1 General

 The following definitions apply to parts A and B of this Code.

  1.1.1 “International Safety Management (ISM) Code” means the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention as adopted by the Assembly, as may be amended by the Organization

  1.1.2 “Company” means the Owner of the ship or any other organization or person such as the Manager, or the Bareboat Charterer, who has assumed the responsibility for operation of the ship from the Shipowner and who on assuming such responsibility has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibility imposed by the Code.

  1.1.3 “Administration” means the Government of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly.

  1.1.4 Safety Management System means a structured and documented system enabling Company personnel to implement effectively the Company safety and environmental protection policy

  1.1.5 Document of Compliance means a document issued to a Company which complies with the requirements of this Code.

  1.1.6 Safety Management Certificate means a document issued to a ship which signifies that the Company and its shipboard management operate in accordance with the approved safety management system.

  1.1.7 Objective evidence means quantitative or qualitative information, records or statements of fact pertaining to safety or to the existence and implementation of a safety management system element, which is based on observation, measurement or test and which can be verified.

  1.1.8 Observation means a statement of fact made during a safety management audit and substantiated by objective evidence.

  1.1.9 Non-conformity means an observed situation where objective evidence indicates the non-fulfilment of a specified requirement.

  1.1.10 Major non-conformity ^footnote means an identifiable deviation that poses a serious threat to the safety of personnel or the ship or a serious risk to the environment that requires immediate corrective action or the lack of effective and systematic implementation of a requirement of this Code.

  1.1.11 Anniversary date means the day and month of each year that corresponds to the date of expiry of the relevant document or certificate.

  1.1.12 Convention means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended.

  1.2.1 The objectives of the Code are to ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of damage to the environment, in particular, to the marine environment, and to property.

  1.2.2 Safety management objectives of the Company should, inter alia:

• .1 provide for safe practices in ship operation and a safe working environment;

• .2 assess all identified risks to its ships, personnel and the environment and establish appropriate safeguards; and

• .3 continuously improve safety management skills of personnel ashore and aboard ships, including preparing for emergencies related both to safety and environmental protection.

  1.2.3 The safety and management system should ensure:

• .1 compliance with mandatory rules and regulations; and

• .2 that applicable codes, guidelines and standards recommended by the Organization, Administrations, classification societies and maritime industry organizations are taken into account.^footnote

 The requirements of this Code may be applied to all ships.

 Every company should develop, implement and maintain a Safety Management System (SMS) which includes the following functional requirements:

• .1 a safety and environmental protection policy;

• .2 instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of ships and protection of the environment in compliance with relevant international and flag State legislation;

• .3 defined levels of authority and lines of communication between, and amongst, shore and shipboard personnel;

• .4 procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities with the provisions of this Code;

• .5 procedures to prepare for and respond to emergency situations; and

• .6 procedures for internal audits and management reviews.