Hotel Service Unit 2 Q1

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code is a comprehensive set of international regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure the safe management and operation of ships and to prevent marine pollution.

1. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code

Key objectives of the ISM Code:

• Promote safety at sea: By establishing a framework for companies and ship operators to develop and implement a Safety Management System (SMS) to address safety and environmental protection on board their vessels.   1. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code www.imo.org
• Prevent human injury or loss of life: Through the implementation of safety procedures and training.   1. Objectives of ISM Code for Maritime Industry – wayl wayl.eu2. Guidelines on the Application of the IMO International Safety Management (ISM) Code www.ics-shipping.org
• Avoid damage to the environment: Particularly the marine environment, and to property.   1. International Safety Management Code | Clarksons www.clarksons.com
• Ensure compliance with international regulations: By providing a standardized approach to safety management.   1. International Safety Management Code | Clarksons www.clarksons.com

Key elements of the ISM Code:

• Safety Management System (SMS): A documented system that outlines policies, procedures, and responsibilities for managing safety and environmental protection on board.   1. International Safety Management (ISM) Code – Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide www.admiraltylawguide.com
• Designated Person Ashore (DPA): A shore-based representative of the company responsible for monitoring the safety and pollution prevention performance of the ship.   1. What Is a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) – UKSA uksa.org
• Master’s Responsibility: The Master has the ultimate responsibility for the safety and security of the ship and must ensure that the SMS is implemented effectively.   1. [Guide] All About Marine Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Capptions www.capptions.com
• Documentation: The company and the ship must maintain records and documentation related to the SMS.   1. International Safety Management (ISM) Code – Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide www.admiraltylawguide.com
• Certification: The company must obtain a Document of Compliance (DOC) from the flag state or a recognized organization, and the ship must obtain a Safety Management Certificate (SMC).   1. ISM Code – BKI Reliable www.bki.co.id

Significance of the ISM Code:

• Mandatory compliance: The ISM Code is mandatory for all vessels engaged in international voyages, including cargo ships, passenger ships, and tankers.   1. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code www.imo.org
• Improved safety culture: It promotes a proactive approach to safety management, encouraging continuous improvement and learning from incidents.   1. International Safety Management Code | Clarksons www.clarksons.com
• Reduced accidents and pollution: By focusing on identifying and mitigating risks, the ISM Code has contributed to a reduction in maritime accidents and pollution incidents.   1. International Safety Management Code | Clarksons www.clarksons.com
• Enhanced accountability: It places responsibility on both the ship operator and the crew to ensure safety and environmental protection.   1. Guidelines on the Application of the IMO International Safety Management (ISM) Code www.ics-shipping.org

In summary, the ISM Code is a vital international standard for promoting safety, preventing pollution, and ensuring the responsible operation of ships. It is an essential framework for the maritime industry, contributing to the protection of human life, the marine environment, and property at sea.  

1. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code

2. International Safety Management Code | Clarksons

With reference to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the Safety Management System (SMS) is a structured and documented system that outlines policies, procedures, and responsibilities for managing safety and environmental protection on board a vessel. It’s a crucial component of the ISM Code, aiming to ensure the safe operation of ships and prevent marine pollution.  

1. Safety Management System (SMS) | Federal Aviation Administration

2. What is Safety Management System (SMS)?

Key components of the SMS include:

• Safety and environmental protection policy: A clear statement from the company outlining its commitment to safety and environmental protection, setting the tone for the entire SMS.
• Procedures for identifying and assessing risks: A systematic approach to identifying and evaluating potential hazards and risks associated with ship operations. This includes conducting risk assessments and implementing control measures.   1. What is Safety Management System (SMS)? Components and Benefits – ComplianceQuest www.compliancequest.com2. What is the Risk Assessment Process? – Seably | Training for the Maritime Professional www.seably.com
• Procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities: A clear process for reporting and investigating accidents, incidents, near-misses, and any deviations from safety procedures.   1. International Safety Management (ISM) Code – Admiralty and Maritime Law Guide www.admiraltylawguide.com
• Emergency preparedness and response procedures: Detailed plans and procedures for handling various emergencies, including fire, collision, grounding, and pollution incidents.   1. Coordination of emergency response planning in aviation SMS programs www.asms-pro.com
• Maintenance and inspection procedures: Schedules and procedures for maintaining and inspecting the ship’s machinery, equipment, and systems to ensure they remain in safe and operational condition.   1. [Guide] All About Marine Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Capptions www.capptions.com
• Training and drills: Programs for training crew members in safety procedures, emergency response, and their specific roles and responsibilities. Regular drills are conducted to ensure preparedness.   1. Safety Management System: A Helpful Guide | SafetyCulture safetyculture.com2. What is Safety Management System (SMS)? Components and Benefits – ComplianceQuest www.compliancequest.com
• Documentation and record-keeping: The SMS requires comprehensive documentation of policies, procedures, risk assessments, inspections, training records, and incident reports.

The SMS is a living document, subject to regular review and improvement based on experience, audits, and new information. It promotes a proactive approach to safety management, encouraging continuous improvement and learning from incidents.

1. When is a safety management system (SMS) reviewed and updated?

2. Safety Management System (SMS) | Federal Aviation Administration

Benefits of implementing an effective SMS include:

• Enhanced safety culture on board the vessel   1. (PDF) “How Effective the ISM Code was to Improve the Safety Culture Onboard Merchant Ships” – ResearchGate www.researchgate.net
• Reduced accidents and pollution incidents   1. International Safety Management Code | Clarksons www.clarksons.com
• Improved operational efficiency   1. The value of safety management systems – Sheilds.org www.sheilds.org
• Compliance with international regulations
• Increased crew morale and confidence

Overall, the SMS is a crucial element of the ISM Code, serving as the framework for managing safety and environmental protection on board ships. By systematically addressing risks and promoting a culture of safety, the SMS contributes significantly to the safe and responsible operation of vessels in the maritime industry.  

1. ISM-Code International Safety Management Code (Resolution A.741(18)) – Netherlands Regulatory Framework (NeRF) – Maritime – Puc overheid

2. Guidelines on the Application of the IMO International Safety Management (ISM) Code

With reference to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the Designated Person (DP), also known as the Designated Person Ashore (DPA), plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe operation of a vessel and promoting compliance with the Safety Management System (SMS).

Key Responsibilities of the DP:

• Provide a link between the company and the ship: The DP serves as the primary point of contact between the company’s shore-based management and the ship’s crew, facilitating communication and addressing any safety or operational concerns.
• Monitor the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the ship’s operation: The DP is responsible for overseeing the implementation and effectiveness of the SMS on board, ensuring that safety and environmental protection measures are followed.
• Ensure adequate resources and shore-based support are provided: The DP ensures that the ship has access to the necessary resources, including technical support, supplies, and information, to operate safely and efficiently.
• Monitor the ship’s compliance with applicable regulations: The DP stays updated on relevant international and national regulations and ensures that the ship’s operations are in compliance.
• Investigate accidents, incidents, and near-misses: The DP plays a key role in investigating any safety-related incidents, identifying root causes, and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
• Review and analyze safety-related data: The DP collects and analyzes data related to safety performance, such as inspection reports, incident reports, and near-miss data, to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Promote a safety culture within the company: The DP actively fosters a culture of safety and environmental awareness within the company, ensuring that safety is prioritized at all levels.

Qualifications and Experience:

The ISM Code requires that the DP have the necessary qualifications and experience to fulfill their role effectively. This typically includes:

• A good understanding of maritime operations and safety management principles.
• Knowledge of relevant international and national regulations.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• The ability to analyze data and make informed decisions.

The DP’s role is critical in ensuring the safe and responsible operation of a vessel. By maintaining a strong link between the company and the ship, monitoring safety performance, and promoting a safety culture, the DP contributes significantly to preventing accidents, protecting the marine environment, and upholding the principles of the ISM Code.