International Safety Management (ISM) Code Familiarization for Maritime and Offshore Oil and Gas Professionals

Introduction

The International Maritime Organization (IMO), introduced the ISM Code to the industry in 1998, it is now mandatory for a wider range of cargo ships and for mobile offshore drilling units (MODU’s), and it is seen as a major instrument to safeguard seafarers from workplace hazards. Past maritime major incidents were a terrible warning bell that highlighted the importance of a Safety Management System onboard Vessels and Offshore Installations. By attending this intensive 5 Day training, the participants will develop a key understanding of the mandatory ISM Code, the very regulation which is impossible to ignore in today’s highly regulated industry.

This training course will highlight:

• The reasons for and background of the implementation of the ISM Code
• The governing principles of the ISM Code
• The Companies responsibilities
• The Role of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
• ISM compliance, internal audits and the system of external verification
• Safety Management Systems - Hazard identification and Risk assessments methodologies -and their role in the ISM Code

Objectives

The main objective is to ensure that the ISM Code is well understood in its principle, which envisages a self-regulated Safety Management System developed by the Company. This objective can be fulfilled only with a participatory approach, and this topical element of the Code will be thoroughly discussed.

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

• Understand and explain the context of maritime safety in general and of the ISM in particular
• Understand the impact of this globally applicable legislation in the maritime industry
• Comprehend the effectiveness of the ISM Code and its latest revisions
• Understand the accountability that the ISM Code has placed on the Companies
• Understand the three central elements: risk assessment, incident reporting, and audit and review

Training Methodology

This is an interactive course. There will be open question and answer sessions, regular group exercises and activities, videos, case studies, and presentations on best practice. Participants will have the opportunity to share with the facilitator and other participants on what works well and not so well for them, as well as work on issues from their own organizations. The online course is conducted online using MS-Teams/ClickMeeting.

Who Should Attend?

This intensive training course will be of benefit to those who are involved with Maritime Safety and Regulatory Compliance, both ashore and afloat. In addition, it will raise awareness for that personnel who have been allocated potential or specific tasks in a Safety Management Systems.

This training course is suitable for a wide range of professionals but will greatly benefit:

• Nautical Officers
• Engineers
• Superintendents
• Vessel Managers
• Technical Managers
• Shipping Companies (Management, Inspectors, Quality and Regulatory Compliance)

Course Outline

Day 1: The Background to the International Safety Management Code

• Introduction – Course Objective

• The historical context of maritime safety

• Where did the ISM Code come from

• The ISM Code within maritime legislation – Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)

• Regulatory bodies

• Legal and insurance issues

Day 2: The Aims, Structure, and Content of the ISM Code

• The ISM Code in full

• Preamble

• Part A – Implementation

• Part B – Certification and Verification

• Certificates - Document of Compliance (DOC) & Safety Management Certificate (SMC)

• The road from starting to full term certification

Day 3: Company Responsibilities, Authority, and Obligations

• Company responsibilities

• The Safety Management System (SMS)

• The Role of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA)

• Responsibility, authority, accountability of the DPA

• Master’s responsibility and authority

Day 4: Operational Safety Management – Shipboard Operations

• Functional requirements of an SMS

• Basis of an effective Management System

• Key component and role of an SMS

• Reports and analysis of non-conformities, accidents, and hazardous occurrences

• Emergency preparedness

• Drills and Exercises

Day 5: Risk Assessment and Management

• Incident investigation, event and causal factor

• Hazard identification techniques

• Risk assessment – qualitative and quantitative methods

• Risk reduction

• Safety Culture

• Internal audits and effective communication