Question & AnswerQ&A (MARINA FLAG STATE ADMINISTRATION ADVISORY NO. 31, S. 2002)
The advisory serves as an addendum to MARINA M.C. No. 143, expanding the coverage of the ISM Code to include Other Cargo Ships of 500 Gross Tons and above, requiring them to comply with the ISM Code and implement a Safety Management System (SMS).
Other Cargo Ships of 500 Gross Tons and above that are required to be classed, including Container Ships, General Cargo Ships, and other similar cargo ships, are now required to comply with the ISM Code.
The ISM Code refers to the International Safety Management Code, an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.
These ships are required to develop and implement a Safety Management System (SMS) consistent with the ISM Code and submit their SMS manual to secure the Document of Compliance (DOC) or Safety Management Certificate (SMC).
Cargo Ships of 500 Gross Tons and above must comply by 01 July 2003 and submit the SMS manual by 01 December 2003.
The advisory was issued by Atty. Oscar M. Sevilla, the Administrator of MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) at that time.
DOC stands for Document of Compliance, and SMC stands for Safety Management Certificate, both certifying that the ship and company comply with the ISM Code.
No, the advisory specifically applies to cargo ships of 500 Gross Tons and above.
The addendum forms an integral part of MARINA M.C. No. 143, thereby legally extending its coverage and requirements to certain cargo ships, making compliance mandatory for affected vessels.
The company must ensure the development and implementation of a Safety Management System consistent with the ISM Code, prepare the SMS manual, and submit it to secure the necessary certificates.