Date of Award
1999
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Science in Maritime Affairs
Specialization
Maritime Safety & Environmental Protection
Campus
Malmö, Sweden
First Advisor
Fernando Pardo
Abstract
This dissertation comprises a practical implementation of the International Safety
Management (ISM) Code to a Company which deals with vessel traffic services and
pilot boat services.
Day by day the shipping industry is pressed to raise their standards with respect to
the safety of life at sea, damage to property and environmental protection, especially
after a major accident occurs. However, it has been determined that in most of the
cases human elements and poor managerial decision have been the cause of the
accidents. Consequently, the ISM code was adopted with the same aim of
protecting life at sea, property and environment but addressing the human element.
Unfortunately, this aim is not always in the hand of shipping companies and the
shipowner. Other persons, companies or entities, such as Port Authorities, tugboats,
and pilot boats, among others, play an important role in the shipping operation
scenario.
In this context the ISM code is examined. Indeed, the Code is expressed in broad
terms so that it can have a widespread application to different levels of
management.
Consequently, company processes, practices, and resources are evaluated in the
light of the Code, and even, when the Code is not mandatory for such a company,
its provision and requirements are analyzed and adapted, as far as practicable, to
the company performance.
The concluding chapters provide the potential benefit of implementing the ISM Code
to the company and other similar ones, which are determined not only in its
performance but also in its business position within the shipping industry.