Tag: ISM Code

A series of vessel accidents in the late 1980s linked to human error, suggested a link between the increase in accidents and management faults; subsequently the ISM Code made its appearance, urging for measures on the safe operation of ships and pollution prevention. In response, USCG issued guidelines, concerning compliance with the requirements of the Code for both US-flagged and non US flagged vessels.

In 2007, the Hong Kong-flagged container ship ‘Cosco Busan’ allided with the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, causing one of the most discussed oil spills in US waters. The incident is a good example of how lack of communication can lead to serious environmental incidents.

In 2007, the enclosed space fatality incident onboard the ERRV vessel Viking Islay off UK shocked shipping community as three men died successively trying to rescue one another. Enclosed space entry has been over the years the hidden enemy for crews.

In 2007 the bulk carrier ‘Pasha Bulker’ came out at the Nobbys Beach of New South Wales offering an unusual spectacle for local people. The incident is an interesting case study of inadequate communication, inefficient SMS, poor judgement due to fatigue and the objective cause of extreme weather conditions.

This time, our special column, in association with The North of England P&I Club, sheds focus on safety management asking industry experts whether a change is being noticed, considering that the ISM Code, which firstly introduced Safety Management Systems as the core requirement, has turned 20 years old! 

In 2007, the sinking of the Anchor Handling Tug ‘Bourbon Dolphin’, led to eight fatalities. In opposition to ISM Code, the operating company had not examined whether the vessel was suitable for the operation.

The grounding of the general cargo ship ‘Harvest Caroline’ constitutes an interesting case study of how inconsistent implementation of ISM can lead to unpleasant situations. 

Industry insiders are for many years now, pinpointing the urgent need for seafarers to be trained as human beings and the importance of considering the underlying factors behind accidents too and it seems that in that way, we have been better thinkers. How, therefore, has the so-called human factor been considered as a symptom and not as a cause with the passage of time?

Master is the key person to ensure the effective implementation of the ISM Code on board and thus, as a top priority, he needs to be familiar with company’s SMS. In particular, clause 5 of the ISM Code defines Master’s requirements and expectations; as such, among its main duties, Master is assigned with the obligation to review and verify the Safety Management System of the Company (as per ISM Code Clause 5, para. 5.1.5).

In 2006, the RoRo ‘Cougar Ace’ was involved in an incident that caused its entire cargo of almost 5,000 brand new cars to be scrapped. The incident highlighted issues related to the assignment of duties in a ship’s SMS, within the context of ballast water exchange operations.