UK: Updated ISM Code guidance instructions for surveyors

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, on 7 October 2024, published revised Instructions for the guidance of surveyors on the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention (The ISM Code).

It is designed for surveyors working for the UK's Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) to ensure compliance with safety and pollution prevention standards for ships.

Purpose and Background: The ISM Code, adopted in 1993 by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), mandates safe ship operations and pollution prevention. It became mandatory via the SOLAS convention and was updated in 2006, 2009, 2010, 2015, and 2018. It addresses poor management practices and human errors, which account for most maritime accidents.

UK Regulations: Following high-profile ship disasters like the Herald of Free Enterprise and Estonia, the UK introduced laws mandating safety books on ships and designating a person ashore responsible for ship safety. These regulations align with ISM Code requirements.

ISM Code Principles: The Code is flexible to accommodate various types of shipping companies and focuses on establishing a safety management system (SMS). It emphasizes preventing injury, loss of life, and environmental harm.

Audit and Compliance: The MCA conducts audits to ensure UK-flagged ships comply with the ISM Code, requiring all SMS documentation in English. Recent guidelines, including IMO Resolution A.1188(33), guide the implementation and auditing of the ISM Code.

Recent Amendments (Oct 2024): Updates include new references to audit plans, attendance records, and additional requirements for closing observations. The audit plan template was removed.