Safety Videos

2357 - Introduction to ISM Code

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the mandatory framework developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to transform maritime safety. It moves beyond technical compliance to focus on human factors, leadership, and a proactive safety culture. By analyzing the tragedies that led to its creation, this course explains the ISM Code's purpose, the function of the Safety Management System (SMS), and the critical roles and responsibilities of the Company, the Designated Person Ashore (DPA), and the Master in preventing accidents and protecting the marine environment.
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Course Content

After completing this training, the learner will be familiar with the following topics:
 Explain the historical context and key maritime disasters (e.g., Herald of Free Enterprise) that led to the development and mandatory adoption of the ISM Code.
 State the primary purpose of the ISM Code, including its focus on fostering a lasting safety culture and proactive risk management.
 Identify and define the core components required within a company's Safety Management System (SMS), such as the Safety and Environmental Protection Policy and written procedures.
 Differentiate between the two key certifications: the Document of Compliance (DOC) (Company) and the Safety Management Certificate (SMC) (Ship).
 Describe the critical responsibilities of the Company (e.g., providing resources, maintaining the SMS) and the function of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) as the link between ship and shore.
 Articulate the Master's overriding authority to make safety-related decisions, and their responsibility for ensuring the SMS is followed onboard daily.
 Identify the requirements for shipboard operational planning (including hazard identification and risk controls) and emergency preparedness (including regular drills and post-incident analysis).
 Understand the importance of reporting non-conformities, accidents, and near misses, and how the feedback loop (root cause analysis and corrective actions) leads to continuous improvement of the SMS.

Course References

  • International Safety Management (ISM) Code, as amended
  • International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended; Chapter IX
  • IMO Resolution A.741(18), Adoption of the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (International Safety Management (ISM) Code)
  • RightShip RISQ 4.1

Additional Information

Last Updates
Nov 2025
Language
English
Course Duration
25 Minutes
Type of Course
Safety Videos
Audio
Native
Certificate & Validity
Yes / 5 Years
Industry
Maritime
Ship Type
Oil Tanker
Chemical Tanker
Gas Tanker
LNG Tanker
General Cargo
Bulk Carrier
Container
Passenger
RORO
Offshore
Tug
Target Group
Deck – Management
Deck – Operational
Deck – Support
Engine – Management
Engine – Operational
Engine – Support
Electric – Operational
Catering
Shorebased Personnel
Skill Level
Operational
Flag Approval
No
Assessment
Yes
Process
The process of course assignment to certification.
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Accesible for 365
days
Your course is accessible for 365 days unless you have a score of 70 or more from the assessment. If you fail to score 70 or over within your 3 attempts, you must purchase the course to reenroll again.
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