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ISM Code Objectives, Application and Functional Requirements - IMO ISM Code

IMO International Safety Management (ISM) Code Objectives, Application and Functional Requirements - Section 1

International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) is the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention, as adopted by the IMO assembly. Adopted in November 1993, the ISM Code came into force in July 1998. It is part of the SOLAS Chapter IX - Management for the Safe Operation of Ships. The latest amended version came into force on January 1, 2015.

The objectives of the ISM Code are to ensure safety at sea, prevent human injury and loss of life, and stop the damage to the environment, marine environment, and property. The application of the ISM Code is to support and encourage the development of a safety culture in the maritime industry. The companies or ships may voluntarily comply with the Code.

To gain ISM certification, an organization must demonstrate that they have met the intent and functional requirements of the ISM code. Every Company should develop, implement and maintain a Safety Management System (SMS) manual describing the Company’s management system for the safe operation of ships and pollution prevention.

The functional requirement also identifies the responsibilities of personnel and the procedures necessary to meet the goals of the ISM Code. The management should also regularly review the system and make amendments for compliance with all applicable rules and regulations.

Contents - Part A

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ism code objectives

Objectives, Application and Functional Requirements

Part A (Section 1) General - Objectives, Application and Functional Requirements

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Objectives, Application and Functional Requirements of the ISM Code

Section 1.2 Objectives

ISM Code Objectives

1.2.1 The objectives of the Code are to ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of damage to the environment, in particular to the marine environment, and to property.

1.2.2 Safety-management objectives of the Company should, inter alia:

.1 provide for safe practices in ship operation and a safe working environment;

.2 assess all identified risks to its ships, personnel and the environment and establish appropriate safeguards; and

.3 continuously improve safety-management skills of personnel ashore and aboard ships, including preparing for emergencies related both to safety and environmental protection.

1.2.3 The safety-management system should ensure:

.1 compliance with mandatory rules and regulations; and

.2 that applicable codes, guidelines and standards recommended by the Organization, Administrations, classification societies and maritime industry organizations are taken into account.

Section 1.3 Application

ISM Code Application Requirements

The requirements of this Code may be applied to all ships.

Section 1.4 Functional requirements for a safety-management system

Safety Management System (SMS) Functional Requirements

Every Company should develop, implement and maintain a safety management system (SMS) which includes the following functional requirements:

.1 a safety and environmental-protection policy;

.2 instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of ships and protection of the environment in compliance with relevant international and flag State legislation;

.3 defined levels of authority and lines of communication between, and amongst, shore and shipboard personnel;

.4 procedures for reporting accidents and non- conformities with the provisions of this Code;

.5 procedures to prepare for and respond to emergency situations; and

.6 procedures for internal audits and management reviews.

Guidance for Development of the Safety Management System

3. Development of the Safety Management System

MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.8  - Development of the Safety Management System (SMS)

3.1 The ISM Code requires that Companies establish safety objectives as described in section 1.2 of the ISM Code, and in addition that Companies develop, implement and maintain a safety management system (SMS) which includes functional requirements as listed in section 1.4 of the ISM Code.

3.2 Given the self-regulatory principles of the ISM Code, the internal verification and review processes are key elements in the implementation of each SMS. The Company should consider the outcome of internal audits, internal SMS reviews and analysis of non-conformities, accidents and hazardous occurrences to enhance the effectiveness of operations and procedures within their SMS.

To comply with the Code, the Company should:

.1 designate a person or persons with direct access to the highest level of management who should monitor the safe operation of each ship (section 4);

.2 ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support are provided to enable the designated person or persons to carry out their functions (section 3.3);

.3 define and document the master's responsibility with regard to reviewing the safety management system and reporting its deficiencies to the shore-based management (section 5.1);

.4 establish procedures for reporting and analysis of non-conformities, accidents and hazardous occurrences (section 9.1);

.5 periodically evaluate the effectiveness of, and when needed, review of the safety management system (section 12.2); and

.6 perform internal audits to verify whether safety management activities comply with the requirements of the safety management system (section 12.1).

Disclaimer: For general information purpose only - please check IMO ISM Code & SOLAS Convention for the latest requirements and accurate info

LAST UPDATED ON Sep 26, 2022