ISM

Question 1

What is ISM?

Answer 1

International Safety Management Code

Made mandatory in 1998, amended in 2010, by SOLAS Chapter IX, the ISM Code aims to minimise large scale incidents and eliminate the opportunities for small incidents to occur regarding safety at sea, prevention of human injury, and avoidance of damage to the environment and to property.

The code is mandatory for vessels over 500gt but can be adopted on vessels below 500gt.

Question 2

What documentation is required under ISM?

Answer 2

L Document of Compliance (DOC)

Issued to the company (copy kept onboard) with a five-year validity. Subject to annual external audits by the Flag State or Class.

Safety Management Certificate (SMC)

Issued to every ship by the Flag State or Class after verification that the shipboard management is operated in line with the approved SMS.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the DPA?

Answer 3

Designated Person Ashore (DPA)

The DPA is appointed to provide a clear link between those onboard the vessel and the highest level of management within the company.

Any member of the crew has the right to contact the DPA at any time and the DPA’s contact details are to be posted around the vessel.

Question 4

What is the contents of an SMS?

Answer 4

1. The company’s safety and environmental policy;
2. Instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of the vessel in compliance with international and flag state legislation;
3. Defined levels of authority and lines of communication between, and amongst, shore and shipboard personnel;
4. Procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities;
5. Programmes for drills and exercises for emergency situations;
6. Procedures for internal audits and management reviews;
7. Regular safety meetings;
8. Training and familiarisation programmes.