ISM

The International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM Code) addresses the responsibilities of the people who manage and operate ships and provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.

The application of the ISM Code should support and encourage the development of a safety culture in shipping. Success factors for the development of a safety culture include: commitment, values and beliefs.

The Code establishes safety-management objectives and requires a Safety Management System (SMS) to be established by "the Company", which is defined as the shipowner or any person, such as the manager or bareboat charterer, who has assumed responsibility for operating the ship. The company is then required to establish and implement a policy for achieving these objectives. This includes providing the necessary resources and shore-based support.

From 1 July 2002, all cargo ships and mobile offshore drilling units (MODUs) of 500 gross tonnage and above must comply with the requirements of the ISM Code.

On 1 July 1998, the ISM Code became mandatory under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and from that date it applied to passenger ships, including passenger high-speed craft; and oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and cargo high-speed craft of 500 gross tonnage and above.

Other cargo ships - including general cargo ships and container ships - and mobile offshore drilling units of 500 gross tonnage and above had to comply, not later than 1 July 2002.

The Code applies to yachts over 500 gross tonnage which are engaged in trade.

What are the benefits of complying with the ISM Code?
The full and successful implementation of the ISM Code will ensure that a company has safety and environmental pollution risks under control. Among other things, a proper safety management system as required by the ISM Code should:

• Ensure that all applicable international standards are complied with
• Help prevent accidents occurring
• Ensure procedures are in place for dealing with any shipboard emergency
• Ensure there are adequate communications between ship and shoreside personnel
• Ensure that all individuals know their role and responsibility and are adequately trained and have the appropriate resources to do their job
• Ensure that all activities and operations are planned, controlled and verified

More Info
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