The ISM Code — International Safety Management Code — requires shipping companies to establish and maintain a documented Safety Management System (SMS) across their fleet, addressing safety and pollution prevention at the organizational level, not just the individual ship level.
Why the ISM Code Exists
Major maritime disasters, including the 1987 Herald of Free Enterprise capsizing, revealed that safety failures often trace back to systemic management shortcomings — inadequate procedures, poor safety culture, unclear responsibilities — not just individual crew error. The ISM Code was created specifically to require companies to address safety at this organizational level.
Key ISM Requirements
- Documented Safety Management System (SMS) — covering procedures for safe operation, emergency preparedness, and non-conformity reporting
- Designated Person Ashore (DPA) — a company-level contact with direct access to top management, specifically responsible for monitoring safety and providing a link between ship and shore
- Master’s authority — the ISM Code explicitly reinforces the Master’s overriding authority on safety matters
- Non-conformity reporting — a structured system for reporting and addressing safety issues, near-misses, and deficiencies
- Internal and external audits — regular verification that the SMS is actually being followed, not just documented
Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC)
Companies hold a DOC verifying their overall SMS meets ISM requirements; individual vessels hold an SMC verifying that specific ship’s compliance — both are mandatory certificates subject to audit and can be withdrawn for serious non-compliance.
Exam Relevance
ISM Code structure, DPA responsibilities, and SMS non-conformity procedures are core Ship Knowledge and Safety Management topics in deck and engine officer competency exams.