CO3 - Analyze the provisions of the ISO 9001:2015 in relation to the ISM Code in

terms to their peculiarities

Both ISO 9001:2015 and the International Safety Management (ISM) Code are internationally recognized
standards aimed at improving management practices. While ISO 9001:2015 focuses on quality
management systems, the ISM Code targets the safe management and operation of ships and pollution
prevention. Here, we'll analyze their provisions, highlighting their peculiarities and how they interrelate:

1. Scope and Objectives

ISO 9001:2015:

• Scope: Applies to all types of organizations, regardless of size or industry.

• Objective: To ensure organizations consistently provide products and services that meet
customer and regulatory requirements, enhancing customer satisfaction.

ISM Code:

• Scope: Specific to the maritime industry, particularly for ship operators and owners.
• Objective: To ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of
damage to the marine environment and property.

2. Structure and Approach

ISO 9001:2015:

• Structure: Follows the High-Level Structure (HLS) common to ISO management system
standards, facilitating integration with other ISO standards.
• Approach: Based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, focusing on continuous improvement,
risk-based thinking, and customer satisfaction.

ISM Code:

• Structure: Specific to safety management, with detailed requirements for creating a Safety
Management System (SMS).
• Approach: Emphasizes compliance with international and national regulations, focusing on
safety and environmental protection through systematic and structured management practices.

3. Key Provisions

ISO 9001:2015:
 • Leadership: Emphasizes leadership commitment and involvement in establishing a quality
management system.
• Risk-Based Thinking: Introduces risk management as a core principle to identify and mitigate
risks and opportunities.
• Customer Focus: Stresses the importance of understanding and meeting customer
requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: Encourages ongoing improvement of processes and systems.

ISM Code:

• Safety and Environmental Protection Policy: Requires companies to establish a clear policy for
safety and environmental protection.
• Safety Management Objectives: Mandates specific objectives, including safe practices in ship
operation and a safe working environment.
• Emergency Preparedness: Requires procedures for responding to emergency situations.
• Reporting and Analysis of Non-Conformities, Accidents, and Hazardous Occurrences: Mandates
a system for reporting and analyzing incidents to prevent recurrence.
• Verification, Review, and Evaluation: Includes provisions for internal audits, management
reviews, and external verifications.

4. Implementation and Certification

ISO 9001:2015:

• Implementation: Can be tailored to the needs of any organization, focusing on documentation,

process control, and performance measurement.
• Certification: Certified by accredited third-party organizations after a comprehensive audit.

ISM Code:

• Implementation: Requires the creation and maintenance of a Safety Management System (SMS)
specific to the maritime operations of the company.
• Certification: Certified through audits conducted by flag states or recognized organizations
(ROs), resulting in the issuance of a Document of Compliance (DOC) for the company and a
Safety Management Certificate (SMC) for each ship.

5. Continuous Improvement and Audits

ISO 9001:2015:

• Internal Audits: Regular internal audits to evaluate the effectiveness of the quality management
system.
• Management Review: Periodic reviews by top management to assess performance and identify
improvement opportunities.
• Non-Conformity and Corrective Action: Systematic approach to handling non-conformities and
implementing corrective actions.
ISM Code:

• Internal Audits: Mandatory internal audits of the SMS to ensure compliance with the ISM Code.
• Management Reviews: Regular reviews by the company’s top management to ensure the
effectiveness of the SMS.
• Corrective and Preventive Action: Procedures for identifying non-conformities and
implementing corrective and preventive measures.

6. Documentation and Records

ISO 9001:2015:

• Documentation Requirements: Includes maintaining documented information to support the

operation of processes and provide evidence of conformity.
• Control of Records: Procedures to ensure records are accurate, accessible, and protected.

ISM Code:

• Documentation Requirements: Requires a Safety Management Manual (SMM) that documents

the company’s SMS and ensures its implementation.
• Record Keeping: Detailed records of inspections, audits, maintenance, training, and incident
reports to demonstrate compliance.

7. Training and Competence

ISO 9001:2015:

• Competence: Ensures employees are competent based on education, training, skills, and
experience.
• Training: Emphasizes ongoing training to maintain and improve competence.

ISM Code:

• Training and Familiarization: Requires comprehensive training programs for all personnel,
ensuring familiarity with SMS procedures and emergency preparedness.
• Competence: Ensures that crew members are qualified and competent for their assigned duties.

Conclusion

While ISO 9001:2015 and the ISM Code serve different primary purposes—quality management vs.
safety and environmental protection—they share common themes such as leadership commitment, risk
management, continuous improvement, and comprehensive documentation. Their peculiarities lie in
their scope and specific industry focus, with ISO 9001:2015 being broadly applicable across industries,
and the ISM Code being tailored to the maritime sector with stringent safety and environmental
requirements. Both standards can complement each other, particularly for maritime organizations
aiming to integrate quality management with robust safety practices.