SMS (Safety Management system) as per ISM Code (International Safety Management Code)

The International Safety Management (ISM) Code with guidelines for it’s implementation provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention. It is an essential reference for maritime administrators, shipowners and operators, shipping companies, training providers and educational institutions, shipbuilders, engine and equipment manufacturers and others with interest in ensuring safety at sea and prevention of damage to the environment.

Security Plans as per ISPS Code (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

Having entered into force under SOLAS, Chapter XI-2, on 1st July 2004, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) has since formed the basis for a comprehensive mandatory security regime for international shipping. It is applicable to all vessels over 500 GT operating on international trades, as well as the ports that service them.

The ISPS Code provides a framework through which ships and port facilities can cooperate to detect acts that pose a threat to maritime security. The ISPS Code:

• establishes roles, responsibilities and authorities.

• enables collection and exchange of security information between all involved parties.

• provides a methodology for assessing security.

• ensures that adequate security measures in place.

• enables the detection and deterrence of security threats within an international framework.

The ISPS Code requires ship and port facility staff to:

• gather and assess information.

• maintain communication protocols.

• restrict access, prevent the introduction of unauthorised weapons, etc.

• put in place vessel and port security plans and ensure training and drills are conducted.

Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) in accordance with the requirement of MARPOL

In 2011, IMO adopted amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to mandate technical and operational energy efficiency measures to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions from international shipping.

The Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) entered into force on 1 January 2013. Those measures represent the first global mandatory GHG-reduction regime for an international industry sector and have been driving energy efficiency improvements across the global fleet for more than a decade.

The Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) is an operational mechanism to improve the energy efficiency of a ship in a cost-effective manner. The SEEMP urges the ship owner and operator at each stage of the plan to consider new technologies and practices when seeking to optimise the operational performance of a ship. The SEEMP also provides an approach for shipping companies to manage ship and fleet efficiency performance over time using recognized monitoring tools.

Fire Control Plans (FCP)

General information

The Fire Control Plan is a mandatory requirement of SOLAS convention described in Regulation 15 of Chapter II.

Fire control plan tells us about various fire alarm systems, sprinkler installation, extinguishing appliances, means of escape to different compartments and decks, and ventilation system including particulars of remote operation of dampers and fans. The position of various dampers, their marking, and which fan is for particular compartment or deck is also explained so that required damper and fans can be closed in case of fire.

Graphical Symbols

Graphical symbols on Fire Control Plan 1. For ships constructed before 1 January 2004, the graphical symbols used for fire control plans onboard can continue to apply with IMO Resolution A.654(16). 2. For ships constructed on or after 1 January 2004 but before 1 January 2019, the graphical symbols used for fire control plans onboard should be of the same shapes and colour as shown in IMO Resolution A.952(23). 3. For ships constructed on or after 1 January 2019 or existing ships of which fire control plans are revised or updated, the graphical symbols used for fire control plans onboard should be of the same shapes and colour as shown in IMO Resolution A.1116(30) in combination with IMO Resolution A.952(23).

Ballast Water Management Plans/BWMP

A Ballast Water Management Plan (BWMP) is a document that outlines the procedures and measures to be followed by ships for the management of ballast water. It is a requirement under the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (BWM Convention).

The key elements typically included in a BWMP are:

1. Ballast water management procedures: The plan outlines the procedures to be followed for ballasting, de-ballasting, and ballast water exchange operations. It includes details on the volumes and locations of ballast water exchange, as well as the measures to be taken to minimize the uptake and discharge of organisms.

2. Ballast water management equipment: The plan describes the ship's ballast water management equipment, such as ballast water treatment systems or arrangements for ballast water exchange. It provides guidance on the proper operation, maintenance, and calibration of the equipment.

3. Record keeping: The BWMP requires the ship to maintain accurate records of ballast water management activities. This includes information on the volume of ballast water loaded and discharged, details of ballast water exchange operations, and records of ballast water treatment if applicable.

4. Reporting and communication: The plan specifies the reporting requirements for ballast water management activities, including notification to relevant authorities and reporting of any non-compliance or equipment malfunctions. It also emphasizes the importance of communication and coordination with port authorities and other stakeholders.

5. Training and awareness: The BWMP highlights the need for crew training and awareness programs on ballast water management. It ensures that crew members are knowledgeable about the ship's ballast water management system, its proper operation, and the importance of preventing the spread of invasive species.

The implementation of an effective BWMP is crucial to prevent the transfer of harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ballast water. Ships are required to have a BWMP on board, and it is subject to inspection by port state control authorities to ensure compliance with the BWM Convention.

Certification/Approval of Management Systems in compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is an International Labour Organization (ILO) convention, number 186, established in 2006 as the fourth pillar of international maritime law and embodies "all up-to-date standards of existing international maritime labour Conventions and Recommendations, as well as the fundamental principles to be found in other international labour Conventions". The other pillars are the SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL. The treaties applies to all ships entering the harbours of parties to the treaty (port states), as well as to all ships flying the flag of state party.

The MLC incorporates and builds on 68 existing maritime labour conventions and recommendations, as well as other fundamental principles, to ensure decent working and living conditions for all seafarers. 

The MLC requires governments to make sure that their regulations respect the fundamental rights relating to work as:

• The right to freedom of association – seafarer’s right to join a trade union.

• Effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining – the right of the chosen union to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on seafarer’s behalf.

• Elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour.

• Effective abolition of child labour.

• Elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation.

SOPEP (Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan)/ SMPEP (Shipboard Marine Pollution Emergency Plan)

Regulation 37 of MARPOL Annex I requires that oil tankers of 150 gross tonnage and above and all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above carry an approved Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP). Article 3 of the International Convention on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Co-operation, 1990, also requires such a plan for certain ships.

Regulation 17 of MARPOL Annex II makes similar stipulations that all ships of 150 gross tonnage and above carrying noxious liquid substances in bulk carry an approved shipboard marine pollution emergency plan for noxious liquid substances.

SOPEP includes information on various aspects such as reporting procedures, communication channels, containment measures, and the use of oil spill response equipment.

SOPEP is carefully designed to ensure that ship crews are adequately trained and equipped to handle oil pollution emergencies. It also emphasizes the importance of cooperation and coordination with relevant authorities and organizations, both at sea and in port areas.

I hope this information was helpful to you! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.