As a result of this section you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and
understanding of the requirements for the is M code
the task facing all shipping companies is to minimize the scope of poor human
decisions that contribute directly or indirectly to a casualty or a pollution
incident one aim should be to ensure that staff are properly informed and
equipped to fulfill their operational responsibilities safely decisions taken
ashore can be as important as those taken at sea it is necessary to ensure
that every action affecting safety or the prevention of pollution taken of any
level within the company is based on a sound understanding of its consequences
the development by Imoh of the International management code for the
safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention is a reflection of
this objective on the part of governments the is M code establishes an
international standard for the safe management and operation of ships by
setting rules for the organization of company management in relation to safety
and pollution prevention and for the implementation of a safety management
system the goals of the safety management system are established
standardised company procedures specify commitment to safety and environmental
protection provide a reporting and tracking system for undesirable
incidents establish routines to prevent recurrence of undesirable incidents the
functional requirements for a safety management system are a safety and
environmental protection policy instructions procedures and checklists
to ensure safe operation of ships and protection of the environment in
compliance with relevant international national and port state regulations
define levels of authority and lines of communication between and among Shaw and
shipboard personnel procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities
with the provisions of this code procedures to prepare for and respond to
emergency situations all companies shall have a safety and
environmental policy it should describe the aim of the safety management system
and also outline a strategy and plan of action to achieve and maintain the aim
here are some key elements that such a policy can include compliance with rules
regulations and industry guidelines active participation by personnel in
achieving high levels of safety all activities should be done in accordance
with safety management system procedures as far as is practical open
communication amongst crew members and with sure staff including the designated
person is essential for improving safety everyone is encouraged to suggest
improvements regarding policies and procedures training and education is
important to achieve high standards of safety and environmental protection the
safety management system is continually reviewed to ensure that it is realistic
and adequate to meet our objectives the main book includes policies and
procedures applicable to the whole organization the ship book includes
procedures routines and checklists referring to onboard operations it can
be divided into general part bridge order book cargo deck order book engine
order book the vessel response plan includes procedures and checklists of
relevant actions in case of emergencies for example grounding touching bottom
collision fire and explosion hull failure excessive list equipment failure
a fundamental component of the safety management system is the designated
person this person oversees the operations of the safety management
system he or she acts as a safety valve or short fuse when there is a problem
with matters concerning safety or pollution if there are safety or
pollution concerns that are not being handled appropriately on board any crew
member can contact the designated person the
designated person will then try to correct the situation the designated
person can also bring critical issues to the top management's attention without
delay the safety management system is a dynamic system this means that the
system is always constantly under development
if rules and regulations change the vessels get new equipment or if there is
a safer way to complete a task with specified procedures the system has to
be modified this is done by analyses of reports suggested modifications audits
and reviews