Answer
1. ISM Code — meaning
ISM Code means International Safety Management Code. Its full name is:
International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention.
It is an IMO Code whose purpose is to provide an international standard for safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. It is made mandatory through SOLAS Chapter IX — Management for the Safe Operation of Ships. IMO states that the ISM Code was adopted in 1993 and became mandatory from 1 July 1998 through SOLAS Chapter IX.
Objectives of ISM Code
As per ISM Code Section 1.2, the objectives are:
Safety at sea
Prevention of human injury or loss of life
Avoidance of damage to environment, especially marine environment
Avoidance of damage to property
2. SMS — Safety Management System
SMS means Safety Management System. It is a structured and documented system made by the Company to ensure safe operation of ships, protection of environment and compliance with mandatory rules and regulations. SMS contains the Company’s procedures, responsibilities, checklists, reporting system, emergency procedures, audit system and review system.
ISM Code tells what is required. SMS is the Company’s practical system to comply with ISM Code.
Functional requirements of SMS
As per ISM Code, every Company should develop, implement and maintain an SMS which includes functional requirements such as:
Safety and environmental protection policy
Instructions and procedures for safe operation of ships and pollution prevention
Defined levels of authority and lines of communication between ship and shore
Procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities
Procedures for preparing for and responding to emergency situations
Procedures for internal audits and management reviews
3. Safety Management — meaning
Safety Management means practical implementation of SMS in daily shipboard operation by risk assessment, toolbox meeting, permit to work, training, maintenance, emergency preparedness, reporting of near misses and non-conformities, corrective action and continuous improvement.
| Term | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ISM Code | International mandatory Code | Requirement under SOLAS Chapter IX |
| SMS | Company’s documented system to comply with ISM | Company SMS manual, checklists, procedures |
| Safety Management | Practical management of safety in daily operation | Risk assessment, toolbox meeting, permit to work |
In short, ISM Code gives the requirement, SMS is the Company’s documented system, and Safety Management is the practical implementation onboard.