Maritime Compliance (ISM & ISPS)
Döhle Yachts’ Maritime Compliance department specialises in providing a highly pragmatic and experienced approach to the application of local, national and international legislative requirements pertaining to the day-to-day operation of superyachts. The department’s aim is a simple one – supporting owners, managers and crew in the delivery of a professional, effective, safe and regulatory-compliant service, which allows for the guests’ and charterers’ uninterrupted enjoyment of the yacht.
We are responsible for developing our safety and security management services and supporting subsequent onboard implementation. We also provide the focus for all regulatory, flag state and classification society liaison. These services can be utilised in conjunction with our Döhle Yachts Technical team, which ensures the full range of design, build and service consultancy.
Our yacht compliance staff have extensive experience on both large sailing and motor vessels and are adept at translating legislation into plans that actually work on board large yachts. Our auditors and inspectors undergo continuous training and have excellent working relationships with flag state administrations and the major classification societies.
ISM
Our highly regarded ISM (International Safety Management) service, which we provide for superyachts consists of two distinct stages: the development of the systems including on board set up and the subsequent ongoing supervisory and support functions once the systems are in place.
The yacht’s Safety Management System (SMS) will be developed in conjunction with the captain and crew, taking into account all relevant international and national legislation and will form part of the overall yacht management system.
We (under our trading name Döhle Yachts) hold Documents of Compliance (DOC) for the UK (MCA), Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, Lloyds Register, Malta and the Marshall Islands and can very quickly obtain a DOC from any flag state when required.
Our ISM services cover all aspects required by the ISM Code and we are happy to provide a detailed overview of the specifics of these services on request.
Read More
Knowledge – ISM Code
Cyber Risk and our SMS
Döhle Yachts’ Cyber Risk Management Manual has been developed in accordance with the relevant IMO requirements and forms part of our managed yachts’ Safety Management Systems (SMS).
Cyber risks are becoming much more prevalent in the maritime industry. Our Cyber Risk Management Manual has been designed to allow for vessel-specific systems, preferences and existing procedures to be incorporated, whilst fully encompassing the ethos of the cyber risk management cycle:
- Identify threats
- Identify vulnerabilities
- Assess risk exposure
- Develop protection and detection measures
- Establish contingency plans
- Respond to and recover from cyber security incidents
Our wider ISM service covers all aspects required by the ISM Code, inclusive of cyber risk management.
Mini and Voluntary ISM
We provide Mini-ISM services for superyachts as required by the UK’s MCA Large Yacht Code (LYC) for commercial yachts over 24m and under 500GT. Several other flag states have similar requirements.
Our Mini-ISM system is tailor-made for each yacht using our extensive in-house experience.
The system includes the provision of a shore-based emergency contact, available on a 24 hour basis. This guarantees access to a full support resource whenever it is needed, at defined levels and agreed charges.
If required, a media response organisation can further augment the above services.
Mini-ISM services comprise of two distinct facets: the development of the systems, manuals and on board set up and, subsequently, ongoing support functions once the systems are in place.
Our Mini-ISM services cover all aspects required by the Large Yacht Code. We are happy to provide a detailed overview of the specifics of these services on request.
Voluntary ISM
Some captains and owners of private or commercially registered (<500GRT) yachts may opt to implement a full Safety Management System (SMS) without gaining the underlying flag state certification. Our in-house specialists can provide advice on the best options based on the specifics of each yacht.
We can provide a tailor-made system, which will meet the requirements of a full ISM service whilst taking into account each vessel’s individual requirements.
Read More
Knowledge – ISM Code
ISPS
Our Maritime Compliance team is highly proficient in ensuring that the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code is interpreted correctly, and applied, in a realistic manner that actually works on board, via the yacht’s Ship Security Plan (SSP).
Our ISPS service for superyachts consists of two distinct stages: the development of the system to be used on board including an on-site assessment and the subsequent continual supervisory and support functions when the system is in place.
The yacht’s SSP will be developed in conjunction with the captain and crew, taking into account all relevant international and national legislation and will form the basis for security management on board.
Our ISPS services cover all aspects required by the ISPS Code. We are happy to provide a detailed overview of the specifics of these services on request.
Read More
Knowledge – ISPS Code
Designated Person Ashore
To ensure a direct link between the company and those on board, the ISM Code requires that a Designated Person Ashore (DPA), with access to the highest levels of management, is appointed.
It is the DPA’s responsibility to monitor the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the operation of each vessel, and to ensure the adequate resources and shore-based support are available.
The DPA also provides the first level of shore-based mediation for any complaints, grievances or disciplinary issues that cannot be resolved on board.
During emergency incidents the DPA is the leader of the Emergency Response Team and provides yacht captains with a single point of contact for any emergency situation which may be encountered.
Döhle Yachts’ Maritime Compliance Manager, Robert Aldous, is a fully qualified and experienced DPA. His experience, and the support of the larger wider Döhle Group allows his understanding of the proficiencies necessary to undertake the incredibly important DPA role, under the provisions of the ISM Code.
Emergency and Media Response
We have a purpose-built, dedicated 24/7 Yacht Emergency Response and Crisis Management Room (ERR), which is furnished with all the necessary communications equipment and resources and with ample redundancy to ensure continuity.
The ERR forms the shore-based control centre for any incident be it pollution, safety, security or media related. It serves as the work place for the Emergency Response Team (ERT), which convenes as required to provide the necessary support to owners, crew and managers. The ERT comprises of Döhle Yachts’ staff, augmented, as required, by other experienced ship management staff from the Döhle (IOM) Group. It is the hub for all external support, organisation and communication.
Reporting and ongoing liaison with the authorities is essential. The ERT will coordinate with, for example, the coastguard and rescue services, the owner and/or the owner’s representative, flag state, coastal and port state, hospitals, next of kin, insurance companies and salvors, as well as with all other relevant parties.
In emergency situations, we manage these external pressures allowing the captain and crew to focus solely on the events as they develop on board with the primary aim of maintaining the safety of the passengers and crew in conjunction with the protection of the yacht and the environment.
Our ERT receives in-depth training via regular drills and simulations for the team based on real life situations.
The ERT carry out regular drills and response training with industry leaders. They also have real and relevant experience in managing incidents and the associated media interest.
An incident at sea soon becomes everyone’s business. In an era of instant global communication, the world can soon learn when things go wrong. It is therefore essential that any media interest is correctly managed and other stakeholders are proactively appraised as situations develop.
Any media response regarding a yacht, required as a result of an incident, can be coordinated by trained in-house personnel and supported by industry professionals.
MARPOL and SOPEP Services
All yachts, whether commercial or private, depending on their tonnage, must comply with the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
All of our response and management plans are provided efficiently, reliably and promptly, and meet the requirements of flag states. Aided by our in-house professional expertise, we are able to provide full support to our clients and continuously maintain our Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) and other response manuals. In the case of other national MARPOL requirements, we are also able to provide the necessary plans.
We will also provide full annual maintenance of your response plans and provide timely updates as a result of ongoing changes to legislation. These will be incorporated to the highest standard, ensuring ongoing compliance.
Read More
Knowledge – MARPOL
Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
Compliance with the MLC 2006, when applicable, on a yacht, is achieved in conjunction with our ISM or Mini-ISM services. All of our clients for ISM or Mini-ISM are offered an additional MLC compliance manual and ongoing support in this area at no additional cost.
Read More
Knowledge – MLC
Passenger Yachts
Döhle Yachts holds Documents of Compliance for passenger ship operations and has unrivalled experience in the regulatory management and support of superyachts built and operated under the UK MCA Passenger Yacht Code.
Read More
Technical Services – Passenger Yachts
Knowledge – Passenger Yacht Code
