ISM Code Flashcards
What are the two parts of the ISM Code?
Part A - Implementation
Part B - Certification and Verification
Which Chapter of SOLAS pertains to the ISM Code?
Chapter IX - Management for the Safe Operation of Ships
What are the two certificates issued to indicate compliance with the ISM Code?
- Document of Compliance
2. Safety Management Certificate
Is a Document of Compliance issued to a ship or to a company?
The DoC is issued to the company
Is a Safety Management Certificate issued to a ship or to a company?
The SMC is issued to the ship
Explain the validity and survey regime for a Document of Compliance
It lasts for 5 years and is subject to an Initial, Annual, and Renewal survey
Explain the validity and survey regime for a Safety Management Certificate
It lasts for 5 years and is subject to an Initial, Intermediate (between years 2-3), and Renewal survey
Explain why an Interim Document of Compliance might be issued
Issued to newly-established companies or when a company takes on a new type of ship
Explain why an Interim Safety Management Certificate might be issued
Issued when a company takes on a new ship or when a vessel changes flag state
How long is an Interim Document of Compliance valid for?
12 months
How long is an Interim Safety Management Certificate valid for?
6 months
If a short-term Document of Compliance is issued on the day of an audit, how long is it valid for?
5 months
To which vessels does the ISM Code apply?
The ISM Code applies to all ships, regardless of size or build date
What is the objective of the ISM Code?
To ensure
- Safety at sea
- Prevention of human injury or loss of life
- Avoidance of damage to the environment
What are the 6 requirements of an SMS?
- Safety and environmental-protection policy
- Instructions and procedures for safe operation
- Defined levels of authority and lines of communication between ship and shore
- Reporting procedures for accident and non-conformities
- Emergency preparation and response procedures
- Internal audits and management reviews
What are the Master’s responsibilities under Chapter 5 of the ISM Code?
- Implement safety and environmental-protection policy
- Motivate crew in observance of these policies
- Issues clear orders and instructions
- Verify that specific requirements are observed
- Review SMS and report deficiencies to shore management
Super secret sixth option:
- Ensure all equipment is maintained
How often must the SMS be reviewed?
At least annually, although many companies require it to be done once per contract for each Master
Explain the difference between an Observation and a Non-Conformity
An observation is evidence of minor non-compliance with the SMS. An NC is objective evidence of non-implementation of the SMS
Explain the difference between a Non-Conformity and a Major Non-Conformity
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
What is a Deficiency? Give an example of how a deficiency could escalate into a Non-Conformity.
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
