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International Safety Management Assignment Answer with Example
Task 1:
The ISM Code has been issued with objectives of improving safety and pollution prevention at sea.
Explain how IMO has elaborated such a code taking into account its attempt to cover all operations of a ship at sea and in ports and;
The Code is expressed in broad terms so that it can have a widespread application. Clearly, different levels of management, whether shore-based or at sea, will require varying levels of knowledge and awareness of the items outlined.
The cornerstone of good safety management is commitment from the top. In matters of safety and environment protection it is the commitment, competence, attitudes and motivation of individuals at all levels that determines the end result.
2. One after one, describe the sections of the Code covering its objectives, the shipping company objectives and the functional requirements of the
Task 2:
The International Safety Management Code has been built as an international standard for the safe operation of ships. The concept of this standard is to create a safety management system which meets all the requirements of the Code as a minimum.
Taking an example, describe the development, with the help of a specialized consultant, of a company’s Safety Management System (SMS) which ensures, as a minimum, conformity with the requirements of the ISM Code.
Explain and comment how the SMS will operate on a day-to-day basis as well as the periodical internal and external verifications carried out by the company and the flag authorities or somebody else on its behalf.
Task 3:
All management systems are based on internal verifications of functioning while external verifications are mainly for conformity and effective operation of the system.
Explain the process of internal and/or external verifications and how to prepare, conduct and report the internal ISM audit of a company’s safety department or a shipboard management system when explaining the differences between the two concepts of verifications.
In addition, as a consultant performing an internal audit, explain the best method to carry out interviews of managers and crews and how to find objective evidence of fulfilment of requirements.
Describe how a company will review its SMS and then how it will take the opportunity to improve its own safety culture.
Task 4:
Prepare, as an example, the documentation of a Safety Management System.
List and describe all documents pertaining or linked to the SMS while explaining how the document control system is carried out.
Explain what kind of international certificates have to be obtained by the company for itself and for each of its ships and explain in detail the renewal process of each certificate.
Task 1:
The ISM Code has been developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) with the primary objective of improving safety and preventing pollution at sea. To ensure that the Code covers all operations of a ship at sea and in ports, the IMO has elaborated it in a way that it is expressed in broad terms so that it can have a widespread application. The Code is designed to be applicable to all types of ships, regardless of their size or nature of the trade.
The Code is divided into three main sections covering its objectives, the shipping company objectives, and the functional requirements of the safety management system. The objectives section provides a framework for the safety and environmental management of ships, including the development of policies and procedures to ensure the safety of personnel, ships, and the environment. The shipping company objectives section outlines the responsibilities of the shipping company, including the development and implementation of a safety management system, the appointment of designated persons, and the provision of resources for the effective operation of the system. The functional requirements section sets out the specific requirements for the safety management system, including documentation, risk assessment, and the establishment of emergency procedures.
The Code recognizes that different levels of management, whether shore-based or at sea, will require varying levels of knowledge and awareness of the items outlined. Therefore, the cornerstone of good safety management is commitment from the top. It is the commitment, competence, attitudes, and motivation of individuals at all levels that determine the end result.
Task 2:
The development of a company’s Safety Management System (SMS) requires specialized consultants who are knowledgeable in the requirements of the ISM Code. These consultants work closely with the shipping company to develop a safety management system that meets the requirements of the Code as a minimum. The SMS is designed to operate on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that all aspects of the ship’s operation are managed safely and efficiently.
The SMS is subject to periodical internal and external verifications to ensure that it remains effective and conforms to the requirements of the ISM Code. The internal verification is carried out by the company’s designated persons who conduct periodic audits of the SMS. The external verification is carried out by the flag authorities or an organization on their behalf, such as a classification society.
During the internal audit, the consultant would carry out interviews with managers and crews to evaluate the effectiveness of the SMS. The consultant would use objective evidence to confirm whether the company is fulfilling the requirements of the SMS. The consultant would also provide recommendations for improvement, and the company would take the opportunity to improve its safety culture.
Task 3:
Internal verification of a shipboard management system or a company’s safety department involves conducting periodic audits to ensure the system’s effective operation. The internal audit process involves preparing, conducting, and reporting the audit. The audit starts with an opening meeting with the management to outline the objectives, scope, and criteria for the audit. The audit criteria include the ISM Code requirements, company procedures, and relevant regulations.
During the audit, the consultant would conduct interviews with managers and crews to determine whether the SMS is functioning effectively. The consultant would also use objective evidence such as documentation, records, and observations to support the audit findings. The consultant would then prepare an audit report outlining the findings and recommendations for improvement.
External verification involves assessing the conformity and effective operation of the SMS. The flag authorities or an organization on their behalf, such as a classification society, would carry out the external verification. The process involves evaluating the SMS and verifying that it meets the requirements of the ISM Code.
Task 4:
The documentation of a Safety Management System includes various documents that are linked to the SMS. These documents include the safety policy, the company’s safety management system manual, procedures for key shipboard operations, emergency procedures, and records of SMS implementation.
