ISM CODE ABSTRACT 1 ISM Code Abstract Gonzalez, Luis International Maritime University of Panama ISM CODE ABSTRACT 2 Content 1. What is the ISM Code (general description and implementation date)? The ISM Code is one of the required regulations in the shipping industry that provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for the prevention of environmental pollution. It was approved in its binding form in 1993 by resolution A.741 (18) and entered into force on July 1, 1998. It has been an integral part of the SOLAS Convention since 1994. This code aims to bring the aspect of maritime safety to a common platform for ships of all nationalities. This code is supported by the security management system, a system that must ensure compliance with binding rules and regulations, as well as compliance with applicable legal and organizational standards and guidelines. 2. Who does the Code apply to? The ISM Code applies to: • • • All passenger ships including passenger high speed craft, no later than 1 July 1998. Oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and cargo high speed craft of 500 tons gross tonnage and above, no later than 1 July 1998. Other cargo ships and mobile offshore drilling units of 500 tons gross tonnage and over no later than July 2002. 3. Prepare a flow chart with the ISM Code development, elements and documents. ISM CODE ABSTRACT 3 4. Which are the requirements to the shipping company by the ISM Code. The ISM Code requires every Company to develop, implement and maintain a safety management system (SMS) which includes these functional requirements: • • • • • • A safety and environmental protection policy; Instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of ships, and protection of the environment, in compliance with relevant international and flag State legislation; Defined levels of authority and lines of communication between, and amongst, shore and shipboard personnel; Procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities with the provisions of this Code; Procedures to prepare and respond to emergency situations; and Procedures for internal audits and management reviews The ISM Code also requires the DOC from the company and the SMC from the vessel. 5. List 5 samples of achievement found on those companies who have an effective SMS. • • • • • If it is needed, there is always reference material to learn. Helps with crew training due to the availability of reference material. Has made people more concerned about safety due to being legally responsible of it. It guides the crew in proper working. Supports seafarers in doing morally correct and ethical actions as well as caring more for the environment. 6. List the company sections and duties required to comply with the ISM Code. The company responsibilities referring to the Guidelines for the operational implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Companies (MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.5) are: • • • If the entity who is responsible for the operation of the ship is other than the owner, the owner must report the full name and details of such entity to the Administration. The Company should define and document the responsibility, authority and interrelation of all personnel who manage, perform and verify work relating to and affecting safety and pollution prevention. The Company is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources and shore-based support are provided to enable the designated person or persons to carry out their functions. 7. Who is DP, responsibilities, and which role-play during any ship's emergency? The Designated Person (DP), most commonly know as Designated Person Ashore, is an important piece of the safety management system adopted on board. According to the ISM Code he is responsible for ensuring that the employees who works on a vessel always comply with the right requirements and practices to keep safety. The ISM Code list three main duties of the DP: 1. The company shall designate a person who shall be responsible for monitoring the safe and efficient operation of each ship with particular regard to the safety and pollution prevention aspects. 2. In particular, the designated person shall; a. take such steps as are necessary to ensure compliance with the company safety management system on the basis of which the Document of Compliance was issued; and ISM CODE ABSTRACT 4 b. ensure that proper provision is made for each ship to be so manned, equipped and maintained that it is fit to operate in accordance with the safety management system and with statutory requirements. 3. The company shall ensure that the designated person: a. is provided with sufficient authority and resources; and b. has appropriate knowledge and sufficient experience of the operation of ships at sea and in port, to enable him to comply with paragraphs (1) and (2) above. 8. Which are the certificate issues under the ISM Code. The ISM Code comes to provide international guidelines for the safe management and operation of ships as well as pollution prevention. This Code issues 2 certificates: • • Document of Compliance (DOC): this certification is issued on behalf the Flag Administration to the company based on the type of ship; this means that said company only needs one DOC for each type of ship nor every ship it owns. To get certified the company needs to pass audits and reviews on its Safety Management System (SMS) and its implementation. This document will last for 5 years. Safety Management Certificate (SMC): this certificate is also issued on behalf the Flag Administration, but instead of been given to the company based on the type of ships, it’s given to every individual ship of the company that already haves a DOC. This document ensures that the ship complies with the onboard Safety Management Manual based on the ISM. To get certified the ship needs to successfully pass audits on its SMS based on the ISM Code. As well as the DOC, the SMC will last for 5 years. ISM CODE ABSTRACT 5 References Anish. (2020, May 29). What ISM Certificates You Require to Start a Shipping Company? Marine Insight. https://www.marineinsight.com/marine-safety/what-ism-certificatesyou-require-to-start-a-shipping-company/ Dales, K. (2016). What is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA)? Bluewater. https://www.bluewateryachting.com/blog/what-is-a-designated-person-ashore-dpa-156 International Maritime Organization. (2018). SOLAS Consolidated Edition (2018th ed.). IMO. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEw jmjonB8rXsAhUj1VkKHRi8DdYQFjAAegQIBBAC&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sam gongustofa.is%2Fmedia%2Fenglish%2FSOLAS-Consolidated-Edition2018.docx.pdf&usg=AOvVaw0IFhTnrhZsB1spV6nNlTcL International Maritime Organization. (2020). ISM Code. IMO. http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/HumanElement/SafetyManagement/Pages/ISMCode.as px Janson, E. (2013). The ISM Code. Maritrain. http://maritrain.eu/files/07-ISM.pdf MPA Singapore. (2019). International Safety Management (ISM) Code. https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/singapore-registry-of-ships/flag-statecontrol/international-safety-management-code SAFETY4SEA. (2019, June 24). ISM Code: Latest Updates. https://safety4sea.com/cm-ism-codelatestupdates/?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=pmd_OfwX.j3V4Qcla5Do3EyWLt18iG4zoKoNoWN1s05l3 mM-1631845357-0-gqNtZGzNAfujcnBszQdl ISM CODE ABSTRACT 6 Sharma, A. (2016, August 3). What are content of ISM or International safety management code? | M. Marine Gyaan. https://marinegyaan.com/what-are-content-of-isminternational-safety-management-code/ WYM Group. (2021). What is a Designated Person Ashore? | WYM Group. WYMGroup. https://www.wymgroup.com/news/how-important-is-a-designated-person-ashore
