definition of NC, MNC, OBSERVATION, EVIDENCE OBJECTIVE

Answer

Here is the exact breakdown of these definitions as per Chapter 1 of the ISM Code, along with their operational context and engineering examples.

1. Objective Evidence

ISM Code Definition (1.1.7): "Objective evidence means quantitative or qualitative information, records or statements of fact pertaining to safety or to the existence and implementation of a safety management system element, which is based on observation, measurement or test and which can be verified."

• In Plain Terms: It is undeniable proof. It cannot be based on an auditor's assumption, gut feeling, or hearsay. It must be verifiable by seeing it, reading a record, or testing a piece of machinery.

• Engine Room Example: A printed log from the oil discharge monitoring equipment (ODME), a signed and dated Enclosed Space Entry Permit, or a valid calibration certificate for the 15-ppm Oily Water Separator monitor.

2. Non-Conformity (NC)

ISM Code Definition (1.1.9): "Non-conformity means an observed situation where objective evidence indicates the non-fulfillment of a specified requirement."

• In Plain Terms: You have a rule (from the ISM Code, SOLAS, MARPOL, or the company's SMS), and you have objective evidence that the rule was broken.

• Engine Room Example: The SMS manual states that all critical stand-by machinery must be tested weekly. The auditor checks the PMS records (objective evidence) and finds the stand-by steering gear pump hasn't been tested for a month. This is an NC against the company's maintenance procedures.

3. Major Non-Conformity (MNC)

ISM Code Definition (1.1.10): Major non-conformity means an identifiable deviation that:

1. Poses a serious threat to safety of personnel, or

2. Poses a serious threat to the ship, or

3. Poses a serious risk to the environment, and requires immediate corrective action, or

4. Shows lack of effective and systematic implementation of a requirement of the ISM Code.

In Plain Terms: This is a severe failure. It splits into two categories:

1. An immediate danger to life, the ship, or the environment.

2. A total, systematic collapse of an SMS requirement (i.e., a repetitive mistake showing that the system isn't working at all).

• Engine Room Example:

  1. Immediate Threat: The quick-closing valves for the fuel oil tanks are found intentionally blocked or gagged open, rendering them useless in a fire.

  2. Systematic Failure: Finding that none of the engineer officers have completed their mandatory safety familiarization over the last three crew changes.

• Operational Consequence: A ship cannot sail with an outstanding MNC. The vessel will be detained until the MNC is down-graded to a standard NC by implementing an approved immediate corrective action plan.

4. Observation

ISM Code Definition (1.1.8): "Observation means a statement of fact made during a safety management audit and substantiated by objective evidence."

• In Plain Terms: (Often expanded by IACS guidelines) An observation is an early warning. The ship is currently complying with the rules, but the auditor notices a weakness or trend that could turn into a Non-Conformity in the future if left ignored.

• Engine Room Example: An auditor notices a small puddle of oil under an auxiliary engine booster pump. It hasn't triggered a safety hazard yet, and the engineers are monitoring it, but if it is left uncleaned and the leak worsens, it will become an NC (fire hazard/poor maintenance).