ISM

Question 1

Tell me about ISM?

Answer 1

Came into force in 1998 with provision made under SOLAS ch 9. Stems from the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster where it was realised a high portion of maritime accidents were contributed to human error and poor management practises.

The objectives of the Code are to ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of damage to the environment, in particular, to the marine environment, and to property.

Question 2

What can be found in the SMS

Answer 2

Safety and environmental policy
Clearly outlines the companies commitment to safety and pollution prevention

Standard Operating Procedures
For all aspects of vessel operation ie anchoring, mooring etc

Clear line of communications
Between ship and DPA/company as well as crew to Master

Reporting Methods
For non conformities, investigating accidents etc

Emergency Preparedness
Plans for emergencies - drills

Maintenance of the ship
Planned maintenance, weeklies, monthlies etc

Question 3

Observations, Non-conformities, Major Non-conformities

Answer 3

Observation:
A statement of fact made during an ISM audit that is backed by objective evidence. Ie objective evidence showing that a certain record is unavailable.

Non-conformity:
A situation where objective evidence indicates a specific requirement of the SMS wasn’t met. Ie pre-arrival checklists were not completed on multiple occasions due to the time constraints of arriving in port.

Major Non-conformity:
A deviation that:
1. poses a serious threat to the safety of personnel or the ship, or
2. poses a serious risk to the environment that requires immediate corrective action, or
3. shows a lack of effective, systematic implementation of a requirement of the code

Question 4

How would you report a non-conformity

Answer 4

• Inform DPA, Flag, Class and Port Authority
• Fill out a non-conformity form containing:
  
  • Name of vessel
  • Date of inspection
  • Originator (Master)
  • Due date
  • Reference to standard which has been breached
  • Description of non conformity and a description of corrective and preventitive actions

Question 5

Masters responsibility with regards to ISM

Answer 5

The Company should clearly define and document the master’s responsibility with regard to:
- Implementing the safety and environmental protection policy of the Company;
- Motivating the crew in the observation of that policy;
- Orders and instructions are issued in a clear and simple manner;
- Verifying that specified requirements are observed;
- Reviewing the SMS and reporting its deficiencies to the shore based management.

The Company should ensure that the SMS contains a clear statement emphasizing the Master’s authority and responsibility to make decisions with respect to safety and pollution prevention and to request the Company’s assistance as may be necessary.

Question 6

What is included in a Masters Review?

Answer 6

• Period covered by review
• Key shipboard personnel
• PSC, audits etc in previous 12 months
• Accidents, incidents, near misses or pollution incidents in previous 12 months
• Current status of observations and non-conformities onboard
• Review and feedback on specific items in SMS
• Open feedback
• Suggestions
• Overall evaluation

Question 7

ISM Certification

Answer 7

ISM Document of Compliance
500GT, Flag, 5 years, annual/renewal
Issued to the shore side management company after the SMS has been submitted to the MCA and approved incompliance with the ISM code. Copy to be kept onboard

Safety Management Certificate
500GT, Flag, 5 years, annual, intermediate, renewal
Verifies that the ship operates in accordance with the companies SMS and complies with the ISM code.

Interim Certificates
An interim DOC can be issued after the SMS has been submitted and approved. Valid for 12 months

An interim SMC can be issued when a company takes on responsibility for the ship. Valid for 6 months

Once the ship has been suveyed and found to be in compliance with the SMS and the SMS complies with the ISM code, full term certificates will be issued for both.

Question 8

How to motivate crew with respect to the SMS

Answer 8

• Lead by example
• Enagage crew at all levels and action their feedback
• Make drills enjoyable/realistic/worthwhile
• Involve crew with safety inspections
• Safety meetings engaging and worthwhile