ISM Code

Question 1

What is the ISM code?

Answer 1

The International Safety Management code came into force under SOLAS ch IX and it provides the international standards for the safe management and operations of ships and for pollution prevention

Question 2

What are the objectives of the ISM code?

Answer 2

• To ensure safety at sea
• Prevention of humans injury and loss of life
• Prevention of pollution to the environment especially marine environment

Question 3

What is the Safety Management System (SMS)?

Answer 3

• The SMS documents the company management procedures
• It is used to ensure that conditions, activities an tasks, both ashore and afloat that affect safety and environmental protection are planned, organised, executed and checked in accordance with legislative and company requirements

Question 4

What are the requirements of the SMS?

Answer 4

• A safety and Environmental protection policy
• Instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of ships and protection of the environment
• Defined levels of authority and methods of communication
• Procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities
• Procedures for internal audits and management reviews

Question 5

What the company’s responsibilities? (ISM)

Answer 5

• To ensure adequate resources and shore based staff to allow the DPA to perform their duties
• To fully support the master and his vessel

Question 6

What is the DPA’s responsibilities? (ISM)

Answer 6

• Is the link between the company and ship
• The DPA has direct access to the highest level of management
• Responsible for monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the ships operations

Question 7

What are the masters responsibilities? (ISM)

Answer 7

• Responsible for implanting the safety and environmental policy
• Encourages compliance and best practice through the development of a ‘safety culture’
• Reviews the SMS and reports any deficiencies

Question 8

What is a near miss? (ISM)

Answer 8

A near miss is a sequence of events and/or conditions that could have resulted in a loss, prevented only by a fortuitous break in the chain

Question 9

What is a non-conformity? (ISM)

Answer 9

A non-conformity is when evidence indicates non fulfilment of a requirement stated in the SMS

Question 10

What is a major non-conformity? (ISM)

Answer 10

This is a extreme serious situation which poses a serious threat to the safety of personnel, ship or environment
- This requires immediate corrective action

Question 11

What is the Document of compliance? (ISM)

Answer 11

• It is issued by the flag state
• Valid for ships of the same type
• copy is held onboard for inspections
• Only valid for 5 years
• Annually audited

Question 12

What is the Safety Management Certificate? (ISM)

Answer 12

• It is issued to each individual ship
• Only valid for 5 years
• Audited between 2 and 3 years