6 Definitions Every Seafarer Must Know

Under the ISM Code

APRIL 15, 2012 BY HITESHK3 COMMENTS

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The International Safety Management (ISM) Code was entered into

force to ensure safety of people, safety of ship and cargo, and safety
of environment. The ISM code was brought into action to inculcate
safety culture at the sea and at all levels of seafarers working on
ships.

In order to understand ISM, it is important to know definitions of a few

important terms which determine the whole structure of IMO’s ISM
code. If you are a seafarers working at the sea, then you must know
these six definitions which forms the main structure of the ISM code.

1. Safety Management System (SMS): The safety management

system is a structured and documented system under the International
Safety Management (ISM) code which enables shipping companies and
its ship’s crew to effectively implement all safety policies regarding
ship, crew, and environment while at sea.

2. Document of Compliance: Document of compliance is a

certificate issued to a shipping company which complies with all the
requirements of the ISM code.

Document of compliance is one of the most important documents of

the ship which are often checked during port state control survey.

3. Safety Management Certificate (SMC): Safety management

certificate (SMC) is a document provided to a ship signifying that the
company and its ship personnel operate in accordance with the safety
management system (SMS).

SMC should be produced by the ship whenever asked by a PSC.

4. Objective Evidence: Objective evidence is any form of

information, records, or statements of facts which indicates
implementation of safe management system by the shipping company
and its ships. The objective evidence is based on observations,
measurements, or tests that are made during an audit and which can
be verified.

5. Non Conformity and Major Non-Conformity: When objective

evidence indicates non fulfilment of a specific requirement stated by
the safety management system, a situation of non conformity is
considered to have occurred.

A major non-conformity is an extremely serious situation which poses

serious threat to the safety of personnel, ship, or the environment. It
indicates a major lapse in effective and systematic implementation of
the ISM code. Major non conformity would require immediate
corrective action to be taken by the ship’s management.
6. Anniversary Date: Anniversary date can be defined as the
day and month of each year which marks the expiry of a relevant
certificate or document of the ship under the ISM code.