Important Definitions under ISM Code

            "International Safety Management (ISM) Code" means the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention as adopted by the Assembly, as may be amended by the Organisation.

Objective Evidence: 

Objective Evidence means quantitative or qualitative information, records or statements of fact pertaining to safety or the existence and implementation of a Safety Management System by the shipping companies and their ships.

The Objective Evidence is based on observation measurements or tests which are made during an audit and which can be verified.

Example: 

1. Failure to maintain Work and Rest hours is Objective Evidence that the work rest hour requirements are not being complied with.
2. Steering gear test and drills are to be conducted onboard as per SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 26. The Objective Evidence of its verification can be found by checking the Engine log book records/Deck log book records and relevent checklist.

Observation: 

Observation means a statement of fact made during a safety management audit and substantiated (proved) by objective evidence.

Example: 

1. A dirty oil rag on the deck 
2. A dirty steam lagging   

Non-Conformity:

Non-Conformity means an observed situation where objective evidence indicates the non-fulfillment of the specified requirement. 

Example:

1. Critical spare of A/E has been consumed recently during a major overhaul and the same has not been ordered
2. Logbook was not signed by the responsible person as required
3. The date and time of the drills were not entered in the log book

 

Major Non-Conformity:

Major Non-Conformity means an identifiable deviation that poses a serious threat to the safety of personnel or the ship or a serious risk to the environment that requires immediate corrective action or the lack of effective and systematic implementation of a requirement of this code. 

Example:

1. Liferaft not serviced
2. Emergency Procedures for closing hatch covers not found
3. One of the EEBD is non-operational 

 

Internal Audit:

Companies should carry out internal shore-based and shipboard audits at intervals not exceeding 12 months to verify whether shore-based and shipboard activities comply with the SMS.

In exceptional circumstances, as documented by the company, this period may be exceeded by not more than three months.

The personnel carrying out audits should be independent of the area being audited unless this is impracticable due to the size and nature of the company. 

These internal verifications should be prepared and conducted in accordance with procedures established by the company.

The procedures should at least consider the following elements:

1. Responsibilities 
2. Competence and selection of auditors
3. Audit Scheduling
4. Preparing and planning the audit
5. Executing the audit
6. Audit report
7. Corrective action follow-up

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Reference: 

1. IMO Publications & Documents - International Codes - ISM Code - Part A - Implementation - Section 1
2. IMO Publications & Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - Resolutions A.741(18).