MARINE NOTICE 8 / 2010:
Changes to the ISM Code
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is the administration responsible for the issue of the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (ISM Code) certification for Australian registered vessels.
On 1 July 2010 amendments to the ISM Code adopted under Resolution MSC 273(85) enter into force.
Prior to 1 July 2010 AMSA strongly encourages that all companies review their safety management system against the amendments to the ISM Code and:
- note the change in definition of “Major non-conformity” ( ISM Code Section 1.1.10);
- fully assess all identified risks and show within the company’s safety management system how these risks have been identified (ISM Code Section 1.2.2.2);
- ensure that safety and environment protection policy or policies fully describe how the objectives of the Code will be achieved (ISM Code Section 2.1);
- ensure that masters periodically review their vessel’s safety management system and report deficiencies to shore based management (ISM Code Section 5.1.5);
- ensure that company procedures for implementing corrective action includes measures to prevent recurrence (ISM Code Section 9.2);
- ensure that all internal safety audits both ashore and afloat are completed within a period of twelve months (ISM Code Section 12.1); and
- ensure that the company periodically evaluates the effectiveness of the safety management system in accordance with established procedures (ISM Code Section 12.2).
For Australian registered vessels or companies AMSA interprets the revised requirements of section 12.2 for “periodically evaluating the effectiveness of the safety management” to mean a complete review of the system both ashore and afloat at least annually. Reviews should be thorough, show commitment and clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of the safety management system. Management reviews are probably more effective if done at intervals throughout the year provided the entire safety management system is reviewed at least annually.
Generally, management review should include:
- evaluation as to the suitability of safety and environment protection policy or policies in achieving the objectives of the Code;
- review of safety and environment protection objectives and targets;
- review of findings from internal and external audits;
- consideration of changes in legislation;
- consideration of changes within the company;
- an examination of training needs;
- lessons learnt from accidents and incidents;
- review of procedures and other instructions;
- the results of surveys, company inspections, and flag state and port state inspections; and
- importantly, feedback from and to employees and other relevant stakeholders.
Effective management review is the cornerstone of any good safety and environment protection management system.
Graham Peachey
Chief Executive Officer
31 March 2010
Australian Maritime Safety Authority
GPO Box 2181,
Canberra City ACT 2601
File No: 040968
Internet Address for all current Marine Notices: www.amsa.gov.au