INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CODE FOR SAFE OPERATION OF SHIPS

INTERNATIONAL MANAGEMENT CODE FOR SAFE OPERATION OF SHIPS AND POLLUTION PREVENTION (ISM-CODE)

BACKGROUND 1987 Joint MSC/MEPC working group on: “Role of the human element in maritime casualties” - Statistic figures state 80 % of accident caused by human error - Not always man/woman who made mistake real cause - Vital role of shore-based and shipboard management 1993 “International Management Code for Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention” adopted by IMO resolution A. 741(18) known as ISM Code 1994 ISM Code part of SOLAS 74 (Chapter IX) 1995 “Guidelines for the implementation of the ISM Code by Administrations” adopted by IMO resolution A. 788 (19)

SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM n n n A SHIPPING COMPANY SHOULD DEVELOP: A safety & environmental protection policy Instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of ships and protection of the environment Defined levels of authority and lines of communication between, and amongst shore and shipboard personnel Procedures for reporting accidents and nonconformaties with provisions of the Code Procedures to prepare for and respond to emergency Procedures for internal audits and management reviews

SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY THE COMPANY SHOULD n n Establish a safety and environmental protection policy which describes how the objectives will be achieved Enshure that the policy is implemented and maintained at all levels of the organisation. both: - On ships - Ashore

MASTER’S RESPONSIBILITY & AUTHORITY The company should clearly define and document the master’s responsibility with regard to: n n n Implementing the safety and environmental policy of the company Motivating the crew in observation of that policy Issuing appropriate orders and instructions in a clear and simple manner Verifying that specified requirements are observed reviewing the SMS and reporting its deficiencies to the shorebased management

DESIGNATED PERSON(S) To ensure the safe operation of each ship and to provide a link between the company and those on board, the company should: Designate a person (s) ashore having direct access to the highest level of management to: Monitor the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the operation of each ship Ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support are applied as required

RESOURCES & PERSONNEL THE COMPANY SHOULD: n Ensure that each vessel is manned with qualified, certified and medically fit seafarers n Enshure that the crew must be familiarized with the SMS, and training for new crew before sailing is compulsory

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS THE COMPANY SHOULD: n Establish procedures to indentify, describe and respond to potential emergency shipboard situations n Establish programmes for drills and exercises to prepare for emergency action THE SMS SHOULD: n Provide for measures ensuring that the company’s organisation can respond at any time to hazards, accidents and emergency situations involving its ships

MAINTENANCE OF SHIP & EQUIPMENT PROCEDURES AND PLANS MUST BE MADE FOR: n Inspections at regular intervals n Any non-conformity to be reported with its possible cause n Appropriate corrective action can be taken n Records of these activities are maintained n Testing of operational failures which may result in hazardous situations and actions for emergency operations are available

DOCUMENTATION THE COMPANY SHOULD: n Establish and maintain procedures to control all documents and data which is relevant to SMS n Ensure that: Valid documents are available at all relevant locations Changes to documents are reviewed and approved by authorised personnel Obsolete documents are promptly removed Each ship should carry on board all the documentation relevant to that ship.

CERTIFICATION After initial survey by Flag Administration or Classification certificate will be issued Certificate consists of two parts: - Document of Compliance (shore-based company) - Safety Management Certificate (ship) (each vessel should hold verified copy of Do. C) Valid period for certificate is 3 years pending on annual surveys

AUDITS n Internal audits By company pesonnel at regular intervals. Results must be brought to the attention of the personnel involved n External audits By Flag State or Classification surveyor

APPLICATION n All Ro-Ro passenger ferries in EU waters (1 -7 -96) n Passenger ships, oil tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and high speed cargo craft over 500 GT. 1 -7 -1998 n Cargo ships and mobile offshore units over 500 GT 1 -7 -2002