OUR EXPERTISE
 



SAFETY / SECURITY CONSULTANTS



Superintendency and Consultation

We perform supervision of transportation operation, Safety Audits and ISM Consultancy, Expert Witnesses, assisting law firms, P&I Clubs, Owners, or other involved parties with investigation, preparation and substantiating their case.



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International Safety Management System (ISM Code)

The International Safety Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution Prevention is based on the requirements of ISO 9002. The Code requires that all companies who manage ships develop, implement, and maintain a Safety Management System. While Quality addresses how the company ensures that the customer is satisfied, Safety and Pollution Prevention address how the company ensures that their vessels are operated safely and in an environmentally conscious manner.

Developed by the International Maritime Organization, the International Safety Management (ISM Code) was made mandatory in 1994 by the adoption of Chapter IX of SOLAS. Implementation was mandatory for all passenger ships, tankers, chemical carriers (and gas and bulk carriers over 500 gross tons) on July 1, 1998. Once a company has developed and implemented their Safety Management System, it must be audited by an independent third party company authorized by the administration of the vessel's flag state.

If the company is found to comply with the requirements of the ISM Code, it will be issued a Document of Compliance (DOC). Then each vessel operated by the company must be audited. If found to be compliant, the vessel will be issued a Safety Management Certificate (SMC).

The ISM Code requires that the company:

  1. Establish a Safety and environmental Protection Policy.
  2. Define responsibilities and authority both ashore and afloat.
  3. Appoint a designated person (or person).
  4. Define the Master's responsibilities under the Code.
  5. Provide adequate resources and personnel.
  6. Develop plans for shipboard operations.
  7. Identify and prepare for all emergency situations.
  8. Report all accidents, incidents and hazardous occurrences.
  9. Ensure ship and equipment are properly maintained.
  10. Follow strict document control procedures.
  11. Conduct Internal Audits and Management Review Meetings
Once your vessels are ISM Code certified, they should be internally audited yearly. As far as practicable, the auditor must be independent of the vessel being audited. Let International Marine Experts (IME) handle all your internal auditing requirements. We will prepare your audit schedule, meet your vessels at a convenient port, conduct the audit, prepare and leave an audit report along with non-conformance reports with the Master and dispatch the original to your headquarters. We offer a low cost alternative to flying your personnel long distances with all the time and expense that entails. Our services are completely confidential and we are not associated with any of the ISM Code certification bodies or IACS members.

 

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International Ship Security Code (ISPS Code)

IME provides security consulting for ships and vessels, plus ports and port facilities, all to meet the requirements of the IMO's International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code. As a result of the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United States, and to combat future such crimes, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code which requires all civilian vessels over 500 gross tons and engaged in international voyages to institute certain security measures prior to July 1, 2004.

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued comparable regulations (33 CFR 104) for U.S. flagged vessels of various sizes, including for smaller vessels and vessels not engaged in international voyages. The Canadian government has issued similar requirements These requirements form a framework through which ships and port facilities can co-operate to detect and deter acts which pose a threat to maritime security. The regulatory provisions do not extend to the actual response to security incidents or to any necessary clear-up activities after such an incident.

In summary the ISPS Code:

• Enables the detection and deterrence of security threats within an international framework.
• Establishes roles and responsibilities
• Enables collection and exchange of security information
• Provide a methodology for assessing security
• Ensures that adequate measures are in place.

It requires ships and ports to:

• Gather and assess information
• Maintain communication protocols
• Restrict access; prevent the introduction of unauthorized weapons, etc.
• Put in place vessel and port security plans; and ensure training and drills are conducted .

International Maritime Experts (IME) provides an exceptional service whereby we assist our clients from the initial security audit to the development and implementation of an effective security program, along with on board practical training.



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