International Safety Management (ISM) Code: A Comprehensive Overview

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code is a crucial framework for the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention. It establishes an international standard for safety management and ensures the continuous improvement of safety practices within the maritime industry.

(a) Management Review and its Agenda

Management Review is a cornerstone of an effective Safety Management System (SMS) under the ISM Code. Its primary purpose is to evaluate the SMS's effectiveness and implement necessary improvements to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.

The typical agenda for a Management Review includes:

• Internal Audit Results: Examination of findings from internal safety audits.
• Non-Conformities, Accidents, Incidents, and Near Misses: Analysis of all safety-related occurrences.
• Corrective/Preventive Actions: Review of the effectiveness of actions taken to address issues.
• Feedback from Ship Personnel: Consideration of input from the crew regarding safety practices.
• Review of Safety and Environmental Objectives: Assessment of progress towards established safety and environmental goals.
• Changes in Regulations or Standards: Discussion of any new or revised regulatory requirements.
• Recommendations for Improvement: Proposing and planning for enhancements to the SMS.

(b) Functional Requirements and Objectives of the Code

The objectives of the ISM Code are to:

• Ensure the safe operation of ships.
• Prevent human injury or loss of life.
• Avoid damage to the environment, particularly the marine environment.

To achieve these objectives, the Code outlines several functional requirements for a Safety Management System:

• A clearly defined safety and environmental protection policy.
• Defined lines of authority and communication for all personnel.
• Established procedures for emergency preparedness and response.
• Procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities.
• Implementation of regular internal audits and management reviews.
• Documented procedures for all key shipboard operations.
• Provision of adequate resources and shore-based support to the vessel.

(c) Master's Responsibility and Authority

Under the ISM Code, the Master holds a pivotal role in the successful implementation and maintenance of the SMS onboard the ship.

The Master's key responsibilities include:

• Implementing the SMS onboard and ensuring full compliance by all crew members.
• Motivating the crew to diligently observe the safety and environmental protection policy.
• Issuing appropriate orders and instructions in a clear and understandable manner to the crew.
• Periodically reviewing the SMS and reporting any deficiencies to the company.

The Master's authority is overriding; they have the ultimate authority to make decisions related to safety and environmental protection, and to request necessary assistance from the company.

(d) Certification and Periodical Verification

To ensure compliance with the ISM Code, both companies and their ships must undergo specific certification processes and periodical verifications.

Certification:

• Document of Compliance (DOC): This is issued to the company after a successful audit verifying that its shore-based SMS meets the ISM Code requirements.
• Safety Management Certificate (SMC): This is issued to each individual ship after an onboard audit confirms that the SMS is effectively implemented and maintained on that particular vessel.

Periodical Verification:

• Annual Verification: For the DOC, an annual audit must be conducted within three months before or after the anniversary date of the certificate's issuance.
• Intermediate Audit: For the SMC, at least one intermediate audit is required within its five-year period of validity.
• Renewal Audits: Both the DOC and SMC require renewal audits every five years. Upon successful completion of these audits, the certificates are re-issued, confirming continued compliance.