Maritime Safety Management Systems


Maritime Safety Management Systems (SMS) are structured and documented systems enabling ship owners, managers, and crew to effectively implement safety and environmental protection policies. These systems are designed to ensure safety at sea, prevent human injury or loss of life, and avoid damage to the environment, particularly the marine environment, and to property. SMS are a fundamental part of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, which was established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to provide an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships. The key elements of an SMS include a safety and environmental protection policy, defined levels of authority and lines of communication between personnel, procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities, procedures to prepare for and respond to emergency situations, and procedures for internal audits and management reviews. The implementation of an effective SMS is crucial for the mitigation of maritime risks and the enhancement of safety and environmental performance.


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