A SMS is a set of documents that a vessel owner/authorized representative prepare with their Masters and their crew in accordance with the “International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention – The ISM Code” as directed in Chapter IX of the SOLAS Convention. The ISM Code is brought into force in Canada by the Safety Management Regulations.
An IMS is a management system that encompasses several management standards such as: ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 – Environmental Management and ISO 45011:2018 – Occupational Health & Safety Management and the ISM Code.
The Common Marine Inspection Document (CMID) (IMCA M 149) or Marine Inspection for Small Workboats (MISW) (M189) are free to use marine inspection formats provided by the International Marine Contractors Association for the inspection and audit of marine vessels involved in the offshore industry.
The purpose of this process is to provide a structure for the audit, or inspection of commercial vessels used in the offshore industry, conducted by vessel inspectors working on behalf of owners or clients. Contrary to some misconceptions, the aim of the eCMID system (which includes MISW) is not to assess a vessel’s suitably for a task or contract, but to provide three measures of vessel safety and environmental assurance; the safety of personnel; the protection of the environment; and to visually assess the internal integrity of the vessel’s hull (watertight integrity). An inspection should be planned and undertaken in liaison with the vessel owner and should be undertaken by a competent and accredited eCMID vessel inspector.
Vessel charterers and clients may consider the inspection report before commissioning any further inspections. As a ‘living’ document, the eCMID may be kept and updated onboard a vessel, thus reducing the time involved in an audit.
The eCMID is regularly reviewed and updated in the light of regulatory and technical developments. A major review of the process has been undertaken in 2015 by a cross-industry workgroup with input provided by contractors (vessel operators), charterers, consultants and other interested parties resulting in the release of issue 9.
In 2015 the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) appointed the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) and its subsidiary Marine Surveying Academy (MSA) to manage and deliver an accreditation programme for Vessel Inspectors and Auditors.
This initiative has been largely driven by the industry itself. It was born due to pressure and concern from the industry that IMCA looked to find a solution to accredit competent inspectors.
Wyndward Maritime provides operational, commercial or safety management support and advice to the senior management teams of maritime focused companies from its base in beautiful Victoria and Canada’s west coast. Whether a client needs a solution to a very specific problem or general support, Wyndward Maritime’s broad experience, deep knowledge of the maritime industry and wide network of connections can be brought to bear in support of the management team.
