The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has moved to strengthen enforcement of the ISM Code to improve ship safety and operation, with renewed focus on seafarer welfare, including fatigue, work hours, and harassment at its 110th session in London (18–27 June).
The Committee agreed to carry out a comprehensive revision of the IMO guidelines on implementing the ISM Code, both for Administrations and for companies. It also decided to strengthen the consistent enforcement of the Code, with support from port State control and by updating related IMO guidelines.
This initiative seeks to address identified gaps in the Code’s application, while taking into account a series of recommendations outlined in an independent study commissioned by the IMO Secretariat in the previous year, on the effectiveness and effective implementation of the ISM Code.
The revision of the implementation guidelines of the ISM Code will be carried out by the Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III), in association with the Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW) over three years till 2028.
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The revision of the guidelines on the implementation of the ISM Code is also intended to address key recommendations for Administrations and shipping companies related to the prevention of violence and harassment on board ships, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault.
These include:
- Incorporating policies into safety management systems to prevent, report, respond to, and document, cases of violence and harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying and sexual assault, with provisions for victim care, protection against retaliation, and clear safety management objectives including risk assessment and safeguards.
- Ensuring safety management systems compliance with all mandatory regulations, including national laws on violence and harassment, and that guidance from relevant industry bodies is observed.
- Assigning clear responsibilities to a company’s senior management and maritime administrations for addressing reported cases, and providing adequate resources for onboard and shoreside response, including access to medical and mental health support for victims.
- Providing training and familiarisation for seafarers and designated shoreside personnel on company policies and their implementation.
The Committee prioritised its work to tackle fatigue and hours of work and rest, by conducting a scoping exercise of relevant legal instruments that may help to address imbalances between workload and crewing levels, and to protect the well-being of seafarers.
The IMO hosted a regional workshop on Maritime GHG Emissions Data and National Action Plans in Bangkok earlier this month.
