The relevance of the ISM code in improving safety of life at sea : the effectiveness of port states and flag states controls

• Main Author: Ang, Audrey Meishi
• Other Authors: School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Maritime studies::Maritime management and business
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/39514
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This report discusses about the relevance and effectiveness of the ISM Code. The ISM Code provides an international standard for the safe management and operations of ships. For its effective implementation, the commitments of the various stakeholders with regards to safety must be present. For the purpose of this report, perspectives from three main characters are taken, namely, the ship operators, representatives from the regulators and the recognized organizations. Literature reviews and findings from survey and interviews concludes that the ISM Code does not focus on compliance to regulations only through document controls. It is not a paper exercise as it is mandatory where companies have to ensure that they have the minimum standard. Hence, it addresses the actual implementation of the regulations, but the degree of compliance they adhere to and the effectiveness of the ISM Code to ensure safety of life at sea are very dependent on the human factor which in turn depended on the organization culture.