ISM

Question 1

What does ISM stand for?

Answer 1

International Safety Management Code.

Question 2

What are the main objectives of ISM?

Answer 2

Safety of life, ship, cargo, environment.

Question 3

Which vessels must comply with ISM?

Answer 3

All vessels under the jurisdiction of ISM.

Question 4

Why was ISM introduced?

Answer 4

To promote a safety culture ashore & afloat for safer ships and cleaner seas.

Question 5

Where is ISM defined in UK regs?

Answer 5

In the relevant maritime regulations.

Question 6

What are the owner’s responsibilities under ISM?

Answer 6

Ensure safety management policy, seaworthy ship, appoint qualified Master, designate DPA.

Question 7

What are the Master’s responsibilities?

Answer 7

Implement company SEP policy, motivate crew, issue clear instructions, verify compliance & review SMS.

Question 8

What is the role of the Flag State?

Answer 8

Issues DOC and SMC, ensures compliance and audits.

Question 9

Who issues the DOC?

Answer 9

The Flag State.

Question 10

Who issues the SMC?

Answer 10

The Flag State.

Question 11

What is the Safety Management System?

Answer 11

Documented system to implement safety & environmental policy.

Question 12

How often must internal audits be done?

Answer 12

At least yearly.

Question 13

What are the key elements of SMS audits?

Answer 13

Responsibilities, auditor competence, audit scheduling, execution, reporting.

Question 14

What is objective evidence?

Answer 14

Records, facts proving SMS compliance.

Question 15

What would you present as objective evidence during a PSC inspection?

Answer 15

Records demonstrating compliance with SMS.

Question 16

How long is a DOC valid?

Answer 16

5 years.

Question 17

How often is a DOC verified?

Answer 17

Annually.

Question 18

How long is an SMC valid?

Answer 18

5 years.

Question 19

When is the SMC intermediate audit done?

Answer 19

At 2–3 years.

Question 20

Who inspects DOC and SMC validity during port calls?

Answer 20

Port State Control (PSC).

Question 21

What is a non-conformity?

Answer 21

Failure to meet SMS requirement.

Question 22

What is a major non-conformity?

Answer 22

Serious threat to safety/ship/environment requiring immediate corrective action.

Question 23

What is SEP?

Answer 23

Safety & Environmental Protection Policy.

Question 24

Who is the DPA and what is their role?

Answer 24

Designated Person Ashore; monitors safety & pollution prevention, provides support/resources.

Question 25

Who ensures the Master has adequate support under ISM?

Answer 25

The company/owner.

Question 26

Where does it state the Master has overriding authority?

Answer 26

In the ISM Code requirements.

Question 27

What would you do if company policy conflicts with safety of ship?

Answer 27

Prioritize safety over company policy.

Question 28

What is the difference between Flag State Control and Port State Control?

Answer 28

FSC is responsible for own ships; PSC inspects foreign ships.

Question 29

Why is PSC described as a 'safety net'?

Answer 29

It inspects foreign ships to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Question 30

What would PSC typically check under ISM?

Answer 30

Compliance with SMS and safety regulations.