The International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention is based on the requirements of ISO 9001.   The Code requires that all companies who manage ships develop, implement, and maintain a Safety Management System.  While Quality addresses how the company ensures that the customer is satisfied, Safety and Pollution Prevention address how the company ensures that their vessels are operated safely and in an environmentally conscious manner.

Developed by the International Maritime Organization, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code was made mandatory in 1994 by the adoption of Chapter IX of SOLAS.   Implementation was mandatory for all passenger ships, tankers, chemical carriers (and gas and bulk carriers over 500 gross tons) on July 1, 1998.  July 1, 2002 was the deadline for general cargo ships over 500 gross tons and offshore units.

Once a company has developed and implemented their Safety Management System, it must be audited by an independent third party company authorized by the administration of the vessel's flag state.  If the company is found to comply with the requirements of the ISM Code, it will be issued a Document of Compliance (DOC).  Then each vessel operated by the company must be audited.  If found to be compliant, the vessel will be issued a Safety Management Certificate (SMC).

A ship must have onboard a valid Safety Management System Certificate and a copy of its company's Document of Compliance.  Without them, port state control organizations will detain the vessel.  Thus, the SMC becomes the vessel's "license to operate" and the DOC the company's "license to manage ships".

The ISM Code requires that the company:

1) Establish a Safety and Environmental Protection Policy.

2) Define responsibilities and authority both ashore and afloat.

3) Appoint a designated person (or person).

4) Define the Master's responsibilities under the Code.

5) Provide adequate resources and personnel.

6) Develop plans for shipboard operations.

7) Identify and prepare for all emergency situations.

8) Report all accidents, incidents and hazardous occurrences.

9) Ensure ship and equipment are properly maintained.

10) Follow strict document control procedures.

11) Conduct Internal Audits and Management Review Meetings.

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