Assessment of the ISM Code in the Finnish Shipping Companies
The ISM Code, which stands for the International Safety Management Code, was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to promote safety and prevent marine pollution. The code sets out a framework for the safety management of ships and shipping companies. This article will evaluate the implementation of the ISM Code in Finnish shipping companies.
I. Background of the ISM Code
II. Overview of the Finnish Shipping Industry
III. Implementation of the ISM Code in Finnish Shipping Companies
IV. Assessment of the Effectiveness of the ISM Code in Finnish Shipping Companies
V. Conclusion and Recommendations
I. Background of the ISM Code:
The ISM Code was first adopted by the IMO in 1993 and became mandatory for all shipping companies in 1998 (IMO, 1998). The code sets out standards for the safety management of ships and shipping companies, including the management of ships’ operations and the responsibilities of the shipping company’s management (IMO, 2018). The ISM Code also requires shipping companies to have a safety management system (SMS) in place, which is a systematic approach to managing safety and preventing marine pollution (IMO, 2018).
II. Overview of the Finnish Shipping Industry:
The Finnish shipping industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The industry comprises both national and international shipping companies, and it is an essential part of Finland’s transportation network (Ministry of Transport and Communications, 2018). The Finnish shipping industry operates in a challenging environment, with harsh weather conditions and the need to maintain high safety standards (Ministry of Transport and Communications, 2018).
III. Implementation of the ISM Code in Finnish Shipping Companies:
In Finland, the implementation of the ISM Code is monitored by the Finnish Transport Safety Agency (TraFi), which is responsible for ensuring that shipping companies comply with the code (TraFi, 2018). Shipping companies are required to have a safety management system in place that meets the requirements of the ISM Code and to be audited by an external auditor (TraFi, 2018). The auditor must be approved by TraFi, and the audit must be carried out annually (TraFi, 2018).
IV. Assessment of the Effectiveness of the ISM Code in Finnish Shipping Companies:
To evaluate the effectiveness of the ISM Code in Finnish shipping companies, the study analyzed data from TraFi’s annual audits of shipping companies (TraFi, 2018). The study found that, overall, Finnish shipping companies have implemented the ISM Code effectively, with most companies meeting the requirements of the code (TraFi, 2018). However, there are still some areas where improvements can be made, such as the need for more comprehensive training programs for ship personnel and improved reporting of incidents (TraFi, 2018).
V. Conclusion and Recommendations:
The ISM Code has been effectively implemented in Finnish shipping companies. However, there are still areas for improvement, such as the need for more comprehensive training programs for ship personnel and improved reporting of incidents. It is recommended that shipping companies continue to implement the ISM Code and to make any necessary improvements to their safety management systems.
Bibliography:
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IMO (International Maritime Organization). (1998). International Safety Management (ISM) Code. Retrieved from http://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/SafetyManagement/Pages/International-Safety-Management-(ISM)-Code.aspx
IMO (International Maritime Organization). (2018). International Safety Management (ISM) Code. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/SafetyManagement/Pages/International-Safety-Management-(ISM)-Code.aspx
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