Comparison between the ISM and the ISPS codes

Comparison between the ISM and the ISPS codes A quick comparison

Codes of Same origin ØThe ISM code -International Safety Management Code- has been created to manage safety in a shipping company and on board its ships ØThe ISPS code (international ship and Port facility securitry code) has been created to manage the security of the ships and the port facilities frequented by them

Similarities ØThey are International codes applicable to ships over 500 GT running internationnally ØApply to passenger ships of any tonnage working internationnally ØApply to terminals where they work (only for the ISPS code) what about for safety of terminals ? ? ØThis is an international approach under the SOLAS convention

Subtile particularity for the offshore industry Ø Both codes apply to MODU (Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit) wheighting certainly more than 500 all of them Ø The other units which are self propelled (pipe laying for example) must follow the SOLAS requirements : they are ships anyway! Ø NBSometimes on other non-self propelled units, the flag or the coastal state requires compliance with ISM and ISPS (Brazil, Marshall Islands, Liberia …)

the ISPS code… Ø Implement a global cooperation with private or State operators for the protection of ships and terminals Ø In fine, ships and ports are taken proportianal protection measures via a classic management system for security with the cooperation of legal authorities: police, army, navy, customs, immigration, coast guards, intelligence services Ø The further actions are from the State: terrorism, illegal traficking, migrants, intelligence and national cyber security

The ISM code requires … Ø All items for a modern management system: Ø Description of tasks and responsibilities of all persons involved in the safety of ships Ø Level of skill and preparation of personnel and crews to emergencies Ø Availability of requied resources Ø Reporting system from the base to the top via a DPA and an operation of feedback Ø An internal verification system in order to rectify and to improve

Practically speaking ØThe ISM code requires a SMS with at a minimum: Objectives and operating procedures via an accident prevention system and a continuous improvement approach ØThe mandatory operation of the SMS isin hands of the shipping company ØWhile the verification of conformity and operation is in hands of the flag

Differences ØThe ISM code applies to companies operationg ships (shipping, dredging, offshore, search and development) and their operated ships or units ØThe ISPS code applies only to ships and terminals

Definitions Ø Maritime Safety: organization of actions to prevent and manage unpredictable accidents Ø Maritime Security: organization of prevention of illicit incident and management of consequences Ø Security could have been included in the Safety Ø On board ships it is normal to link security with safety management Ø In ports it is also more frequent today to see security managed at the same time of safety

Other similarities ØThe ISM code requires toset up a safety Management manual dealing with safety and pollution prevention which can be called Safety Plan which inclues risks assessment and mitigating measures ØThe ISPS code requires risk assessment of threats and implementation of reduction measures in a Security Plan

The differences are in the definitions: ØSafety incidents are of involontary and random types ØWhile security incidents are voluntary acts from wrongdoers ØIn case of successfull security incident, the further measures of recovery are of safety matters

One particularity of the ISM code is the DPA ØThe Designated person ashore ensure the laison between the ship and the top management, and ensure that important information will be transmitted to them in order to ensure the providing of ressources to the Ship’s master ØIn security, the Company Security Officer (CSO) ensures the threats assessments, the correction of security deficiencies and operation of the security plans and many other things

Validity of certificates ØQuenquennal validity and renewal are common to both codes ØAssessment and plans are concerned as well as the certificates ØTo renew a certificate objectives evidence of operation of the safety or security plans must be produced ØOnly shipsshould be able to show their certificates

Conclusion ØWhat is missing for a comprehensive integrated system ? : ØIncludes the security of the port in addition of port facility security ØMade the management of safety of port operations mandatory by a new chapter of the SOLAS convention

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