SOLAS

Chapter IX - Management for

the Safe Operation of Ships
 Chapter IX - Management for
the Safe Operation of Ships
The Chapter makes mandatory the
International Safety Management (ISM)
Code, which requires a safety management
system to be established by the shipowner
or any person who has assumed
responsibility for the ship (the "Company").
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Safety-of-Life-at-Sea-(SOLAS),-1974.aspx
The main purpose of Chapter IX of SOLAS was to
provide an international standard for the safe
management of ships and pollution prevention
by introducing the new safety management code
(ISM Code). This code requires a Safety
Management System (SMS) to be established by the
shipowner or company and provided onboard the
company's fleet.
 The new SOLAS chapter IX, applies to ships,
regardless of their date of construction, as
follows:
- Passenger ships, not later than 1 July 1998.
- Passenger high-speed craft, not later than 1st July 1998.
- Oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers,
and cargo high-speed craft of 500 GT (gross tonnage) and
upwards, not later than 1st July 1998.
- Other cargo ships and mobile offshore drilling units of
500 GT and upwards, not later than 1st July 2002.
The International Safety Management
(ISM) Code emerged in response to a
series of shipping incidents and
accidents the exposed critical
deficiencies in safety management and
operational procedures within the maritime
industry.
The origins of the ISM Code can be
traced back to the late 20th century,
with its formal adoption by the IMO in
1993.
The development of the ISM Code was
a proactive measure aimed at
preventing maritime accidents
and enhancing safety standards
across the global shipping industry.
Several significant shipping incidents
and accidents played a pivotal role in
shaping the need for the ISM Code.
These incidents highlighted common
contributing factors, including the
absence of proper safety
standards, procedures, manuals,
and defined responsibilities.
The lack of a structured approach to safety
management led to serious consequences, such as
loss of life, environmental damage, and property loss.

In many cases, the blame was unfairly placed on

Captains and Crews, reflecting a lack of clearly
defined responsibilities throughout the industry.
ISM Code
The ISM Code was conceived as a direct response to
these challenges. The IMO recognized the need for
comprehensive and standardized approach to safety
management in the maritime sector. The absence of
such framework not only jeopardized the safety of Crews
and Vessels but also had severe implications for
environmental protection.
 ISM Code
The objectives of the ISM Code are clear.
1. Ensure Safety at Sea. The primary goal is to enhance the
safety of maritime operations focusing on the well-being of the
crew, passengers, vessel, cargo, property and the marine
environment.
2. Prevent human injuries or loss of life. The ISM Code
seeks to minimize the risk of accidents leading to injuries or loss
of life among those involve in maritime activities.
 ISM Code
The objectives of the ISM Code are clear.

3. Avoid damage to the environment. Environmental

protection is a key objective, aiming to prevent and minimize
adverse impacts on the marine environment resulting from
shipping operations.
4. Prevent property damage. The ISM Code aims to prevent
damage to vessels, cargo and other property associated with
maritime activities.
 ISM Code
These objectives guide the Safety Management
System (SMS) of shipping companies, ensuring the
establishment of safe practices, risk assessments,
and continuous improvement in safety
management skills for both onshore and onboard
personnel.
The ISM Code also emphasizes compliance with rules,
regulations, and industry standards, becoming a
fundamental structure for the effective and responsible
management of vessels across the maritime industry.
 Rules and Regulations
The ISM Code enforces compliance with
mandatory legislation by establishing a
systematic framework for safety management
within shipping companies. This framework is the
Safety Management System (SMS).
Safety Management System
This is a structured and systematic document used to
managing safety in an organization. In context of maritime
operations, an SMS is specifically designed for shipping companies to
ensure the safety of their vessels, crews, passengers, cargo,
and the marine environment.
It is an official document and must be authorized and accepted
by the vessel’s flag state. Instructions and procedures form the
core of the SMS. They provide guidelines for the safe ship
operations and environmental protection, covering various aspects
like voyage planning, loading cargo, bunkering, and even cleaning
and general ship maintenance.
Safety Management System
The SMS focuses not on how to perform each of these operations,
but how to structure the safety considerations around them.
ISM Code
The ISM Code also encourages preparation and
response planning to minimize the consequences of
accidents or other emergencies.
Plans like the Ship Oil Pollution Emergency Plan,
firefighting plans, and damage control plans are
essential for effective preparedness.
 ISM Code
The ISM Code emphasizes defined levels of authority
and communication between shore and shipboard
personnel, including the appointment of a Designated
Person Ashore (DPA) to deal with safety concerns
and updates to the SMS.
Safety and continuous improvement go hand in hand.
In conclusion, the ISM Code is not just a set of
regulations, it’s a commitment to safety,
environmental protection, and continuous
improvement.
By adhering to its principles, we contribute to a
safer and more sustainable maritime industry.
Chapter IX consists of 6 regulations, with each
individual regulation containing relevant information
about a particular subject. The six regulations of
SOLAS Chapter IX are stated like this:

Regulation 1 – Definitions
Regulation 2 – Application footnote
Regulation 3 – Safety management requirements
Regulation 4 – Certification
Regulation 5 – Maintenance of conditions
Regulation 6 – Verification and control footnote
In summary

SOLAS Chapter IX refers to "Management for the

Safe Operation of Ships" within the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),
essentially making the International Safety
Management (ISM) Code mandatory, requiring
shipping companies to establish a safety
management system on board their vessels; it
ensures a standardized approach to ship safety
operations across the industry.