Safety and Security at Sea: Why ISM and ISPS Codes Matter in Modern Shipping

My name is Davide Ramponi, I’m 20 years old and currently training as a shipping agent in Hamburg. On my blog, I take you with me on my journey into the fascinating world of shipping. I share the lessons I learn, the challenges I encounter, and the insights I gain as I work toward becoming an expert in the field of Sale and Purchase – the trade with ships.

If you’ve been following my recent posts on ship management, crewing, and maintenance, you’ll know that operational efficiency is only one side of the story. The other side—often less visible, but absolutely critical—is compliance with international safety and security standards. That’s where two acronyms come into play: ISM and ISPS.

These two codes form the regulatory backbone of modern ship operations. They shape how we handle risk, manage emergencies, protect people, and prevent incidents at sea and in port. But what exactly do they cover? And how can shipowners and managers integrate them effectively into everyday routines—rather than treating them as box-ticking exercises?

In this blog post, we’ll break down what the ISM Code and the ISPS Code are, why they matter, and how they impact the way ships are operated and managed. We’ll also look at common implementation challenges and share practical tips for making safety and security a true part of the onboard culture.

What Are ISM and ISPS Codes?

Before we dive into practical matters, let’s define what these two codes are all about.

⚓ ISM: International Safety Management Code

The ISM Code, adopted by the IMO (International Maritime Organization), is a framework that ensures safe operation of ships and pollution prevention.

It applies to:

• Cargo ships over 500 GT

• Passenger ships

• Oil tankers, gas carriers, chemical tankers, bulk carriers, and more

🔍 Key objectives:

• Establish safety management systems (SMS) onboard and ashore

• Prevent human injury or loss of life

• Avoid damage to property and the environment

💡 Core elements of an SMS:

• Defined roles and responsibilities

• Emergency preparedness

• Maintenance of the ship and equipment

• Regular audits and reviews

• Reporting and investigation of non-conformities

🔐 ISPS: International Ship and Port Facility Security Code

The ISPS Code was developed in response to growing concerns about maritime terrorism and port vulnerabilities, particularly after 9/11.

It provides a global framework for ship and port security, and is mandatory under SOLAS Chapter XI-2.

🛡️ Purpose:

• Detect security threats early

• Implement preventive measures

• Define security levels and response plans

• Protect ports, terminals, crew, and cargo from unlawful acts

💼 Who must comply?

• Ships engaged in international voyages >500 GT

• Port facilities serving such ships

📋 Key documents:

• Ship Security Plan (SSP)

• Ship Security Assessment

• International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC)

• Designation of a Ship Security Officer (SSO)

Legal Requirements and Global Compliance

Both ISM and ISPS Codes are mandatory under international law, and failure to comply can result in:

• Detention of ships during Port State Control (PSC) inspections

• Loss of certification, insurance coverage, or charter opportunities

• Fines and reputational damage

Flag states are responsible for issuing:

• Document of Compliance (DOC) for the company

• Safety Management Certificate (SMC) for each ship under ISM

• International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) under ISPS

📌 Note: These certificates must be renewed periodically and require internal and external audits to remain valid.

How ISM and ISPS Influence Daily Ship Operations

It’s easy to think of ISM and ISPS as paperwork—but in practice, they shape almost every aspect of how a ship is run.

🧭 Under ISM: Embedding Safety Culture

• Routine drills for fire, abandon ship, and man overboard scenarios

• Planned maintenance systems aligned with safety-critical equipment

• Reporting of near-misses and non-conformities

• Checklists for navigation, bunkering, cargo ops, etc.

• Regular crew briefings and toolbox meetings

📌 Onboard culture shift: Instead of reacting to incidents, the crew learns to anticipate and prevent them.

🔒 Under ISPS: Prioritising Security Awareness

• Monitoring of unauthorised access to restricted areas

• Use of security watches and gangway checks in port

• Maintaining security equipment (e.g., CCTV, alarms)

• Responding to security level changes

• Training crew to recognise suspicious activity

📦 Example: During high-risk port calls, the ship may activate Security Level 2, triggering stricter access controls and enhanced patrols.

Common Challenges in Implementation

Even though ISM and ISPS have been in place for decades, implementing them effectively can still be difficult—especially on smaller ships or in mixed-nationality crews.

⚠️ 1. Paper Compliance vs. Real Compliance

Many ships still treat the SMS or SSP as a box-ticking exercise rather than a living system. Manuals go unread, drills are rehearsed without engagement, and reports are done for audits—not for learning.

⚠️ 2. Crew Turnover and Inconsistency

Frequent crew changes can disrupt continuity. New crew may not be trained on company-specific procedures or may bring different habits from previous ships.

⚠️ 3. Language Barriers

Multinational crews often struggle with understanding documentation or safety briefs if materials aren't presented clearly or translated effectively.

⚠️ 4. Time Pressure

Safety and security procedures can be sidelined when there’s pressure to meet commercial deadlines—especially during port operations or short turnaround times.

Tips for Integrating ISM and ISPS Into Daily Operations

So how can managers, officers, and crew make these codes truly work for them?

✅ 1. Lead by Example

Masters and chief engineers set the tone. If they treat the SMS seriously, so will the rest of the crew.

✅ 2. Use Digital Tools

Modern safety management systems offer dashboards, notifications, and real-time performance tracking. This makes compliance easier and more transparent.

📱 Example: Apps that track drill participation, maintenance logs, and incident reports can reduce paperwork and improve accuracy.

✅ 3. Conduct Realistic Drills

Avoid rehearsed or scripted drills. Use unexpected scenarios to challenge crew thinking and test actual preparedness.

💬 Tip: After every drill, conduct a short debrief—what worked, what didn’t, and what could improve.

✅ 4. Simplify Documentation

Avoid overcomplicated manuals. Use visuals, flowcharts, and crew-friendly formats.

🧠 Why it helps: Simplified content ensures better understanding and retention—especially for non-native English speakers.

✅ 5. Invest in Training

Offer regular, engaging training that goes beyond minimum STCW requirements.

📌 Focus on:

• Bridge Resource Management (BRM)

• Crisis response

• Cybersecurity awareness

• Cultural sensitivity in safety communication

✅ 6. Make It Personal

When safety becomes personal, compliance improves. Encourage crew to share past experiences and lessons learned. Create a culture of openness around mistakes and near-misses.

Final Thoughts: Safety and Security Are Not Just Rules—They’re Mindsets

The ISM and ISPS Codes aren’t just legal requirements—they’re tools that help us protect lives, ships, cargo, and the marine environment. When implemented with care and commitment, they create a safer, more secure, and more resilient shipping industry.

⚓ ISM helps manage safety systematically—turning policies into everyday actions.

🔐 ISPS ensures ships and ports stay secure in an unpredictable world.

📋 Both codes require continuous training, communication, and culture-building.

💡 Real compliance happens not just at audit time, but every day, on every voyage.

Have you experienced the challenges—or benefits—of implementing ISM or ISPS onboard? What strategies helped you build a safety culture on your ship?

Share your thoughts and insights in the comments—I look forward to the exchange!

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