The ISM Code: why it exists and what it asks of the company
1The lesson in plain words
On ships covered by SOLAS IX, the company and crew work through a documented safety management system (SMS).
Why the Code exists
The ISM Code is the International Safety Management Code. It followed accidents such as the 1987 Herald of Free Enterprise capsize, which exposed failings ashore and on board. SOLAS chapter IX makes it mandatory for covered ships on international voyages: passenger ships of any size, and cargo ships and mobile offshore drilling units of 500 gross tonnage (GT) or more. Government-operated ships used for non-commercial purposes are excluded; national rules may extend coverage.
The company
The Code places the duty on the company: the shipowner, or a manager or bareboat charterer who has taken over the operation of the ship and agreed to take on all the duties of the Code. The company must set up and run a safety management system (SMS). This is the documented way the company and its crews keep people, ships and the environment safe.
Objectives
The Code aims to ensure safety at sea, prevent injury and loss of life, and avoid damage to the environment and to property. The company must provide safe practices and a safe working environment. It must assess all identified risks to its ships, people and the environment, and set safeguards. It must keep improving the safety management skills of its people ashore and on board, including preparation for emergencies.
Six functional requirements
Every SMS must contain: a safety and environmental-protection policy; instructions and procedures that meet international and flag-state rules; defined levels of authority and lines of communication ashore and on board; procedures to report accidents and non-conformities; procedures to prepare for and respond to emergencies; and procedures for internal audits and management reviews.
Rules and guidance
The SMS must make sure you comply with mandatory rules. It must also take into account the codes, guidelines and standards recommended by the IMO, the flag, classification societies and industry bodies. The office holds a Document of Compliance (DOC) and each ship a Safety Management Certificate (SMC); how the flag audits and issues them is in Ship business.
Status in 2026
The Code was last amended with effect from 1 January 2015, and that text is what you apply today. In July 2026 the IMO sub-committee III 12 began a full revision of the guidelines for implementing the Code, resolution A.1188(33), with digital systems and less paperwork among its aims. The target is 2028. Nothing from that work is in force yet.
2Key data
- Legal basis
- SOLAS chapter IX; ISM Code adopted by resolution A.741(18)
- Mandatory since
- 1 July 1998 (first ship types); 1 July 2002 (other ships)
- Ships covered
- International voyages: passenger ships; cargo ships/MODUs ≥500 GT
- Last Code amendment
- MSC.353(92), in force 1 January 2015
- Revision of guidelines
- Started at III 12 (July 2026); target 2028; not in force
3Key points
- 1
The ISM Code is made mandatory by SOLAS chapter IX.
- 2
The company is answerable: owner, manager or bareboat charterer who took over the duties.
- 3
Every SMS has six functional requirements, from policy to audits and reviews.
- 4
The company must assess all identified risks and set safeguards.
- 5
The 2026 revision work on the ISM guidelines is not in force; apply the current Code.
4Frequent mistakes
Wrong: The ISM Code is the crew's job; the office only signs the cheques.
Right: The Code makes the company answerable. It must provide resources, shore support and a working SMS.
Wrong: A new ISM Code was adopted in 2026.
Right: Work on revising the implementation guidelines began in July 2026, with a 2028 target. The Code in force is unchanged since 2015.
5Practice case & exam keys
A new manager takes over your bulk carrier and accepts all ISM duties. A colleague says safety procedures are now solely the master's responsibility. Is that right?
Show the answer
No. The manager is now the ISM company. It must run a documented SMS, define responsibilities, provide resources and shore support, assess identified risks and set safeguards. The master and crew put that system into practice on board.
Exam keys
- SOLAS chapter IX makes the ISM Code mandatory.
- The company: owner, manager or bareboat charterer that took over all ISM duties.
- Six functional requirements: policy, procedures, authority, reporting, emergencies, audits and reviews.
- Code last amended with effect from 1 January 2015; guideline revision started July 2026, not in force.
Finish this unit
When you've read it, answer three questions. Get all three right to finish the unit; opening the page alone doesn't count.
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