International Safety Management Code (ISM)
The International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM Code) addresses the responsibilities of the people who manage and operate vessels and provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.
The ISM Code applies to all commercially registered yachts over 500 gross tonnage.
The ISM Code establishes safety-management objectives and requires a safety management system (SMS) to be established by "the company", which is defined as the shipowner or any person, such as the manager or bareboat charterer, who has assumed responsibility for operating the ship. The Company is then required to establish and implement a policy for achieving these objectives. This includes providing the necessary resources and shore-based support.
From 1 July 1998, the ISM Code became mandatory under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and from that date it applied to passenger ships, including passenger high-speed craft, oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and cargo high-speed craft of 500 gross tonnage and above – this includes commercial yachts.
The full and successful implementation of the ISM Code will ensure that a company has safety and environmental pollution risks under control. Among other things, a proper safety management system as required by the ISM Code should:
· Ensure procedures are in place for dealing with any shipboard emergency
· Help prevent accidents occurring
· Ensure there are adequate communications between ship and shore based personnel
· Ensure that all individuals know their role and responsibility and are adequately trained and have the appropriate resources to do their job
· Ensure that all activities and operations are planned, controlled and verified
· Ensure that all applicable international standards are complied with
Full ISM Services
We have developed yacht-specific safety management systems developed in co-operation with captains and crew members. Find out more>>>
Mini ISM
It is a requirement under the UK’s MCA Large Yacht Code (LY2) for all Red Ensign and Marshall Islands commercially registered yachts over 24 meters and under 500 gross tonnage to have a safety management system – this has become known as “Mini ISM”.
Mini ISM covers all matters such as emergency procedures and health and safety guidelines as defined in Annex 2 of LY2.
We have developed a service which is a yacht specific Mini ISM system which will incorporate the yacht’s existing best practices. Find out more>>>
Voluntary ISM Services
We can provide a tailor made system which will be up to the requirements of a Full ISM but will not have to be submitted to Flag State for approval. Find out more>>>