progress in the company's behavioural competency assessment programme.
Avoid it: Keep a summary of each crew member's behavioural competency assessments on board.
Engineers' familiarisation with where procedures sit in the SMS was judged insufficient, as they struggled to find them.
Avoid it: Include finding your way around the SMS in joining familiarisation.
The navigation assessment report did not include the assessor's qualifications and seagoing experience; these were only produced at the end of the inspection.
Avoid it: Make sure assessor qualifications are written into each navigation assessment report.
The mooring familiarisation checklist was only for crew new to mooring, so none had used it, despite the ship's uncommon hydraulic winch brakes.
Avoid it: Do ship-specific familiarisation on unusual equipment, like hydraulic winch brakes, whatever your experience.
Who answers for Training & certificates
Master, Deck Cadet, Engine Cadet, Cook, Steward / Messman, Marine Superintendent, Vetting Manager / Superintendent, HSEQ Manager, Designated Person Ashore, Fleet Manager, Crewing Manager, Training Officer, Other role. NilObs picks the questions and the daily drill for your role.
Rehearse Training & certificates before your next inspection.
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Other topics
ECDIS9 observationsRadar4 observationsUKC3 observationsPassage planning5 observationsGMDSS10 observationsAlarm & power-fail tests3 observationsEquipment tests vs PMS23 observationsDocuments & SMS51 observationsRest hours & drills17 observationsDefect reporting29 observationsWatchkeeping16 observationsSteering2 observationsLSA & FFA31 observationsEngine room50 observationsCargo69 observationsPIQ accuracy46 observationsPermits & RA11 observationsEmergency equipment43 observationsGas testing & enclosed space61 observationsPPE & personal safety21 observationsPollution prevention27 observationsSecurity & cyber11 observationsHull & condition31 observationsMooring & access59 observations