International Safety Management Code Quiz

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code is a global standard for the safe operation of ships and pollution prevention. The shipping company is responsible for its operations under the ISM Code. Non-conformities indicate unmet requirements, with major non-conformities posing significant safety threats. Safety management aims for continuous improvement, emergency preparedness, safe operations, and environmental protection.

Safety Management System (SMS)

• SMS should ensure that applicable codes, guidelines, and standards are considered
• SMS should establish, implement, and maintain a documented system for personnel for safety and environmental protection
• Company should define, describe, and document responsibilities, authorities, and interrelations of personnel managing and verifying safety and pollution prevention activities via charts/job descriptions
• Designated Person (DP) role is to ensure safe ship operation, connect company with those onboard, and monitor safety/pollution prevention aspects
• DP should have adequate resources and shore-based support with appropriate knowledge and experience
• DP's responsibilities include monitoring safety/pollution aspects, and verifying qualifications
• Shipboard presence of DP is as necessary
• Master's responsibilities include implementing company safety/environmental policy, issuing orders, verifying SMS procedures are followed, Reporting safety deficiencies to company
• Methods include Standing orders, bridge night order books, checklists

Company Responsibilities

• Company must ensure the Safety and Environmental Policy is established and maintained
• Company should describe how objectives of the ISM code will be achieved
• Company's safety objectives should be above standards in the ISM code
• Company can contract with third parties for ship-related activities (manning, technical support, maintenance). However, only one Document of Compliance can be issued
• Company remains responsible for all activities concerning SMS, even if subcontracted
• Company is responsible for providing adequate support to the DP
• Company should report non-conformities, accidents, and hazardous situations, investigate, and improve safety
• Company should have written procedures for corrective actions
• Company should ensure that personnel transferred get familiarization training
• Management personnel involved should have a good understanding of relevant rules, regulations, codes, and guidelines, which can be communicated via relevant materials
• Company should ensure procedures are in place for key shipboard operations with safety and pollution as primary objectives

Emergency Procedures

• Establish procedures for responding to emergency shipboard operations
• Procedures include drills, personnel responsibilities, resources, communications, and documentation for reporting, investigation, improvement related to safety and pollution
• Emergency procedures should include considerations for routine drills and procedures for emergencies

Additional ISM Requirements

• Verification of compliance through periodic audits to ensure SMS is followed
• Maintain records and documents related to the SMS, and change/remove obsolete documents
• Establish procedures for routine vessel inspections
• Personnel should identify, describe, and correct non-conformities promptly
• Correcting non-conformities reduces risks
• Company should have procedures established for corrective actions
• Testing and maintenance of inactive/standby equipment and associated systems are part of company's PMS
• Management reviews should be conducted at least periodically and be conducted by an independent person
• Documents should be comprehensive and clear, written in a language that the crew understands, and reviewed by appropriate parties

ISM Code Applications and Validity

• ISM Code applies to ships over 500 Gross Tonnes (GRT)
• Validity of a short-term Safety Management Certificate (SMC) is 5-6 months
• A vessel's hull and machinery will be completely inspected over a 5-year cycle for "continuous survey"
• Document of Compliance (DOC), valid for 3 months, is issued for the company
• Company's and vessel's SMS are evaluated through audits and reviewed by appropriate bodies
• Interim SMC issued to new ships and vessels for 6 months
• Establish clear and defined roles and communication for SMS requirements

Key Concepts

• Risk assessment is important for safety and pollution prevention
• "Observation" in ISM Code means a statement of fact made during audits sustained by objective evidence
• "Non-conformity": Objective evidence shows non-fulfillment of specified requirement
• "Administration": Refers to the flag state
• "Designated Person (DP)": A crucial link between the company and the crew onboard
• "SMS": Has to be a dynamic system (dynamic system allows adjustments for crew and ship needs)

Test your knowledge on the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the Safety Management System (SMS). This quiz covers key concepts such as non-conformity and the responsibilities of shipping companies to ensure safety and prevent pollution. Understand how the ISM Code ensures safe ship operations and environmental protection.