Ism Isps Management Practice Questions

A. CLASSIFICATION: This is a NON-CONFORMITY (NC), potentially a MAJOR NON-CONFORMITY (MNC) depending on assessment. ISM Code definitions: Non-Conformity = an observed situation where objective evidence indicates the non-fulfilment of a specified requirement. Major Non-Conformity = 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. The broken winch preventing a weekly lifeboat drill is a failure to comply with SMS procedures (and SOLAS III/19.3 drill requirements — weekly emergency drills). If drills have not occurred for 6 weeks: a MAJOR NC is justifiable — it represents a systemic failure in emergency preparedness. ACTIONS: (1) Immediate: raise a Corrective Action Request (CAR); notify master; record in ship's log; (2) Short-term corrective action: conduct drill with an alternative muster/lowering exercise that does not require the winch (manual muster drill, familiarisation); (3) Corrective action on root cause: repair the winch — raise a maintenance defect; set target date; (4) Preventive action: review SMS for alternative drill procedures when equipment is unserviceable; (5) Report to company DPA; record in non-conformity log; (6) If Major NC: immediate notification to flag state may be required; (7) Close the CAR only when both corrective and preventive actions are verified.

B. The broken winch is a maintenance finding, not an SMS non-conformity. Log the defect in the planned maintenance system and repair it on the next port call.

C. Six missed drills constitutes a non-conformity but not a major non-conformity because no accident occurred. Complete the CAR and close it without notifying the DPA.

D. Lifeboat drills are the master's responsibility under ISM. As Chief Officer, raise it verbally with the master and take no further action unless he directs otherwise.

A. Required SMS documents aboard (ISM Code Ch 11): (1) The Safety Management Manual (SMS) — the set of documents describing the company's safety and environmental protection policy, objectives, and procedures. Covers: emergency preparedness, reporting requirements, maintenance of ship and equipment, documentation, company verification/review; (2) Ship-specific procedures and instructions; (3) RECORDS — ISM Chapter 11 specifically requires records to be kept to demonstrate that the SMS is being complied with: drill records (musters, lifeboats, fire), maintenance records (PMS records, defects, rectifications), non-conformity and CAR records, accident and hazardous occurrence reports, internal audit records, certification and survey records. Chief Officer's specific records: cargo plans (mates receipts, damage reports), cargo securing manual compliance, stability calculations, chart correction log, crew certificates and documentation (STCW compliance), fire and lifeboat equipment inspection logs. Responsibility: as Chief Officer you are responsible for maintaining all records within your department and ensuring they accurately reflect what was done — falsification of records is a serious offence under the ISM Code and potentially criminal under UK law (Merchant Shipping Act).

B. The DPA ashore holds all SMS documentation. The vessel only needs to carry the Safety Management Certificate and keep a copy of the DOC. Day-to-day records are optional.

C. ISM documentation only applies to the master and company. The Chief Officer's responsibility is operational only — drills and maintenance, not paperwork.

D. The only mandatory SMS records on board are the ship's log and the Oil Record Book. All other ISM documentation is voluntary under best practice guidelines.

A. SOLAS III/19 emergency preparedness obligations for new crew: (1) Within 24 hours of departure (SOLAS III/19.2.2): every new crew member who has not participated in drills within the past month MUST be given INDIVIDUAL FAMILIARISATION covering: (a) their emergency station and duties as specified in the muster list; (b) the survival craft they are assigned to; (c) lifeboat embarkation procedures; (d) the signals and actions required of them in the event of emergency; (e) location and use of lifejackets; (f) location of fire alarm activators, fire extinguishers, and fire equipment at their station; (2) ISM Code requirement: the SMS must include on-boarding familiarisation procedures; (3) Muster list/Station bill: Chief Officer is responsible for keeping the muster list current, posted in public places, and all crew holding a copy; verify the new crew are listed with correct duties; (4) Record in the official log book and drill records that familiarisation was completed; (5) If the vessel sails before familiarisation is complete on both crew: complete it at sea within 24 hours of sailing — this obligation cannot be deferred beyond that.

B. New crew familiarisation is the duty bosun's and safety officer's responsibility. The Chief Officer only runs the formal monthly drills — individual familiarisation is a separate HR function.

C. Familiarisation is required within 7 days of joining. In the first 24 hours, only cabin allocation and safety induction are required.

D. New crew who hold valid STCW certificates (Personal Survival Techniques, PSSR) do not require individual on-board familiarisation as their certificates demonstrate sufficient competence.