During a PSC inspection at your next port, an inspector points to a defective navigation light that has been noted in the defect log for 14 days without repair. He asks you to explain how the ISM Code addresses maintenance. What should the SMS require?

A. ISM Code Regulation 10 requires the company to establish procedures for shipboard maintenance, including that: deficiencies which may impair safe operation are identified and reported; corrective action is taken; records of inspections, deficiencies and corrective actions are maintained; and the master holds a list of critical equipment whose sudden failure could result in a hazardous situation.

B. The ISM Code does not specify maintenance requirements — this is covered exclusively by class society survey cycles and the MCA vessel inspection regime.

C. ISM Regulation 10 requires defects to be repaired within 7 days of identification. Defects outstanding beyond 7 days must be reported to the flag state.

D. Maintenance under the ISM Code is only required for lifesaving appliances and fire-fighting equipment. Navigation equipment is covered by SOLAS Chapter V only.

A. The International Safety Management Code is a mandatory international standard for the safe management and operation of ships. It is given mandatory effect by SOLAS Chapter IX, which requires companies and ships of 500 GT and above on international voyages to hold a Document of Compliance (DOC) and Safety Management Certificate (SMC).

B. The ISM Code is a voluntary industry guideline published by the ICS that sets out best practice for ship safety management. Compliance is required for ships over 3,000 GT only.

C. The ISM Code is an MCA statutory requirement published under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. It applies to all UK-flagged vessels regardless of size.

D. The ISM Code is mandatory under MARPOL Annex VI for vessels in emission control areas and requires a Safety Management System to be in place covering pollution prevention.

A. The Document of Compliance (DOC) is issued to the company by the flag state or a recognised organisation on its behalf, confirming the company's SMS meets ISM Code requirements. The Safety Management Certificate (SMC) is issued to each individual ship, confirming the ship's SMS operates in conformity with the approved DOC.

B. The DOC is issued to the master personally confirming the master is competent to manage the ship's SMS. The SMC is issued to the company for all its ships collectively.

C. Both the DOC and the SMC are issued to the ship by the port state control authority after a PSC inspection. They are valid for the port in which the inspection took place.

D. The DOC covers environmental management under MARPOL and the SMC covers safety management under SOLAS. Both are issued to the ship owner.