Step 1 of 3•5 minutes read
Introducing the ISM Code
In 1987 the seven-year-old vessel MS Herald of Free Enterprise capsized and nearly 200 people died. It was a technically advanced ferry with a well-educated crew but was still able to capsize. How was that possible?
The investigation showed that there was not just one person to blame. The vessel's safety was depending upon many factors and crew members, which resulted in difficulties in trying to pinpoint a responsible person. The investigation raised topics within the IMO about a lack of safety on board. The following discussions resulted in the ISM code, which lays the foundation of the safety onboard. The ISM code states that the safety management objectives of the company should:
Provide for safe practices in ship operation and a safe working environment.
Establish safeguards against all identified risks.
Continuously improve safety skills of personnel ashore and aboard ships, including preparing for emergencies (safety and, or environmental).
Background of the ISM Code
The starting point of the ISM code was the MS Herald of Free Enterprise disaster 1987. In 1991 the IMO established Resolution A.647 regarding Safety Management. One year prior to this the 'Scandinavian Star' disaster initiated a new revision of the IMO A.680(17), resulting in the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The ISM code is now a part of the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention.
The safety officer on board plays a vital role in fulfilling these requirements. Photo: Jörgen Språng.
The Purpose of the ISM Code
The purpose of the ISM code is to provide a framework to manage the safe operation of vessels and pollution prevention. A management system is established by 'the Company', which is defined by the Code as the shipowner or any person, such as the manager, who has assumed responsibility for operating the ship. Later on, in this course, you will learn more about the management system.
The code also requires the company to...
...develop shipboard procedures, establish internal audits, and coordinate oversight from an external auditor and a designated person (DP), also called designated person ashore (DPA)....
The DPA is an important position. If a hazardous situation is left unaddressed on board a vessel, members of the crew 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.