Company as per ISM Code

Applicable to: Ship owners, ship managers, and companies holding DOC issued by D.G. Shipping

Effective Date: 4th May, 2007

Superseded Circulars: None

Key Changes and Requirements

1. Clarification of Company Responsibilities

The company (DOC holder) managing a ship is responsible for demonstrating all functions of ISM code responsibilities. If they outsource crew management, they must ensure safe practices and continuous skill improvement.

Note: The agreement between the ship-owners and the crew-management company must specify who is the "company" and ensure direct reporting to them.

2. Procedure for Change of Management

Ship owners must notify D.G. Shipping at least 7 working days before changing management. The company must ensure the ship's compliance with flag state requirements and provide necessary training to the ship's staff.

Ship Owner's Responsibilities: Notify D.G. Shipping, ensure valid DOC, and submit declaration form (ISM-11).
Company's Responsibilities: Conduct pre-takeover inspection, train ship staff, and request Interim SMC Audit.

II/4 Annex-1: Sample Clause for Agreement between Ship-Owners and Crew-Management Company

Important Note

Frequent change of management can result in poor maintenance and instability of safety management systems. Ensure proper control and documentation of outsourced activities.

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