Step 1 of 5•3 minutes read
The Purpose
The purpose of this course is to provide you with the background of the ISM Code and its purpose. This course will also provide information about what should and should not be reported and whether it should be investigated. In the last step, you will learn the importance of keeping up with safety during work.
The purpose of the International Safety Management Code (ISM code) is to provide a framework to manage vessels' safe operation and protect the environment. Management systems are established by "the Company", which is defined by the Code as:
The shipowner or any person, such as the manager, has assumed responsibility for operating the vessel and agreed to take over all duties and obligations imposed by the Code.
The ISM Code provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships at sea.
The Code also requires the Company to develop shipboard procedures, establish internal audits, and appoint coordinate oversight from an external auditor and a designated person (DP), also known as the designated person ashore (DPA). DP is an important position. If a hazardous situation is left unaddressed onboard a vessel, crew members shall contact the DPA to address the issue. The DPA also has an organisational position and has direct access to the Company's top management.
The SMS should establish policies for safety and environmental protection. It should also develop safe procedures for all hazardous work onboard. Additionally, it should provide a system for reporting accidents and near-accidents and preventing recurrence.
The safety officer onboard plays a vital role in fulfilling these requirements and ensuring they are followed. Some functions need to be to make a Safety Management System work. The Company must have a safety and environmental protection policy. There must be instructions and procedures to ensure the safe operation of the yacht and the protection of the environment in compliance with relevant international and flag-state legislation
The levels of authority and lines of communication between and amongst shore and shipboard personnel must be defined. There should be procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities with the provisions of the Code, methods to prepare for and respond to emergencies, and procedures for internal audits and management reviews.
Every company should designate a person (DPA) to ensure the vessel's safe operation and to provide a direct link between the "Company" and those onboard.
Safety Management System
Safety Management System (SMS) goes by many names; SMS, SQMS, ESHMS, etc. In our world of ever-growing acronyms, these systems have similarities. The S is for Safety, M stands for Management, and the name may also involve an E for Environmental and possibly a Q for Quality. No matter what acronym, the system is about managing the risk of loss due to injury, fatality, damage to property or environment, or loss of productivity and performance. The safety management system (SMS) must include onboard procedures for all hazardous tasks.
Every Company should designate a person to ensure the vessel's safe operation and to provide a link between the Company and those onboard. The Designated Person (or persons) should have direct access to the highest management level. The responsible and authority of the designated person, or persons, should include monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the yacht's operation. The DPA should also ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support are applied, as required.
Suppose you are a safety officer and have any safety issues that cannot be solved onboard. In that case, you must contact the designated person (DP) or the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and inform them of these.