What is SMS?

 

The SMS (Safety Management System) is a structured and documented system that ensures the safe operation of ships and the prevention of marine pollution. It is the central component of the ISM Code (International Safety Management Code), which is part of the SOLAS Convention. The SMS is implemented by shipping companies to comply with international safety regulations and to promote a culture of safety within maritime operations.

Key Components of the SMS:

1. Company's Safety and Environmental Protection Policy:

   • The SMS requires companies to establish a safety and environmental protection policy that outlines their commitment to:
     • Ensuring the safety of personnel and property.
     • Preventing pollution of the marine environment.
     • Complying with relevant international conventions and regulations.

2. Defined Responsibilities and Authority:

   • The SMS clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of all personnel, both onshore (company management) and onboard (ship’s crew).
   • A Designated Person Ashore (DPA) is appointed to ensure effective communication between the ship and the company and to provide support for resolving safety issues.

3. Operating Procedures:

   • The SMS outlines detailed procedures for shipboard operations, ensuring that daily tasks are carried out in a safe and standardized manner. This includes cargo handling, navigation, maintenance, and emergency drills.

4. Emergency Preparedness:

   • The SMS requires ships to be prepared for emergency situations, such as fire, collision, or environmental hazards.
   • It includes procedures for conducting emergency drills, training, and developing contingency plans for various scenarios.

5. Incident Reporting and Investigation:

   • The SMS includes procedures for reporting accidents and incidents (such as near-misses or safety breaches). It ensures that all incidents are documented, analyzed, and investigated.
   • The goal is to identify the root causes of incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

6. Maintenance of Ships and Equipment:

   • A key part of the SMS is the maintenance plan, which ensures that the ship and its equipment are regularly inspected, serviced, and kept in good working order.
   • It includes schedules for preventive maintenance and records of completed repairs and inspections.

7. Internal Audits and Reviews:

   • Companies must conduct regular internal audits of their SMS to ensure compliance with the ISM Code and identify areas for improvement.
   • The results of these audits are used in management reviews, where the overall performance of the SMS is evaluated and actions are taken to enhance its effectiveness.

8. Documentation and Record-Keeping:

   • The SMS involves maintaining detailed documentation related to safety policies, procedures, inspections, audits, and incidents.
   • Proper record-keeping is essential for audits and inspections, and to ensure compliance with international regulations.

Objectives of the SMS:

• Safety of Ship Operations: Ensuring the safe management of ship operations, including navigation, cargo handling, and crew safety.
• Pollution Prevention: Reducing the risk of marine pollution, particularly from oil spills, hazardous cargoes, and waste.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the ship complies with international safety and environmental regulations, such as SOLAS, MARPOL, and other conventions.

How SMS Works:

1. Implementation: The shipping company develops and implements the SMS, tailored to its specific operations and fleet. It covers both shipboard and shore-based management practices.

2. Certification: The SMS must meet the standards of the ISM Code. After audits by the flag state or a classification society, the company and its ships receive certifications (e.g., Document of Compliance (DoC) for the company and Safety Management Certificate (SMC) for each ship).

3. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement: The SMS must be continuously monitored and improved through regular audits, reporting of incidents, and feedback from the crew and company. Any non-conformities must be addressed through corrective actions to enhance safety and pollution prevention.

Key Benefits of SMS:

• Improved Safety: The SMS fosters a culture of safety within the shipping company, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: The systematic management of ship operations helps prevent marine pollution and ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
• Efficient Operations: By following standardized procedures, the SMS helps streamline ship operations, ensuring that tasks are performed consistently and safely.
• Regulatory Compliance: The SMS ensures that ships comply with international safety and environmental standards, which helps avoid penalties or detentions in port.

In Summary:

The Safety Management System (SMS) is a structured approach to ensuring the safe operation of ships and preventing pollution. It provides clear procedures, responsibilities, and policies for ship operations, emergency preparedness, maintenance, and incident reporting. The SMS is required under the ISM Code and is a critical tool for maintaining safety and environmental standards in the maritime industry.