ISM CODE |
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The International Safety Management Code for the Safe
Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention is based on the requirements of ISO
9001.
The Code requires that all companies who manage ships develop, implement, and
maintain a Safety Management System. While Quality addresses how the company ensures
that the customer is satisfied, Safety and Pollution Prevention address how the company
ensures that their vessels are operated safely and in an environmentally conscious manner. |
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| Developed by the International Maritime Organization, the International Safety
Management (ISM) Code was made mandatory in 1994 by the adoption of Chapter IX of SOLAS.
Implementation was mandatory for all passenger ships, tankers, chemical carriers
(and gas and bulk carriers over 500 gross tons) on July 1, 1998. July 1, 2002
was the deadline for general cargo ships over 500 gross tons and offshore units. |
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| Once a company has developed and implemented their Safety Management System,
it must be audited by an independent third party company authorized by the administration
of the vessel's flag state. If the company is found to comply with the requirements
of the ISM Code, it will be issued a Document of Compliance (DOC). Then each vessel
operated by the company must be audited. If found to be compliant, the vessel will
be issued a Safety Management Certificate (SMC). |
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| Many companies implemented their Safety Management Systems in advance of
the deadlines in order to reap the benefits: |
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| 1) Reduced chances of human error. |
| 2) Improved communication and feedback. |
| 3) Fewer personal injuries. |
| 4) Reduced risk of pollution. |
| 5) Safer cargo handling and carriage. |
| 6) Reduced risk of accidents. |
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| Once the deadline passes, a ship must have onboard a valid Safety Management
System Certificate and a copy of its company's Document of Compliance. Without them,
port state control organizations will detain the vessel. Thus, the SMC becomes the
vessel's "license to operate" and the DOC the company's "license to manage
ships". |
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| As the first deadline approached (July 1998) there were dire predictions that
hundreds of ships would be detained for not having their SMS certificates. This did
not materialize, however, as the various Classification Societies were able to audit all
the vessels and issue certificates by the deadline. |
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| The ISM Code requires that the company: |
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| 1) Establish a Safety and Environmental Protection Policy. |
| 2) Define responsibilities and authority both ashore and afloat. |
| 3) Appoint a designated person (or person). |
| 4) Define the Master's responsibilities under the Code. |
| 5) Provide adequate resources and personnel. |
| 6) Develop plans for shipboard operations. |
| 7) Identify and prepare for all emergency situations. |
| 8) Report all accidents, incidents and hazardous occurrences. |
| 9) Ensure ship and equipment are properly maintained. |
| 10) Follow strict document control procedures. |
| 11) Conduct Internal Audits and Management Review Meetings. |
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| Let Maritime Quality Consultants, Inc. assist you in developing your
Management System. We can provide a simple manual that complies with all
requirements and is easy to implement. We can also train your staff in implementing
the System. |
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