INTERNATIONAL SAFETY MANAGEMENT CODE (ISM CODE) FAMILIARIZATION

AIMS:

To equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, its regulatory framework, and its practical application in developing, implementing, and auditing Safety Management Systems (SMS) aboard ships and within shipping companies, to promote a strong safety culture and prevent pollution and loss of life at sea.

OBJECTIVES:

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the historical background, purpose, and legal status of the ISM Code under SOLAS Chapter IX.
• Explain the structure and content of the ISM Code (all 16 elements/sections).
• Identify the roles and responsibilities of the Company, Designated Person Ashore (DPA), Master, and ship's crew under the Code.
• Describe the process of developing and documenting a Safety Management System (SMS).
• Explain certification requirements — Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC).
• Analyse procedures for reporting non-conformities, accidents, and hazardous occurrences.
• Evaluate the audit process (internal, external, initial, intermediate, renewal) and the role of Flag State/Recognized Organizations (ROs).
• Apply principles of continuous improvement and corrective/preventive action within an SMS.
• Critically assess case studies of ISM Code failures (e.g., Herald of Free Enterprise) and their influence on the Code's development.

COURSE CONTENT:

1. Introduction to Maritime Safety Regulation
2. Structure and Principles of the ISM Code
3. Safety and Environmental Protection Policy
4. Company Responsibilities and the DPA
5. Resources and Personnel
6. Shipboard Operations and Emergency Preparedness
7. Reporting, Analysis, and Non-Conformities
8. Maintenance of the Ship and Equipment
9. Documentation Control
10. Certification, Verification, and Audit
11. Continuous Improvement and Safety Culture
12. Case Studies and Applied Project