ISM Code Questions
ISM Code Questions
) Explain how the could the integration of various Management systems enhance safe
management and operations of ships and pollution prevention.
The ISM management system is based on a planned approach to safe operations and pollution
prevention. This was first passed when on the 6th of March 1987, the Roll on/Roll off Passenger
and Freight Ferry The Herald of Free Enterprise capsized killing not less than 150 Passengers
out of the 459 who had originally boarded and 38 crew members out of the 80. The guidelines
were adopted on 1989 as as The International Management Code for Safety of Operation of
Ships and for Pollution Prevention. To many maritime practitioners, the adoption of the ISM
Code was the beginning of safety management in shipping. Now, the question states that how
integration of various management systems enhance safe management and operations of ships
and pollution prevention. On our company we have a lot of management systems and it is
focused on quality, environment, health of the crew, and it is all organized in our system
managing multiple aspects of our organization's operation in line. Basing on our Safety
management, it is helping our safety because it is continually developed with reference to
repetitive audit findings of several years of experience, and has been developed to the point
where it is considered a world-class safety management system. In addition, it is also helping our
environmental performance as we have a policy for reducing emissions, treating waste and other
environmental issues. Our Quality management system is an ongoing process of identifying and
controlling the essential requirements for the delivery of products to customers. It includes a set
of processes that ensure that we meet customer requirements as well as our own high standards.
The system ensures that every person in our organization is constantly aware of their
responsibilities, and that they have the tools and support needed to perform those responsibilities
effectively. I believe that by integrating our safety management system with our quality
management system, our mistakes during high-risk operations of hot work, enclosed space entry
etc., are ensured to never happen again because of constant repetitive checks being carried out.
The system has been designed to ensure that everyone in our organization understands the
importance of their role in maintaining a safe work environment, and how their actions affect
others. Each seafarer is responsible for performing their tasks safely and accurately as well as
reporting any hazards or safety concerns they observe. Safe operations are also enhanced because
non-compliance to safety procedures is reported to be rectified as soon as possible. The company
operates a 24-hour Safety Management System that includes both the ship’s crew and shore-
based staff. The system is overseen by the Chief Officer, who reports directly to the Master. The
system is supported by a full suite of safety equipment, including firefighting gear and lifesaving
appliances as well as first aid kits. The company’s safety management system is certified by an
independent surveyor, who has been auditing the company. The surveyor has found that the
system is well-maintained, with regular training and drills for all crew members.
2.) Explain the various functional requirements of a Safety Management system adapted on
board aimed to effectively implement the ISM objectives.
Before all else, I want to lay down that The ISM Code is created and focuses on the safe
management and operation of ships and pollution prevention. The ISO 9001 series is
designed to ensure that customer requirements for quality are met. ISO 14001 provides the
elements of an effective environmental management system. As I have specified in question
one, it is to provide an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships
and for pollution prevention . One requirement for ISM is having a Safety Management
system. The SMS requires that the shipping company develops and implements a system to
report, analyze, and follow-up on non-conformities, accidents, and hazardous situations
Safety management can be direct at three distinct organizational aspects. First, there is
occupational safety and health management aimed at protection of workers against work-
related sickness, disease and injury (International Labor Organization, 2001.) These, are
those accidents that take place on board during normal operation affecting either the seafarers
or the equipment on board. They also include such accidents like contact with another ship,
groundings, small fires, heavy weather damage and machinery failure. Second, there is
marine environmental management aimed at protecting the marine environment. This
includes such things as oil spills and other pollution incidents. Third, there is maritime
security management aimed at protecting both seafarers and the ship. This includes such
things as terrorism, piracy and smuggling, hijacking and sabotage of ships. Fourth, there is
port state control management aimed at ensuring that ships entering a port meet certain
standards of safety and pollution prevention before they are allowed to berth. Poor
management strategies for occupational safety and health will likely result in disastrous
events. Because safety management is responsible for both the strategic and operational
levels, it cannot be done correctly if one of the two levels is not handled properly. There is
another aspect of safety management when dealing with manufacturing organisations, and
that is the finished products. The borderline between this type of safety management and
occupational safety management in service industries like shipping can be quite blurred since
it is during “occupation” that the services are provided whereas for manufacturing entities,
this distinction may not matter as much because what's going on inside a factory does not
greatly influence things outside.If we think of occupational safety as the finished product,
then it becomes easier to view it differently from workplace safety. However, there are some
similarities between these two types of safety management. For one, both are concerned with
the safety of employees and other people who have a role in the production process. The
difference is that while occupational safety management focuses on protecting people from
hazards during their jobs (like when they are operating a machine), workplace safety deals
with managing risks outside of work hours. there is safety management aimed at the
prevention of organisational accidents explained by Reason (1997) as those comparatively
rare but often catastrophic events, with a multitude of causes, involving many people
operating at different levels of the organisation. They usually have devastating effects on
surrounding populations, environment and the organisation it self, e.g. Exxon Valdez. . If the
safety and health of the work force are assured then the likelihood of organisational accidents
will be reduced (not completely eliminated). In shipping, these accidents (organisational)
often result from grounding, fire, capsizing, or explosion that leads to the total loss of the
ship and crew or constructive loss of the ship.
3.) Enumerate and explain briefly the procedures to insure safe operations of ships and
personnel safety.
To ensure the safe operations of ships and personnel safety, our company has identified the roles
and responsibilities of each person who carries out these operations and verify that they are
competent to perform the task assigned to them. The company has developed and implemented
procedures to ensure the safe operations of ships and personnel safety. These procedures are
based on international standards, national laws and regulations, as well as the experience gained
by our company during its long history in the maritime industry. Our company has developed a
reference with repetitive audit findings and deficiencies so that it will always be in checked. Our
company has developed a policy to ensure that the vessel is operated safely and efficiently. Our
company has established procedures for monitoring, reporting and investigating events that occur
during marine operations. Our company has developed a policy to ensure that the safety of crew
members is always priority number one. When it comes also for the safe operations of the ship,
plans and procedures are always discussed to the crew before the job starts. Risk hazard
assessment and job hazard analysis are discussed on the toolbox talk and the correct permit are
always filled out and double checked. Observations pertaining to lack of training of the ship's
crew are always made sure to be rectified in adherence to the regulations of SOLAS for use and
testing of the LSA/FFA Equipment over various locations. The company has also taken steps to
ensure that the safety of its staff is paramount. This includes a training program for all crew
members, which includes an orientation on the rules and regulations of SOLAS as well as other
applicable laws. The company also provides regular training courses in first aid, firefighting and
lifeboat drills among others. The ship's officers are trained to be able to handle any emergency
situation that may arise during the course of a voyage. We have a strict policy to ensure that all
crew members are provided with the right equipment and training prior to any job. All crew
members are given a briefing on the hazards involved in their assigned task, and also on how to
avoid these hazards. The company has developed a policy for safety management which ensures
that all personnel who work at sea are aware of their responsibilities regarding safety issues, and
they receive adequate training before performing any tasks. All personnel are provided with a
safety briefing before they go to work. This is done by the master or crew member in charge of
the task being performed. All personnel are briefed on the hazards involved in their assigned
tasks and also on how to avoid these hazards. Safety equipment such as life jackets, fire
extinguishers, first aid kits and flashlights are kept readily available throughout the ship. The
ship has a safety officer who is in charge of ensuring that all regulations are followed. The safety
officer also ensures that proper training is given to the crew members and that they are aware of
any changes in procedures. The crew is trained in the use of all safety equipment. The ship’s
officers and crew are also trained in first aid and CPR. In addition, each crew member is required
to complete an annual refresher course on these subjects.
4.) Elaborate the relationship between environmental management and sustainability with
relevance to the business operating ships
Reducing the environmental impact of shipping has become an important priority for the marine
industry as well as for governments and environmental groups. Environmental management is a
concern in the shipping industry given that ships now carry 90% of the world's trade.The
shipping industry is a major polluter and the main environmental issues concerning the shipping
community is Environmental management.Shipping companies are faced with high costs and
strict regulations from government authorities. These environmental challenges have led to
higher operational costs, which in turn have led to a reduction in freight rates and operating
profits.There are many ways that ship owners can improve their environmental performance,
such as using cleaner fuels, reducing emissions and waste, improving energy efficiency, etc.
However, not all of them are feasible for all ships due to the size of the ship or due to technical
limitationsEnvironmental management is a major concern for the shipping industry as it deals
with the management of natural resources and waste. The main environmental issues concerning
the shipping community is Environmental management, which includes pollution prevention,
reduction and control.The shipping industry has been working on sustainability for many years
now. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) was established in 1948 to ensure that
international rules are followed to minimize environmental impact from ships. There are also
other organizations such as the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International
Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (IMMPA), that work with IMO to promote sustainable
practices in shipping.The shipping industry is one of the most important industries in the world.
It is also a vital contributor to the global economy. The environmental impact of shipping,
however, has been a significant concern for many years.Environmental management and
sustainability are two important concepts in business that have been developing over the past few
decades. They are both relevant to the business of operating ships. This paper will explore the
relationship between environmental management and sustainability with relevance to the
business of operating ships.The main environmental issues concerning the shipping community
is Environmental management.Environmental management is a key component of sustainability,
which is a business imperative for the shipping community.The environment is a key component
of sustainability, which is a business imperative for the shipping community.The shipping
industry is intricately linked with the environment, directly and indirectly with the industry in a
crucial way due to the fact that ships release CO2.Therefore, for a sustainable future for
shipping, we should be designing an environment-friendly way to protect these ecosystems.The
relationship between environmental management and sustainability is something that is of
continuing interest. As the modernization of ships increases, more and more attention needs to be
paid to improving their overall design, in order to improve their efficiency and reduce any
pollution they cause. Many ship operators have found this path-breaking new business without
harming the environment.
Businesses need to document their process for efficiency. Standardization would facilitate better
workflow and reduce redundancy by identifying the best practices that work for particular sector.
Standardization can also avoid reinventing the wheel and ensure that any new change is isolated
in a controlled environment.
Standardizing an organization entails creating a mandate or a series rules to which all employees
must adhere to in order to maintain better workflow at their workplaces and reduce redundancy
by identifying the best practices for particular business sectors. In doing so, it’s possible for
companies to avoid reinventing the wheel as needed when change occurs at work; rather
organized processes within more controlled environments - and with rigid standards always in
place - will ensure improved consistency with respect to any new changes.