SIRE Operator - Transfer of Vessel Between operators

When a vessel is to be transferred between operators and both organisations are SIRE users the vessel records also need to be transferred between operators.

Moving a record keeps the recent inspection history of the vessel as well as particulars documents which are then made available to the new operator. It is usually the responsibility of the operators involved in the movement of a vessel to ensure that it is transferred in a timely way. 

There are a few steps required for both the current and new operator to complete. 

1. Current operator to detach vessel record from their SIRE account

First of all the operator that is currently registered will need to follow the procedure to detach the vessel from their account. Full instructions on how to do this can be found here. When completing this step please ensure that you choose the option to "Detach" rather than "Decommission" the vessel, as this will not allow the new operator to add the existing vessel to their account. 

Once this step is completed, please ensure the new operator is made aware if you are able to do so.

2. New operator adds the vessel to their account

If the vessel has been detached correctly, the new operator should now be able to add it to their account. To carry out this step, follow the instructions that can be found here. 

Once completed it should now be shown in your vessel list within SIRE. Previous inspection history and particulars documents will be available to you. Once the record has been transferred it is advisable to ensure that particulars are checked and updated as soon as possible to ensure they are as accurate as possible.

Common Vessel transfer problems

1. Vessel has been decommissioned not detached by a previous operator

This is not an uncommon issue. When a vessel is decommissioned in SIRE it does not make the vessel available to other operators to add if required. If as a new operator you attempt to add it to your account and receive error messages when entering the vessel details (the error may vary so cannot be specified here), it is likely that this has happened. If this is the issue you experience, please contact the OCIMF support desk at the following address: siresupport@ocimf.org

The Helpdesk can then investigate further and if decommissioned in error we can then restore the vessel record if required. Please provide full details of any error messages you receive as well as the name of the vessels along with any identifiers (IMO/REG etc). 

2. The previous operator has not detached the vessel record and is not contactable. 

Sometimes, a new operator obtains a vessel but the previous operator does not detach the vessel from their account. The reasons for this are many and varied. In some cases it can even be because the last operator has gone out of business and is no longer maintaining their SIRE account. 

The best way to proceed where possible is to do the following: 

• First of all, if you are aware who the previous operator is, try to make contact with them and make a request for the vessel to be removed from their SIRE account. Explain that you are now the operator of the vessel and you need to add it to your account. Please allow a reasonable amount of time for them to respond (24-48 hours) and if possible send more than one request.
• If you do not hear from the operator, contact the OCIMF Helpdesk to make us aware of the situation. It would be helpful if you could also provide any documentation (such as registration documents) that clearly show the vessel details and give a clear indication that your organisation is now the operator. We will then be able to advise further.