International Safety Management Code - Essay Example

International Safety Management (ISM) By Introduction The International Safety Management Code is a set of international standard rules and regulations for the safety and management of operation of Ships and for prevention of pollution. International Safety Management (ISM) has come up with well-structured and documented procedures in line with the International Management Code for pollution prevention and Safe Operation of Ships (Kwiatkowska & Dotinga 2001). The aims and purpose of these regulations was to provide those in charge and responsible for the day to day operation of ships with a model for the proper establishment, enforcement and assessment of safety and pollution prevention measurements in accordance with good practice. The guidelines also recognize the importance of commitment from the top, mixed with the competence, motivation and attitudes of individuals at all level, hence contributing to good Safety Management System . The objective of these guidelines was to ensure safety, to prevent injuries or even worse loss of life, and to avoid degradation of the marine environment, and to property. The Guidelines are based on principles and objectives aimed at promoting evolution of sound management and operation practices within the marine industry as a whole. The Guidelines also recognized the importance of the existing international instruments as the most effective means of preventing maritime accidents and degradation of the maritime environment; it included sections on the care, management and the safety and environmental policy (Kwiatkowska & Dotinga 2001). According to my assessment the International Safety Management(ISM) should have been introduced earlier, this would have reduced the number of maritime related accidents and it would have led to the preservation of the marine environment. By choosing to have a ISM code a shipping company stands to benefit in the following ways; It facilitates Cost reduction - A large part of ISM system is involved planning maintenance of machinery and safety gadgets. Proper use of this planned maintenance serves to reduce breakdowns which inconvenience quite a lot, helps prevent loosing valuable charter time and to increase the cost effectiveness through scheduling servicing. It enhances Transparency and traceability because the systems assist to keeping records and documentating logs, check sheets and forms. These records are then accessible for easy verification when needed arises (for instance during an inspection by the authorities). Other than that, the system also ensures that documents are renewed whenever it is necessary and that any historic information is kept on board in files, hence it is retrievable whenever required for future review and analysis. It allows for knowledge retention -At present, there has been a trend of volatile crewing environment hence leading to a relatively high crew turnover. This means that basic operational knowledge and maintenance procedures can possibly get can be lost whenever there is a change of command. The system documents the main operating procedures and all maintenance schedules in a tabulated form of planning, check lists and procedures. This type of documentation allows for a seamless crew transition more realistic (Talley 2011). In addition, if introduced the ISM will give clear guidelines that will make the maritime industry more favorable, profitable and even safer for both marine workers and passengers. The procedures that have been clearly stated give guidelines that ensure the safe operation of the ship and pprevention of environment degradation, it is estimated that a high number of marine related accidents are due to human error and poor communication among individuals at different levels. With the introduction of the International Safety Management (ISM) lines of communication levels of authority between, and amongst, personnel concerned with shore and shipment procedures are clearly spelt out in a language that is easily understandable hence avoiding confusion. This translates into a decrease in the number of maritime accidents. International Safety Management put in place strict policies and regulations to ensure protection of the environment in compliance with significant international and flag State policies. This will go a long way in ensuring that marine life is safeguarded from maritime disasters such as oil spills and the environment is in turn reclaimed or protected (Pamborides,1999). Communication Communication is very essential in all levels of authority and within mediums of communication. This code for instance clearly outlines the procedures for reporting form of accidents or strange happenings or non-conformities as well as procedures to assist in preparation and facilitating response to emergencies. Poor communication management in shipping has proved to be a costly affair since it is estimated that a large proportion (80%–90%) of maritime accidents are as a result of human error, with a large proportion of the claims contributed by failure or efficient communication between master and the crew or between the crew itself. Training This is another very important part in the shipping process and subsequently ISM. The Company should ensure that the master is fully trained on the following: Exercising proper command, that is fully conversant with his Company’s SMS. He or she has to also be accorded the essential support so that the master executes his or her duties effectively. The Company should develop procedures to make sure that all foreign personnel and all personnel relocated to new working stations that are related to safety of the environment are proper familiarized with their duties. It is essential that they are given instructions or training before sailing. These instructions should be identifiable, well documented and should be given constantly. The Company should develop and enhance procedures for identifying any form of training required to support the SMS and make sure that such training is enforced for all personnel concerned. The Company should develop procedures by which all the personnel onboard a ship receive necessary training or information on the SMS in languages understood by them. Lastly, the Company should also make sure that the ship’s personnel can communicate effectively during the execution of all the duties that are related to the SMS. Safety management Safety Management Systems (SMS), are systems with safety procedures that are designed by those who are bound to be directly affected by the effects of any failure. It may be advisable to remember that the establishment of ISM Code requires that one of its main objectives is to develop a ‘safety culture’ in shipping all companies, with efficient and effective safety culture, and prevention of pollution as the highest priority always. The company has to through the collaboration of its staff, has to always, and automatically, consider the implications for safety in its every action, rather than just simply following the safety procedures given because they have been imposed from outside (Güner-özbek, 2008). Auditing In getting ready to conduct an audit, the lead auditor has to prepare the audit plan as provided in the Annex B and then forward it to the Company before the beginning of the Audit. An example would be DOC & SMC Audits, whose audit plan can be found at Annex B. The auditors are mandated with the task of examining the Company’s documentation, files and procedures. In the midst of all that process, they have to take into consideration that auditing is in essence a sampling process and that not all files and procedures can be examined within the timeframe for the audit. In addition to the audit of files and other appropriate documentation, time must be allocated for interviews and discussions with members of the management team. The time allocated for the audit will be dependent upon the size and complexity of the Company and the number of ships in the fleet. A fire/boat drill should be carried out as far as practicable as part of SMC Audits on board and time should be allocated in the Audit Plan. The Lead Auditor receives training on handling the following responsibilities 1. Liaising with the Company in ensuring that fees are received before the actual audit. 2. Conducting a thorough review on the Company’s documentation. 3. Raising the company /ship file 4. Preparation of an audit plan and ensuring sending it to the company prior to the audit 5. Selection of the audit team, which includes evaluating the qualifications of other auditors 6. Overseeing the opening meeting and the closing meetings as well. 7. Organising the audit. 8. Agreeing on a corrective action with the Company and formulating the timescale for completing the action and the declaration. 9. Preparation of the certificate(s) for issue the audit report. This should be done within two weeks from the date of completing the audit. 10. Completing the Job Control Sheet . 11. Returning the entire file with all essential paperwork to Head Quarters for quality control 12. Ensuring compliance with service standards Record keeping After completing compiling, the auditor should submit the audit report accompanied with nonconformity notes to the respective head quarter branches by e-mail or fax before sending the entire file. The file must be sent following the closure of all non-conformities. The SIC needs to review and stores a copy of the audit reports of all auditors randomly. References Kwiatkowska, B., & Dotinga, H. (2001). International organizations and the law of the sea. . Vol. 15, 1999, Vol. 15, 1999. Talley, W. K. (2011). Companion to Maritime economics. Oxford, Wiley-Blackwell. Pamborides, G. P. (1999). International shipping law: legislation and enforcement. Athens, Sakkoulas [u.a.]. International Maritime Organization, & International Conference For The Safety Of Life At Sea. (1999). SOLAS: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 : resolutions of the 1997 SOLAS Conference relating to bulk carrier safety. London, International Maritime Organization. Güner-özbek, M. D. (2008). The carriage of dangerous goods by sea. Berlin, Springer. Read More