The International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, more commonly known as the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, is a set of guidelines developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to ensure the safe operation of ships and the protection of the marine environment. The purpose of the ISM Code is to provide a framework for the implementation of safety management systems (SMS) on ships that will help to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of pollution.
The origin year of the ISM Code was in 1987, when the IMO adopted Resolution A.647(16), which called for the development of guidelines for the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention. The ISM Code was formally adopted in 1993 and came into effect in 1998. The code was initially developed for cargo ships of 500 gross tonnage and above but was later extended to all vessels, including passenger ships.
The establishment of safety management objectives and SMS was done by the IMO. The purpose of the SMS is to provide a systematic and consistent approach to safety management on ships. It includes policies, procedures, and practices that are designed to ensure the safe operation of the ship and the protection of the environment. The SMS is based on a risk management approach that identifies potential hazards and takes steps to eliminate or reduce the risks associated with those hazards.
Under the ISM Code, ship owners and operators are required to establish and implement a policy for achieving safety management objectives. This includes providing the necessary resources and shore-based support to ensure that safety management systems are properly implemented and maintained. The shipboard personnel are also required to be trained and educated on safety management and to actively participate in the implementation of the SMS.
The ISM code has had a significant impact on the safety of ships and the protection of the marine environment. It has helped to reduce the number of accidents and incidents involving ships and has improved the safety culture within the maritime industry. The code provides a framework for continuous improvement in safety management and encourages the sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
In conclusion, the ISM Code plays a critical role in ensuring the safe operation of ships and the protection of the marine environment. It provides a framework for the implementation of safety management systems that are designed to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of pollution. The establishment of safety management objectives and SMS was done by the IMO, while ship owners and operators are required to establish and implement a policy for achieving these objectives. The implementation of the ISM Code has had a significant impact on the safety culture within the maritime industry and continues to be a key factor in the safe operation of ships and the protection of the marine environment.
PH