What is Safety Management System Onboard Ship
1:- What is Safety Management System (SMS)
- Safety Management System (SMS) is based on the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, which is a framework for the safe operation of ships and the prevention of pollution.
- The International Safety Management Code is adopted by shipping companies, organizations, and other entities, as amended by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
- Safety Management System is the responsibility of the shipowner, company, or other designated persons such as managers or charterers, as well as the administration or government of the state where the ship is registered (flag state).
- Safety Management System is a structured and documented system that enables company personnel to effectively implement the company’s safety and environmental protection policy.
- Safety Management System ensures that the company’s safety and environmental protection policies are effectively implemented, promoting safe ship operations and preventing pollution.
2:- Safety Management System DefinitionÂ
A Safety Management System (SMS) is a structured and documented system that ensures the safe operation of ships and the prevention of pollution, in accordance with the guidelines set by the International Safety Management (ISM) Code under International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
3:- (SMS) Safety Management ObjectivesÂ
A Safety Management System (SMS)’s fundamental objectives are to ensure maritime safety, prevent human injury and death, and avoid environmental damage.
- Ensure Safety at Sea: The SMS’s objective is to provide a safe operational environment aboard ships to protect crew members and vessels while at sea.
- Prevent Human Injury and Death: By building strong safety protocols and emergency procedures, the SMS aims to reduce the chance of injury and death among crewmembers.
- Avoid Environmental Damage: The Safety Management System includes methods to reduce pollution and safeguard the marine environment from the effects of ship operations.
- Promote Safe Practices and Working Environment: The Safety Management System ensures that all staff onboard follow safe practices and work in a secure environment.
- Assess and Manage Identified Risks: The Safety Management System includes identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks to guarantee that safety and environmental protection are consistently addressed.
- Environment Protection: Efforts are being made to monitor and improve the maritime environment and ensure compliance with environmental protection requirements.
- Continuous Improvement: The SMS aims to encourage ongoing improvements in safety management processes and procedures through regular reviews and feedback.
- Compliance with Mandatory Laws: Safety Management System guarantees that the ship follows all mandatory rules, laws, codes, guidelines, and standards set by relevant maritime organizations.
4:- 6 Functional Requirements of a Safety Management System (SMS)
- Safety and Environmental Protection Policy: Establish a policy focusing on the safety of the ship and crew and the protection of the marine environment.
- Safe Operation Procedures: Implement procedures to ensure safe ship operations and environmental compliance.
- Authority and Communication: Define authority levels and communication channels between ship and shore.
- Incident Reporting: Develop procedures for reporting incidents and non-conformities.
- Emergency Response: Prepare and respond effectively to emergencies.
- Internal Audits: Conduct internal audits and reviews for continuous improvement of the SMS.
5:- Safety Management System Manual
- The Safety Management System (SMS) Manual is a practical guide that helps ship operators run their vessels safely and protect the environment.Â
- SMS manual covers everything from handling emergencies to preventing pollution, making it an essential tool for anyone responsible for the safe operation of ships.
6:- Safety Management System Responsibility (SMS)
- If someone other than the owner is responsible for ship operations, their details must be provided to the administration.
- The company must clearly define and document the responsibilities, authority, and interactions of all personnel involved in managing, performing, and verifying work related to safety and pollution prevention.
- The company is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources and shore-based support are provided to enable the designated person to effectively carry out their functions.
7:- Emergency Preparation in Safety Management System
- The company must identify potential emergencies and shipboard situations, establishing procedures to respond effectively.
- Establish a program for regular emergency drills to ensure readiness and proper response to emergencies.
- The SMS or safety management system should ensure that the company can respond to emergencies at any time, with organized support and resources.
8:- Why is Safety Management System Important
The Safety Management System is important because:
- It provides for safe practices in ship operation.Â
- It lists safeguards against all identified risks.Â
- It provides a safe working environment.
- Prevent human injury or loss of life.
- Avoid damage to property and the environment, in particular, the marine environment.
Safety Management System (SMS) under the International Safety Management Code ( ISM Code) is maintained by the shipping company to improve the safety management skills of shipboard and shore-based personnel including preparing for emergencies related both to safety and environmental protection.Â
9:- Conclusion
The International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the Safety Management System (SMS) are necessary for safe and environmentally friendly shipping. The ISM Code was enacted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to create a comprehensive system of ship safety management and pollution prevention.
Disclaimer :- The opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author and may not necessarily reflect those of Merchant Navy Decoded. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and disclaim any responsibility for it. Data and visuals used are sourced from publicly available information and may not be authenticated by any regulatory body. Reviews and comments appearing on our blogs represent the opinions of individuals and do not necessarily reflect the views of Merchant Navy Decoded. We are not responsible for any loss or damage resulting from reliance on these reviews or comments.
Reproduction, copying, sharing, or use of the article or images in any form is strictly prohibited without prior permission from both the author and Merchant Navy Decoded.
