The company notifies you that an internal ISM safety management audit will take place during your next port call. As Chief Officer and SMS implementer aboard, what do you prepare?

A. The purpose of an internal audit is to identify deficiencies. Do not prepare or correct anything in advance — the audit must see the vessel in its normal operating state.

B. Internal audits are the master's responsibility. As Chief Officer, your only preparation is to make your department records available if asked.

C. Internal ISM audit preparation: (1) RECORDS — ensure all required records are complete, current, and accessible: drill records (weekly/monthly musters, abandon ship and fire drills), PMS maintenance records (all completed and overdue tasks documented), corrective action log (all open and closed CARs), non-conformity log, risk assessments and permit to work records, chemical safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS) for all substances aboard; (2) CERTIFICATES — ensure all statutory certificates are valid: SMC, IOPP, Cargo ship safety equipment/radio, loadline, etc.; crew STCW certificates checked for validity; (3) SMS DOCUMENTS — latest revision of the SMS manual must be aboard; verify all amendments have been incorporated; (4) MUSTER LIST — current, with correct names and duties, posted in required locations; (5) STATION BILL — up to date; (6) SPECIFIC CHIEF OFFICER AREAS: cargo securing manual compliance evidence; stability calculation for current loading condition; chart correction log; IAMSAR/MERSAR aboard and current; (7) Walk through the ship before the audit with the bosun — identify any obvious safety defects (missing SOLAS markings, unsecured equipment, blocked exits) and correct them; (8) Brief the crew on the audit — not to coach them but to reduce anxiety and ensure they can answer questions about their emergency duties.

D. Only the SMC and DOC need to be current for an internal audit. The internal auditor does not have authority to inspect maintenance records or crew STCW certificates.

A. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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. 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).