ISM Code

Question 1

What are the two parts of the ISM Code?

Answer 1

Part A - Implementation

Part B - Certification and Verification

Question 2

Which Chapter of SOLAS pertains to the ISM Code?

Answer 2

Chapter IX - Management for the Safe Operation of Ships

Question 3

What are the two certificates issued to indicate compliance with the ISM Code?

Answer 3

1. Document of Compliance

2. Safety Management Certificate

Question 4

Is a Document of Compliance issued to a ship or to a company?

Answer 4

The DoC is issued to the company

Question 5

Is a Safety Management Certificate issued to a ship or to a company?

Answer 5

The SMC is issued to the ship

Question 6

Explain the validity and survey regime for a Document of Compliance

Answer 6

It lasts for 5 years and is subject to an Initial, Annual, and Renewal survey

Question 7

Explain the validity and survey regime for a Safety Management Certificate

Answer 7

It lasts for 5 years and is subject to an Initial, Intermediate (between years 2-3), and Renewal survey

Question 8

Explain why an Interim Document of Compliance might be issued

Answer 8

Issued to newly-established companies or when a company takes on a new type of ship

Question 9

Explain why an Interim Safety Management Certificate might be issued

Answer 9

Issued when a company takes on a new ship or when a vessel changes flag state

Question 10

How long is an Interim Document of Compliance valid for?

Answer 10

12 months

Question 11

How long is an Interim Safety Management Certificate valid for?

Answer 11

6 months

Question 12

If a short-term Document of Compliance is issued on the day of an audit, how long is it valid for?

Answer 12

5 months

Question 13

To which vessels does the ISM Code apply?

Answer 13

The ISM Code applies to all ships, regardless of size or build date

Question 14

What is the objective of the ISM Code?

Answer 14

To ensure

1. Safety at sea
2. Prevention of human injury or loss of life
3. Avoidance of damage to the environment

Question 15

What are the 6 requirements of an SMS?

Answer 15

1. Safety and environmental-protection policy
2. Instructions and procedures for safe operation
3. Defined levels of authority and lines of communication between ship and shore
4. Reporting procedures for accident and non-conformities
5. Emergency preparation and response procedures
6. Internal audits and management reviews

Question 16

What are the Master’s responsibilities under Chapter 5 of the ISM Code?

Answer 16

1. Implement safety and environmental-protection policy
2. Motivate crew in observance of these policies
3. Issues clear orders and instructions
4. Verify that specific requirements are observed
5. Review SMS and report deficiencies to shore management

Super secret sixth option:

6. Ensure all equipment is maintained

Question 17

How often must the SMS be reviewed?

Answer 17

At least annually, although many companies require it to be done once per contract for each Master

Question 18

Explain the difference between an Observation and a Non-Conformity

Answer 18

An observation is evidence of minor non-compliance with the SMS. An NC is objective evidence of non-implementation of the SMS

Question 19

Explain the difference between a Non-Conformity and a Major Non-Conformity

Answer 19

An NC is objective evidence of non-implementation of the SMS. A Major NC directly affects safety or the marine environment and requires immediate correction

Question 20

What is a Deficiency? Give an example of how a deficiency could escalate into a Non-Conformity.

Answer 20

A deficiency is a fault with the vessel, its equipment, or its paperwork. For example, an out of date HRU is a deficiency. If you go to replace it and find that there are no spare HRUs onboard, it is now a Non-Conformity