Singapore-Registered Ships Expected to Meet ISM Code

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) expects that all ships under the Singapore flag affected by the implementation of Phase II of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, will be able to comply with the Code by the deadline. At present, about 99% of Singapore-registered ships that come under Phase II, have either already attained the necessary certification or are well in the process of doing so. The ISM Code was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1993. The Code calls for officers on board vessels and those who manage vessels to develop, implement and continually improve their safety and pollution prevention management, according to a set of specified guidelines. The Code aims to ensure safety at sea, prevent human injury or loss of life, and avoid damage to the marine environment and property. Phase I implementation of the Code came into effect on 1 Jul 98 for passenger ships including passenger high-speed craft, oil and chemical tankers, gas and bulk carriers, and cargo high-speed craft of 500 gross tonnage (GT) and above. Phase II implementation of the ISM Code comes into operation on 1 Jul 02, exactly four years after the implementation of Phase I. Under Phase II, all self-propelled cargo ships and mobile offshore drilling units of 500 GT and above will have to comply with the ISM Code. As such, with effect from 1 Jul 02 all affected foreign ships visiting Singapore and Singapore-registered ships are to be ISM-certified and are required to carry on board, a valid Safety Management Certificate (SMC). The presentation of a valid SMC, together with other statutory certificates, would be necessary for the issue of port clearance from 1 Jul 02 onwards. In addition, a Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) will be carried out by members of the Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU on Port State Control from 1 Jul to 30 Sep 02. During this campaign, special attention will be paid to compliance with the ISM Code. A ship that does not comply may be detained or denied entry to a port on its next call. Singapore is a member of the Tokyo MOU on Port State Control and will carry out its responsibilities fully. The MPA has been monitoring the progress of Singapore's ship owners and operators in complying with the ISM Code and has taken proactive measures to encourage early compliance. It has regularly issued circulars, individual letters, and held dialogues and seminars to advise ship owners and operators on the necessary actions for compliance.