The International Safety Management (ISM) Code was enacted to address critical issues in the maritime industry regarding the safe management and operation of ships, as well as pollution prevention. Its development was not an overnight process but was triggered by a series of maritime disasters that underscored the need for a comprehensive safety management approach. Here, we will delve into the evolution of the ISM Code and the key incidents that catalyzed its creation.
One of the landmark incidents that led to the development of the ISM Code was the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster in 1987. The roll-on/roll-off ferry, Herald of Free Enterprise, capsized shortly after leaving the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium. A shocking total of 193 people died in the disaster. The subsequent investigations uncovered a series of severe safety management failings. The ferry had left the port with its bow doors open, allowing a large quantity of water to flood the car deck as the ferry increased speed. This led to the vessel becoming unstable and eventually capsizing. The incident served as a grim reminder of the need for thorough safety checks before departure and the necessity of strict adherence to safety management procedures.
The Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 was another pivotal event in the maritime industry that underscored the urgency of comprehensive safety management. The oil tanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling approximately 11 million gallons of crude oil into the sea. This was one of the most devastating man-made environmental disasters at the time. The oil spill led to the death of countless marine animals and birds, severely impacting the local ecology and fishing industry. The cleanup process was costly and time-consuming. Subsequent investigations revealed several safety management issues, such as lapses in navigation and deficiencies in crew competence and training. This incident demonstrated the broad environmental consequences of maritime disasters and emphasized the need for effective safety and environmental management systems on ships.
The Scandinavian Star disaster in 1990 further highlighted the importance of a comprehensive safety management system. During a voyage from Norway to Denmark, a fire broke out on the ferry Scandinavian Star, resulting in the death of 159 people. The incident revealed multiple safety issues, including inadequate fire safety procedures, lack of crew training, and ineffective emergency response. The controversy surrounding the disaster underscored the gaps in safety management and the urgent need for systematic guidelines to ensure ship safety.
These incidents, along with several others, led to the recognition that maritime safety was not just about the physical condition of the ship but also involved effective management systems, trained personnel, and a strong safety culture. In response, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) developed the ISM Code, which was adopted in 1993 and entered into force in 1998.
The ISM Code marked a significant shift in the maritime industry’s approach to safety and environmental protection. It required shipping companies to establish a Safety Management System (SMS), which includes clearly defined lines of authority, procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities, and processes for conducting internal audits and management reviews. The Code emphasizes that safety management is a continuous process of improvement and requires the active participation of everyone in a shipping company, from the top management down to the crew members. The ISM Code‘s evolution and implementation have significantly improved safety standards in the maritime industry. However, it is crucial to remember that the Code is not a panacea for all maritime safety issues. Continuous training, effective implementation, regular audits, and a commitment to a safety culture at all levels of a shipping organization are essential to ensure the ISM Code’s effectiveness and to avoid repeating the tragedies of the past.
Understanding the ISM Code: A Guide for Maritime Students
The International Safety Management (ISM) Code is a vital framework in the maritime industry designed to ensure the safe management and operation of ships while protecting the marine environment. Adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1993 and enforced since 1998, the ISM Code forms part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention. For maritime students, understanding the ISM Code is essential as it underpins the regulatory landscape of modern shipping.
This article provides an overview of the ISM Code, with a specific focus on Part A and Part B, highlighting their relevance and applications in ship operations and management.
What is the ISM Code?
The ISM Code sets out the responsibilities of shipping companies, shipowners, and crew members to ensure safety at sea, prevent human injury or loss of life, and avoid damage to the marine environment. It mandates the implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS), which provides a structured framework for managing operational risks and ensuring compliance with international regulations.
Key objectives of the ISM Code include:
- Enhancing shipboard and shore-based safety management.
- Minimizing risks to personnel and property.
- Protecting the environment from pollution caused by ships.
Part A: Implementation
Part A of the ISM Code focuses on the functional requirements for implementing the Safety Management System. It outlines the specific measures that shipping companies and shipboard personnel must take to establish and maintain an effective SMS.
Key Sections of Part A
- General Requirements (Section 1)
- Companies must establish an SMS that includes a safety and environmental protection policy.
- The SMS must define lines of authority and responsibility between shore-based and shipboard personnel.
- Safety and Environmental Policy (Section 2)
- The company’s policy must promote continuous improvement in safety and pollution prevention.
- All employees should be aware of their roles in implementing this policy.
- Company Responsibilities (Section 3)
- The company is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources and support are provided to comply with the Code.
- This includes training, maintenance, and ensuring the ship has properly certified equipment and crew.
- Designated Person Ashore (DPA) (Section 4)
- A DPA must be appointed to ensure communication between the ship and shore-based management.
- The DPA is responsible for monitoring the safety and efficiency of the SMS.
- Emergency Preparedness (Section 8)
- Companies must establish procedures to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
- Regular drills and training sessions should be conducted to ensure readiness.
- Documentation (Section 11)
- All SMS-related procedures must be documented, and relevant documents should be accessible onboard.
- Proper record-keeping ensures compliance during inspections.
Part B: Certification and Verification
Part B of the ISM Code deals with the certification and verification of compliance with the SMS requirements. It specifies the procedures that flag states, classification societies, and other recognized organizations must follow to issue and maintain certification.
Key Components of Part B
- Certification Process
- A Document of Compliance (DOC) is issued to companies after their SMS is audited and found compliant.
- An SMC (Safety Management Certificate) is issued to individual ships, confirming that the ship operates in compliance with the approved SMS.
- Verification
- Initial verification: Conducted to assess the implementation of the SMS before issuing certificates.
- Periodic audits: Ensure continued compliance with the ISM Code.
- Renewal verification: Performed before the expiration of certificates to maintain validity.
- Role of Flag States and Recognized Organizations
- Flag states oversee the implementation of the ISM Code and authorize recognized organizations (e.g., classification societies) to conduct audits and issue certificates.
- Non-Conformities and Corrective Actions
- Any non-conformities identified during audits must be addressed promptly.
- The company must demonstrate that corrective actions have been taken to prevent recurrence.
Relevance of the ISM Code for Maritime Students
Understanding the ISM Code prepares maritime students to navigate the complexities of safety management and regulatory compliance in their future roles. Whether serving as officers onboard or as part of shore-based management, knowledge of the ISM Code is essential for:
- Developing and implementing effective safety policies.
- Ensuring compliance during port state control inspections and audits.
- Managing risks and responding to emergencies efficiently.
For cadets, practical exposure to the SMS during onboard training provides valuable insights into how the ISM Code functions in real-world scenarios.
The ISM Code is a cornerstone of modern maritime safety and environmental protection. Part A emphasizes the establishment of a robust Safety Management System, while Part B ensures its ongoing compliance through certification and verification. For maritime students, mastering the ISM Code is not just an academic requirement but a critical skill for future careers in the shipping industry. By adhering to the principles of the ISM Code, the maritime community continues to strive toward safer seas and a cleaner environment.