The ISM Code Flashcards
The SOLAS Convention - its main safety protocols concerns what areas?
(1) the International Safety Management Code (ISM)
(2) the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS)
(3) the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG)
(4) the International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC)
(5) the International Gas Carrier Code (IGC)
The ISM Code’s underlying objective is?
ISM = the International Safety Management Code
- provide an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships, and
- for pollution prevention
What type of ships are required to comply?
- over 500GT
GT: measure of the volume of a ship’s TOTAL internal spaces
Investigations into maritime accidents over the years have highlighted what as a major cause?
- human error
- identifying shortcomings on the part of both ship and shore staff in the area of ship management
How does the ISM Code seek to address the human error issue - 2 fundamental ways:
(1) requires all vessels to carry an operations guide containing instructions and information for he safe and efficient operation of the ship
(2) requires shipowners to nominate a Designated Person (DP) within their management to oversee the operation of the ships and to ensure that provision is made for compliance with the operations guide.
What is the requirement of the DP / Designated Person Ashore (DPA) ?
- to have access to the highest level of management in the company
WHY?
- company boards of directors cannot deny knowledge of shortcomings in the event of an accident involving a breach of the code.
What must be developed y the company boards of directors in respect of the ISM Code?
- own safety management system (SMS)
This can take any form as long as it meets the provisions of the ISM Code.
What are the objectives of the ISM Code?
(1) safety at sea
(2) prevention of injury and loss of life
(3) avoidance of damage to the environment and particular, the marine environment
The SMS (safety management system) must include what?
(1) a safety and environmental protection policy
(2) instructions and procedures to ensure the safe operation of ships and protection of the environment, in compliance with relevant 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 with its provisions
(5) procedures to prepare for and respond to emergency situations
(6) procedures for internal audits and management reviews
The ISM Code is mandatory. In principle, it should help to…?
Ensure compliance with the rules and regulations and effective enforcement by flag states.
The underlying hope is that a safety culture will be developed and that, by creating an SMS, a shipowner or operator can identify areas for ongoing improvement, thus leading to a reduction in casualties.
How often are ships audited?
Who audits the ships?
Every 2 years to ensure
- have a safety management system
- it is up to date and complied with
- audits are done by the flag state authorities OR by classification society on the flag state’s behalf.
Describe the process relating to the SMS, DOC and SMC
(1) a document of compliance (DOC) is issued to a shipowner when the shoreside aspects of the SMS pass the requirements of the ISM Code
(2) The DOC is specific to each ship type for which the SMS has been implemented at the time of the audit
(3) a copy of the DOC should always be kept on board each ship. The DOC is valid for 5 years but requires annual re-verification
(4) following a successful audit, a safety management certificate (SMC) is issued to each ship as long as the operating company holds a valid DOC for the shoreside operations.
The original SMC should stay with the ship with a copy held onshore.
The SMC is valid for 5 years but an interim review is required between two and three years after initial issuance.
What must a ship have first in order for a SMC be issued?
- a successful audit
- the operating company holds a valid DOC (document of compliance)
When the shoreside aspects of the SMS pass the requirements of the ISM Code, what is issued to a shipowner?
Document of Compliance (DOC)
