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Slide 1 · STRONG SMS
STRONG SMS. SAFE SEAS. CLEAN FUTURE.
ISM CODE
ESSENTIALS
WHAT EVERY SEAFARER
SHOULD KNOW
YOUR GUIDE TO SAFE OPERATIONS,
CLEAR ROLES & COMPLIANCE
THE FOUNDATION OF SAFE SHIP MANAGEMENT
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Slide 2 · 1/4
ISM CODE | SECTION 5.2
THE MASTER HAS
OVERRIDING AUTHORITY
The SMS must contain a "clear statement emphasizing the Master's authority."
OVERRIDING AUTHORITY
to make decisions concerning safety and pollution prevention.
RESPONSIBILITY
to make the necessary safety and pollution prevention decisions.
RIGHT TO ASSISTANCE
The Master can request the Company's assistance as necessary.
EXAM FOCUS
The Master's overriding authority means that, in matters concerning safety and pollution prevention, the Master has the authority and responsibility to make the necessary decisions.
REMEMBER:
Safety decisions remain the Master's responsibility.
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Slide 3 · ISM CODE | SECTION 6.3–6.7
ISM CODE | SECTION 6.3–6.7
BEFORE THEY TAKE
THE JOB, THEY MUST
KNOW THE JOB
ISM CODE 6.3
The Company should establish procedures ensuring that:
NEW PERSONNEL
receive proper familiarization
with their duties.
TRANSFERRED PERSONNEL
receive familiarization when transferred
to new assignments related to safety and
protection of the environment.
BEFORE SAILING
essential instructions should be
identified, documented and given.
ISM 6.4
Personnel involved in the SMS should understand
relevant rules, regulations, codes and guidelines.
ISM 6.6
Relevant SMS information must be provided
in a working language or languages
understood by the personnel.
ISM 6.7
Personnel must be able to communicate
effectively while carrying out SMS related duties.
WHY IT MATTERS
Proper familiarization helps personnel understand
their duties, shipboard arrangements and emergency
responsibilities, supporting effective SMS implementation.
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Slide 4 · 3/4
ISM CODE | SECTION 4
DESIGNATED
PERSON ASHORE
THE LINK BETWEEN SHIP & SHORE
The Company should designate a person or persons ashore
having DIRECT ACCESS to the highest level of management.
THE DPA'S BESPONSIBILITY & AUTHORITY INCLUDE:
MONITOR
Safety and pollution prevention
aspects of ship operations.
ENSURE
Adequate resources and shore
based support are applied
as required.
LINK
Provide an important connection
between the Company and
personnel onboard.
EXAM POINT
The DPA is not
merely a paperwork
function.
The Company must
ensure that adequate
resources and shore
based support are
provided so the DPA
can carry out the
assigned functions.
QUICK MEMORY
DPA =
DIRECT ACCESS + MONITORING + RESOURCES
The DPA is the Company's key link for ensuring
safe operations and pollution prevention.
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Slide 5 · 4/4
ISM CODE | SECTION 1.4
THE 6 BUILDING BLOCKS
OF AN SMS
Every Company should develop, implement and maintain
a Safety Management System which includes:
01
SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION POLICY
A policy that sets the Company's
commitment to safety and environmental
protection.
02
INSTRUCTIONS & PROCEDURES
Instructions and procedures to ensure
safe operation of ships and protection of
the environment.
03
AUTHORITY & COMMUNICATION
Defined levels of authority and
lines of communication between and
amongst shipboard and shore personnel.
04
REPORTING
Procedures for reporting accidents
and non-conformities with the
provisions of the Code.
05
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Procedures to prepare for and
respond to emergency situations.
06
AUDITS & REVIEWS
Procedures for internal audits
and management reviews.
THE OBJECTIVES
OF THE ISM CODE
The ISM Code aims to
ensure:
SAFETY AT SEA
PREVENTION OF
HUMAN INJURY OR
LOSS OF LIFE
AVOIDANCE OF
DAMAGE TO THE
ENVIRONMENT,
PARTICULARLY THE
MARINE ENVIRONMENT
AVOIDANCE OF
DAMAGE TO
PROPERTY
The SMS should ensure compliance with
mandatory rules and regulations and that
applicable codes, guidelines and standards of the
Organization, Administrations, classification societies
and maritime industry organizations are taken into account.
EXAM MEMORY
POLICY → PROCEDURES → AUTHORITY → REPORTING →
EMERGENCY → AUDIT
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Drafted by SailR from our daily lessons. AI-drawn illustration. Simplified to explain the idea, not to scale. Last updated 19 Oct 2026.
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