Safety at sea depends not only on the physical condition of vessels but on the strength of the management systems that govern how shipping companies operate, monitor risk, and respond to emergencies. The International Safety Management (ISM) Code establishes the international standard for the safe management and operation of ships, requiring shipping companies to implement structured safety management systems that reduce accidents, protect the marine environment, and safeguard crew and cargo. This specialized training course provides an in-depth examination of the ISM Code's requirements, the practical steps involved in developing and implementing a Safety Management System (SMS), and the audit processes used to maintain certification and ensure ongoing compliance. This course is delivered by The British Academy for Training and Development through the ISM Code Implementation and Safety Management Systems for Shipping Companies Training Course, a program designed to equip participants with the knowledge and practical tools needed to build, operate, and continuously improve safety management systems within maritime organizations. Throughout the program, trainees explore the responsibilities of shore-based management and shipboard personnel, gaining the skills to prepare for audits, manage non-conformities, and embed a strong safety culture across fleet operations.

By the end of this training course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the objectives, structure, and legal basis of the ISM Code.
• Identify the core elements required within a Safety Management System (SMS).
• Explain the roles and responsibilities of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) and Company Security Officer.
• Develop procedures for reporting, investigating, and addressing non-conformities and near misses.
• Apply risk assessment methodologies within shipboard and shore-based operations.
• Prepare documentation required for ISM certification and audits.
• Conduct and support internal audits of safety management systems.
• Manage the certification process, including the Document of Compliance and Safety Management Certificate.
• Foster a sustainable safety culture across shipping company operations.

Target Group

This course is designed for a wide range of professionals working in the maritime and shipping sector, including:

• Designated Persons Ashore (DPA) and safety management coordinators.
• Ship captains, officers, and crew members involved in safety operations.
• Quality, health, safety, and environment (QHSE) managers in shipping companies.
• Internal and external maritime auditors.
• Fleet managers and marine superintendents.
• Compliance officers within shipping and ship management companies.
• Port state control officers and flag state surveyors.
• Anyone seeking to build expertise in ISM Code implementation and safety management.

Foundations of the ISM Code

• Background and objectives behind the development of the ISM Code.
• Legal status of the ISM Code within the SOLAS framework.
• Scope of application across vessel types and shipping companies.
• Relationship between the ISM Code and other maritime regulatory instruments.
• Key definitions and terminology used within the ISM Code.

Structure of a Safety Management System (SMS)

• Core components required within an SMS.
• Safety and environmental protection policy development.
• Defining company and shipboard responsibilities and authority.
• Procedures for shipboard operations and emergency preparedness.
• Documentation and record-keeping requirements under the ISM Code.

Roles and Responsibilities in Safety Management

• Responsibilities of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA).
• Role of the Master in implementing the SMS on board.
• Responsibilities of officers and crew in maintaining safety procedures.
• Communication channels between ship and shore management.
• Accountability structures within shipping company organizations.

Risk Assessment and Incident Management

• Principles of risk identification and assessment in maritime operations.
• Procedures for reporting accidents, incidents, and near misses.
• Root cause analysis and corrective action processes.
• Managing non-conformities identified during operations or audits.
• Preventive measures to reduce recurring safety risks.

ISM Certification Process

• Requirements for obtaining the Document of Compliance (DOC).
• Requirements for obtaining the Safety Management Certificate (SMC).
• Roles of flag states and recognized organizations in certification.
• Interim certification procedures and renewal timelines.
• Common challenges in achieving and maintaining certification.

Internal and External Audits

• Planning and conducting internal SMS audits.
• Preparing for external audits by flag states and classification societies.
• Auditor roles, competencies, and reporting responsibilities.
• Identifying and documenting audit findings and non-conformities.
• Follow-up procedures for closing audit findings.

Emergency Preparedness and Contingency Planning

• Developing shipboard emergency response procedures.
• Conducting drills and exercises to test SMS effectiveness.
• Coordination between ship and shore during emergencies.
• Reviewing and updating contingency plans based on lessons learned.
• Integration of emergency procedures within the broader SMS framework.

Building and Sustaining a Safety Culture

• Embedding safety values across all levels of the organization.
• Training and awareness programs for crew and shore staff.
• Leadership's role in reinforcing safety management practices.
• Continuous improvement approaches to SMS performance.
• Measuring and monitoring safety performance indicators.