ISM Code

The purpose of the ISM Code is to provide an international standard for the safe
management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. Recognizing that no two
shipping companies or ship-owners are the same, and that ships operate under a wide range of
different conditions, the Code is based on general principles and objectives, which include
assessment of all identified risks to one Company’s ships, personnel and the environment and
establishment of appropriate safeguards. 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.
After all, if the vessel has successfully incorporated all the safety requirements, then the officials
issue it with a Certification of Safety Management or the Safety Management Certificate which
brings the entire chain of a process to a fruitful completion.

In resolution A.680 (17), the Assembly recognized the need for appropriate organization
of management to enable it to respond to the need of those on board ships in order to achieve
and maintain high standards of safety and environmental protection. Recognizing that no two
shipping companies or ship-owners are the same, and that ships operate under a wide range of
different conditions, the Code is based on general principles and objectives, which include
assessment of all identified risks to one Company’s ships, personnel and the environment and
establishment of appropriate safeguards.

The rule of ISM 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.

Amendments to the ISM Code

The ISM Code in its current form was adopted in 1993 by resolution A.741(18) and was
made mandatory with the entry into force, on 1 July 1998, of the 1994 amendments to the
SOLAS Convention, which introduced a new chapter IX into the Convention. In resolution
A.680(17), the Assembly recognized the need for appropriate organization of management to
enable it to respond to the need of those on board ships in order to achieve and maintain high
standards of safety and environmental protection. Recognizing that no two shipping companies
or shipowners are the same, and that ships operate under a wide range of different conditions,
the Code is based on general principles and objectives, which include assessment of all
identified risks to one Company’s ships, personnel and the environment and establishment of
appropriate safeguards.

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.
Amendments to the ISM Code
The ISM Code in its current form was adopted in 1993 by resolution A.741(18) and was
made mandatory with the entry into force, on 1 July 1998, of the 1994 amendments to the
SOLAS Convention, which introduced a new chapter IX into the Convention.