ISM

Question 1

What is the ISM Code?

Answer 1

• ISM Code came into force in 1998 through SOLAS Ch 9. It provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships as well as pollution prevention. It does this through a Safety Management System (SMS).

Question 2

What are the objectives of the ISM Code?

Answer 2

• Safety of Personel, Environment, Property (PEP) and to avoid human error

Question 3

What is an SMS?

Answer 3

• A ship’s safety management system is a document of the company’s management procedures that ensures all aspects of safety and environmental protection are planned, organised, executed and checked in accordance with legislative and company requirements.

Question 4

What are the Six Requirements of an SMS?

Answer 4

1. Safety and envo policy
2. Operational procedures for rotuine jobs
3. Defined levels of authority and lines of communication.
4. Procedures for accident reporting and non-conformities.
5. Emergency procedures
6. Procedures for internal audits and management reviews.

Question 5

What are the responsibilities of the Company?

Answer 5

To ensure adequate resources and staff to allow the DPA to perform their duties.

Question 6

What are the responsibilities of the DPA?

Answer 6

• The DPA is the link between the company and the ship. He has direct access to the highest level of management and monitors the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the ship’s operations.

Question 7

What are the responsibilities of the Master?

Answer 7

• Implementation of safety and envo policy
• Encourages compliance by developing a safety culture
• Reviews the SMS and reports any deficiencies

Question 8

What is a Document of Compliance (DOC)?

Answer 8

• Issued/audited to the company by Flag, valid for 5 years (audited annually)
• Evidence that company complies with the ISM Code

Question 9

What is an Interim DOC?

Answer 9

• A temporary certifcate recognising the company is compliant with the ISM code

Question 10

What is Safety Management Cert?

Answer 10

• Issued to ship by Flag, valid for 5 years
• Evidence that the ship complies with the approved SMS

Question 11

When is an interim SMC issued?

Answer 11

• New builds
• Change in company
• Change in Flag
• Large structural change
• Change in navigational area

Question 12

Why are there interim DOCs and SMCs?

Answer 12

• New companies and new ships have no practical operational experince.
• Interim certifcates approve a company procedures and the ships SMS
• It is then on the Company and ship to collect evidence before the next aduit to prove that their system works and then they can be issued with a full DOC / SMC.

Question 13

How long is a interim SMC valid for and can it be extended?

Answer 13

• 6 months
• Can be extended by 6 months

Question 14

How long is in an interim DOC valid for?

Answer 14

• 12 months

Question 15

How many months of vessel operations must be complete before the initial audit?

Answer 15

3 months

Question 16

Who is issued a interim DOC?

Answer 16

• New established company
• Existing company adding a new ship type

Question 17

Can a SMC and DOC be removed?

Answer 17

Yes, if there is a MNC

Question 18

If the DOC is withdrawn is the SMC effected?

Answer 18

Yes, all SMCs for that type of DOC will be invalid

Question 19

What type of audits are there for ISM DOC and SMC?

Answer 19

• Audit for issuing Interim cert
• Initial
• Intermediate, between 2nd and 3rd year (SMC only)
• Annual, +/- 3 months
• Renewal, - 3 months (cannot be after expiry date)
• Additional, as required for verfication of effective actions following a MNC

Question 20

Is the SMC still valid if the vessel is in warm lay up?

Answer 20

• Yes, SMC to remain valid and audits should be carried out
• SMS would need to be revised to cover activties required during lay up
• If the lay up lasts longer then 3 months and additional ISM audit will be required

Question 21

Is the SMC valid if the vessel is in cold lay up?

Answer 21

• No, SMC and ISSC will be withdrawn
• On reacativation the vessel will be treated as a new ship (i.e interim cert issued)