Requirements under ISM Code
The ISM Code covers SOLAS vessels that are:
- applicable New Zealand-flagged ships, or
- foreign flagged vessels visiting New Zealand that are applicable to the Code.
It applies to the following commercial SOLAS certificated ships or commercial ships greater than 45 metres that proceed beyond restricted limits, regardless of the date of their construction:
- passenger ships (including passenger high-speed craft)
- oil tankers
- chemical tankers
- gas carriers
- bulk carriers
- cargo high-speed craft of 500 gross tonnage and above
- cargo ships
- mobile offshore drilling units of 500 gross tonnage and above.
What do I need to operate under the ISM Code?
A ship’s management company must have:
- an ISM Document of Compliance (DOC)
- a copy of the ship's Safety Management Certificates (SMC)
- a Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
Maritime New Zealand undertakes International Safety Management (ISM) audits and issues these documents.
ISM Document of Compliance
A Document of Compliance (DOC) is evidence a ship’s company can comply with the requirements of the ISM Code. A DOC is issued for a period not exceeding five years.
A DOC is only valid for the ship types explicitly indicated. Other ship types can be added, but only after the company's ability to comply with the requirements of the ISM Code, for those ship types, has been verified.
A DOC is subject to annual audits by the Maritime NZ within three months before or after the DOCs anniversary date.
A DOC is issued by Maritime NZ. You can apply directly to us. You can also talk to your Recognised Surveyor.
Safety Management Certificates
A Safety Management Certificate (SMC) is issued to a ship after it is verified that the ship’s company and safety management system (SMS) are operating in accordance with the company’s approved SMS.
A SMC is evidence the ship conforms with the requirements of the ISM Code.
A SMC is issued for a period not exceeding five years and is subject to at least one intermediate verification by the Maritime NZ, for New Zealand-flagged ships), between the second and third anniversary date of the SMC.
A SMC is issued by Maritime NZ. You can apply directly to us. You can also talk to you Recognised Surveyor
Designated Person Ashore
The Designated Person Ashore (DPA) ensures the safe operation of each ship, providing a link between the ship’s company and those on board.
Every ship’s company, as appropriate, should designate a person or persons ashore having direct access to the highest level of management. The responsibility and authority of the DPA includes monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of each ship and ensuring adequate resources and shore-based support are applied, as required.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published guidelines (IMO MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6) on the qualifications, training and experience necessary for undertaking the role of the DPA under the ISM Code.
Maritime NZ accepts this standard for the purposes of ISM implementation on ships it audits.