CHIEF ENGINEER Unit 2 I.S.M Q1

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code is a set of international regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure the safe operation of ships and prevent marine pollution. It was introduced in 1993 and became mandatory for most commercial vessels in 1998.  

1. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code

Key aspects of the ISM Code:

• Safety Management System (SMS): The core of the ISM Code is the requirement for every ship to have a documented SMS tailored to its operations. The SMS outlines procedures, policies, and responsibilities for ensuring safety and environmental protection.   1. [Guide] All About Marine Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Capptions www.capptions.com2. International Safety Management (ISM) Code – Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide www.admiraltylawguide.com
• Company Responsibility: Shipowners and operators are ultimately responsible for implementing and maintaining the SMS. They must provide adequate resources, training, and support to ensure its effectiveness.   1. Influencing Factors of Safety Management System Implementation on Traditional Shipping www.mdpi.com
• Designated Person Ashore (DPA): Each company must appoint a DPA who acts as a link between the ship and the shore-based management. The DPA monitors the safety and pollution prevention performance of the ship and provides necessary assistance.   1. Designated Person Ashore | How to Become a DPA | Duties & Role – MITAGS www.mitags.org2. Designated Person Ashore (DPA) Training Course – DNV www.dnv.com
• Shipboard Implementation: The ship’s Master has the overall responsibility for implementing the SMS onboard. The crew must be trained and competent in their duties related to safety and environmental protection.   1. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code www.imo.org
• Certification and Audits: Ships are subject to audits and inspections to verify compliance with the ISM Code. Certificates are issued to compliant ships, and these certificates are recognized internationally.   1. Guidelines on the Implementation of the ISM Code A.788(19) -1995 – Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide www.admiraltylawguide.com2. International Safety Management Code Certification (ISM) www.ccs.org.cn

Objectives of the ISM Code:

• Enhance safety at sea: The primary goal is to minimize the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities at sea.   1. International Safety Management Code | Clarksons www.clarksons.com
• Prevent marine pollution: The code aims to protect the marine environment by preventing pollution from ships.   1. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code www.imo.org
• Establish clear responsibilities: It clearly defines the responsibilities of shipowners, operators, the DPA, and the ship’s crew in ensuring safety and environmental protection.
• Promote a safety culture: It encourages a proactive approach to safety management and the development of a safety culture within the maritime industry.   1. INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT CODE – Ocean Drilling Program www-odp.tamu.edu

Overall, the ISM Code has significantly improved safety standards and environmental protection in the maritime industry. It has helped to reduce the number of accidents and pollution incidents at sea, making shipping safer for both crews and the environment.  

A Designated Person Ashore (DPA) is a crucial role mandated by the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. They are a shore-based representative of a shipping company who acts as a direct link between the company’s management and the crew onboard its vessels.  

1. Designated Person Ashore | How to Become a DPA | Duties & Role – MITAGS

The DPA’s primary responsibility is to monitor the safety and pollution prevention aspects of each ship’s operation. They ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support are provided to the ship and its crew as needed.  

1. Designated Person Ashore | How to Become a DPA | Duties & Role – MITAGS

2. What Is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – UKSA

Here are some key functions of a DPA:

• Monitoring Safety and Pollution Prevention: The DPA regularly reviews safety-related reports from the ship, monitors compliance with safety management systems, and investigates any incidents or near-misses. They also ensure that the ship adheres to environmental regulations and pollution prevention measures.   1. Designated Person Ashore | How to Become a DPA | Duties & Role – MITAGS www.mitags.org2. What Is A Designated Person Ashore (DPA)? – Bluewater Yachting www.bluewateryachting.com
• Communication and Support: The DPA maintains open communication with the ship’s Master and crew, providing them with guidance, support, and necessary resources. They also facilitate communication between the ship and the company’s management regarding safety and operational matters.   1. What Is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – UKSA uksa.org2. Designated Person Ashore | How to Become a DPA | Duties & Role – MITAGS www.mitags.org
• Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency, the DPA plays a vital role in coordinating the company’s response and providing assistance to the ship and crew. They work closely with relevant authorities and stakeholders to manage the situation effectively.   1. What Is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – UKSA uksa.org
• Audits and Inspections: The DPA may participate in internal and external audits and inspections of the ship to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards. They also follow up on any corrective actions required.   1. What Is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – UKSA uksa.org
• Continuous Improvement: The DPA actively contributes to the continuous improvement of the company’s safety management system by identifying potential risks, implementing corrective actions, and promoting a safety culture within the organization.   1. What is the Importance of the Designated Person Ashore Role in a Shipping Company? | Maritime Skills Academy www.maritimeskillsacademy.com

Overall, the DPA is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of ships and for maintaining a strong link between the company’s management and its seafarers. They play a pivotal role in upholding safety standards, preventing pollution, and promoting a culture of safety within the maritime industry.

The purpose of having a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) is multifaceted, serving crucial functions in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of ships and promoting a strong safety culture within the maritime industry. Here are the key purposes:  

1. Designated Person Ashore | How to Become a DPA | Duties & Role – MITAGS

1. Bridging the Gap between Ship and Shore: The DPA acts as a vital link between the ship’s crew and the company’s management, facilitating communication and ensuring that both parties are aligned on safety and operational matters. This helps avoid misunderstandings and enables prompt resolution of any issues that may arise.   1. Designated Person Ashore | How to Become a DPA | Duties & Role – MITAGS www.mitags.org
2. Monitoring Safety and Pollution Prevention: The DPA plays a proactive role in overseeing the ship’s compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards. They monitor safety-related reports, investigate incidents, and ensure that preventive measures are in place to minimize risks and protect the marine environment.   1. Designated Person Ashore | How to Become a DPA | Duties & Role – MITAGS www.mitags.org2. What is the Importance of the Designated Person Ashore Role in a Shipping Company? | Maritime Skills Academy www.maritimeskillsacademy.com
3. Providing Support and Guidance: The DPA acts as a resource for the ship’s crew, providing them with technical expertise, guidance on safety procedures, and assistance in resolving operational challenges. This support helps empower the crew to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to enhance safety.   1. What Is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – UKSA uksa.org
4. Emergency Response and Crisis Management: In the event of an emergency, the DPA is instrumental in coordinating the company’s response efforts. They liaise with relevant authorities, provide critical information to the crew, and ensure that the necessary assistance is provided to safeguard lives and protect the environment.   1. What Is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – UKSA uksa.org2. What is the Importance of the Designated Person Ashore Role in a Shipping Company? | Maritime Skills Academy www.maritimeskillsacademy.com
5. Continuous Improvement of Safety Management: The DPA is actively involved in the ongoing development and enhancement of the company’s safety management system. They analyze safety data, identify potential risks, and implement corrective actions to continuously improve safety performance.   1. What is the Importance of the Designated Person Ashore Role in a Shipping Company? | Maritime Skills Academy www.maritimeskillsacademy.com
6. Promoting a Safety Culture: By maintaining open communication, providing support, and actively addressing safety concerns, the DPA fosters a culture of safety within the company. They encourage crew members to report any safety issues without fear of reprisal and empower them to take ownership of safety practices.   1. What is the Importance of the Designated Person Ashore Role in a Shipping Company? | Maritime Skills Academy www.maritimeskillsacademy.com

In essence, the DPA is a crucial guardian of safety at sea. Their role ensures that ships operate in compliance with regulations, that crews have the necessary support to maintain safe practices, and that the company is proactive in its approach to risk management and environmental protection.

To demonstrate compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, a vessel is required to carry the following certificates:

1. Safety Management Certificate (SMC): This certificate is issued to the ship itself and confirms that both the company and the ship’s crew operate in accordance with the approved Safety Management System (SMS). It’s essentially a testament that the vessel is being managed safely and responsibly.   1. Guidelines on the Implementation of the ISM Code A.788(19) -1995 – Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide www.admiraltylawguide.com
2. Document of Compliance (DOC): While not carried on the vessel itself, the DOC is issued to the company that owns or operates the ship. It signifies that the company has a compliant SMS in place and is capable of safely managing ships of the type specified in the certificate. The ship’s SMC is linked to the company’s DOC, demonstrating that the vessel is operating under a recognized safety management regime.   1. Documents · Certificates – deutsche-flagge.de www.deutsche-flagge.de2. Understanding SMC and DOC: Navigating Certifications | News – Adonis HR www.adonishr.com3. Certification under ISM Code – DieselShip dieselship.com

In addition to these two main certificates, there might also be interim versions of these certificates issued under certain circumstances:

• Interim SMC: This may be issued to a new ship, a ship changing flag, or when a company takes over the operation of a vessel. It’s valid for a shorter duration (typically six months) and allows the ship to operate while the full SMC is being processed.   1. International Safety Management Code Certification (ISM) www.ccs.org.cn2. ISM International Safety Management Certification – RINA.org www.rina.org
• Interim DOC: This is issued to new companies or when a company is expanding its operations to include new ship types. It allows the company to operate while the full DOC is being prepared and is also valid for a limited period.   1. Guidelines on the Implementation of the ISM Code A.788(19) -1995 – Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide www.admiraltylawguide.com

These certificates are crucial for demonstrating that a vessel and its operating company are adhering to the safety and environmental protection standards set forth by the ISM Code. They are subject to regular audits and inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.