ISM or ISPS
Our full management package takes care of every aspect of managing your yacht, which will ensure the yacht is always trading/cruising in compliance with local laws and regulations. This will include Flag State, Classification Society, LY2 large yacht commercial code, ISM & ISPS requirements, and local regulations.
ISM
International Safety Management. This is an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirement for all vessels over 500 gross tons (GRT) operating commercially, regardless of cruising area or country of registration.
Mini ISM
The MCA Large Yacht Code (LY2) calls for all commercial yachts over 24 meters but under 500GRT to adopt a safety management system (Mini ISM).
ISPS
International Ship and Port Security Code. This is an International Maritime Organisation (IMO) requirement for all vessels over 500GRT operating commercially and applies to the same ships as ISM. However the new Red Ensign group MCA Code indicates that all yachts, private and commercial, over 500GRT should comply with the ISPS Code.
Flag State
The responsibility of ensuring compliance with the Codes is held by the Flag State. In some cases the Classification Societies have been sub-contracted to do this on behalf of the Flag State. Some Flag States do these themselves; others have appointed independent bodies to do this work on their behalf.
Is ISM & ISPS absolutely necessary?
Yes it is, for any commercially registered vessel over 500GRT it is an IMO (International Maritime Organisation) requirement. Failure to comply would lead to the vessel's arrest and detention at any port and a heavy fine being levied.
Compliance with the ISM Code can be broken down as follows:
- The initial writing of the Ship Board Safety Management Manual (SMM) is the responsibility of the Company (owner/manager).
- The application and issue by the Flag State of a Document of Compliance (DOC) to the Company. The DOC is valid for 5 years but subject to an annual audit.
- The application and issue by the Flag State of a Safety Management Certificate (SMC) to the ship. Initially this will be a 6-month interim Certificate. Then after a further audit, a full 5-year Certificate will be issued subject to a mid-term audit by the Flag State.
- The appointment of a Designated Person Ashore (DPA). The Designated Person Ashore should have the independence and authority to report deficiencies observed to the highest level of Management. The Designated Person should have the responsibility for organising safety audits and should monitor the corrective action taken. In most cases the DPA is a suitably qualified member of the yacht managers' office.
- By working together within the framework of the Safety Management System, the DPA and your crew ensure that all matters concerning ISM Code are complied with and audits, etc, are undertaken at the correct times.
- One item in the ISM Code which owners and crew should be made aware of, is the need for a planned maintenance system for the yacht’s equipment and the need for this to be reported to the DPA/Company. This system can be a paper or electronic system but failure to provide a system will lead to a major non-conformity and the yacht losing its commercial status.
Compliance with the Mini ISM Code can be broken down as follows:
- Implementation of a simplified Safety Management System is the responsibility of the Company/Captain.
- The System will be audited/inspected by the Flag State during annual surveys.
- Whilst there is no requirement to report to a shore based DPA, WYM recommend -
- Noon position reporting whilst on passage.
- Maintaining crew records including next of kin details ashore.
Compliance with the ISPS Code can be broken down as follows:
- The initial writing of the Ship Security Manual and production of the Ship Security Plan is the responsibility of the Owner/Manager. The manual and plan are then submitted to the Flag State for approval.
- The application and issue of an International Ship Security Certificate is by the Flag State. Initially this will be a 6-month certificate then following a further audit; a full 5-year certificate will be issued subject to a mid-term audit by the Flag State.
- Appointment of a Company Security Officer ashore – in most cases this work is carried out by the ISM DPA.
- One member of crew to be appointed Ship’s Security Officer. The Ship’s Security Officer must have attended an approved course and hold the relevant certificate.