Global Standards in Maritime Safety and Security: ISM, ISPS and MLC

Approximately 90% of global trade is conducted via maritime transport, a figure that underscores the critical role of the maritime industry as a vital artery of the global economy. As of 2024, around 100,000 commercial vessels transport over 12 billion tons of cargo annually. Ensuring that this vast operational network functions safely, securely, environmentally responsibly, and sustainably is not only an economic necessity but also an environmental and societal responsibility. The maritime sector aims for more than just delivering ships to their destinations: completing these journeys safely, securely, and with environmental sensitivity is made possible through international regulations, standards, and rigorous oversight mechanisms. In this context, the International Safety Management Code (ISM) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) serve as the two foundational pillars of the maritime industry’s safety and security framework.

In the implementation of these codes, independent and technically authoritative organizations, authorized by flag states, play a critical role. Türk Loydu, a member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), successfully fulfills this responsibility both nationally and internationally, providing services to Turkish-flagged vessels as well as those registered under other flag states, in line with global standards. Türk Loydu’s auditing and certification activities under the ISM and ISPS Codes serve as a strategic guide in ensuring safety and security in the maritime sector.

International Safety Management Code (ISM): The Cornerstone of Safety Culture

Historical Context and Development

The International Safety Management Code (ISM) was developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to establish a robust safety culture in the maritime industry. A series of serious maritime accidents in the 1980s, such as the 1987 Herald of Free Enterprise disaster, highlighted the role of human error, inadequate management systems, and operational deficiencies in such incidents. These accidents prompted the IMO to develop a more systematic safety approach, leading to the adoption of the ISM Code in 1993. The code became mandatory under Chapter IX of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) as of July 1, 1998. Today, the ISM Code is mandatory for certain types of vessels, including passenger ships, cargo ships, and mobile offshore drilling units of 500 gross tons and above.

Purpose and Scope of the ISM Code

The ISM Code aims to ensure that maritime operations are conducted safely, environmentally responsibly, and systematically. Beyond being a regulatory requirement, the code represents a management philosophy that seeks to embed a safety culture within ships and their operating companies. This culture encompasses reducing operational risks, preparing for emergencies, minimizing environmental impacts, and ensuring personnel training. The key objectives of the ISM Code are:

• Human safety: Enhancing the safety of ship crews and passengers.
• Environmental protection: Preventing marine, terrestrial, and air pollution while minimizing environmental impacts.
• Operational safety: Ensuring the safe execution of ship operations.

Safety Management System (SMS)

To comply with the ISM Code, ship-operating companies are required to establish and effectively implement a Safety Management System (SMS). The SMS is a comprehensive management system that regulates the operational processes of both the company and the ship, encompassing the following elements:

• Risk analysis and management: Procedures for identifying and mitigating operational risks.
• Emergency preparedness: Plans and drills for scenarios such as fire, abandon ship, and pollution prevention.
• Defined roles and responsibilities: Clear delineation of duties between the company and ship personnel.
• Training and competence: Regular training and documentation of crew qualifications.
• Internal audits and reporting: Continuous monitoring and improvement of system performance.
• Cybersecurity: Measures to counter cyber threats due to increasing digitalization in modern ships.

The effectiveness of the SMS is documented through the company’s Document of Compliance (DOC) and the ship’s Safety Management Certificate (SMC). The DOC confirms that the company’s SMS complies with the ISM Code, while the SMC verifies that the ship successfully implements the system.

Türk Loydu’s Role

As an IACS member classification society, Türk Loydu holds global authority in ISM Code audits. The audit process includes the following steps:

1. Documentation review: The company’s Safety Management Manual, operational checklists, risk analyses, emergency plans, and cybersecurity procedures are thoroughly evaluated.
2. On-site audits: Field audits are conducted on ships and in company offices, verifying not only theoretical compliance but also practical implementation.
3. Personnel evaluation: The crew’s training levels, performance in emergency drills, and safety awareness are assessed.
4. Certification: Upon successful completion of audits, the company is issued a DOC, and the ship receives an SMC.
5. Continuous audits: During the validity period of the certificates (typically five years), annual or intermediate audits ensure the system’s ongoing effectiveness.

Türk Loydu views its audits not merely as compliance checks but as opportunities for improvement. Audit reports provide companies with recommendations to strengthen their systems, identify training needs, and, if necessary, develop revision plans. For instance, if a ship’s cybersecurity procedures are found lacking, Türk Loydu offers recommendations aligned with the IMO’s 2021 cyber risk management guidelines.

Practical Impacts

The implementation of the ISM Code has significantly reduced maritime accidents and environmental damage. According to IMO data, since the code became mandatory in 1998, human-error-related maritime accidents have decreased by 30%. Additionally, the frequency of environmental disasters, such as oil spills, has also declined. Türk Loydu’s audits contribute to this global success, enhancing the international reputation of Turkish-flagged vessels and positioning Türkiye as a hub in the maritime industry through services provided to foreign-flagged vessels.

International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS): The Shield of Maritime Security

Historical Context and Development

Maritime security faces not only technical failures or natural disasters but also asymmetric threats such as terrorism, piracy, illegal cargo transport, human trafficking, and sabotage. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, underscored the severity of these threats on a global scale, necessitating new standards for maritime security. In this context, the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS), developed by the IMO, entered into force on July 1, 2004, under Chapter XI-2 of the SOLAS Convention. The ISPS Code aims to establish a standardized security management framework between ships and port facilities.

Purpose and Scope of the ISPS Code

The ISPS Code promotes a proactive approach to countering security threats in the maritime industry. Its primary objectives are:

• Threat detection and prevention: Measures against terrorism, piracy, and other illegal activities.
• Coordination of ship and port security: Integrated security management between ships and port facilities.
• Rapid response capability: Emergency plans and drills for addressing security breaches.

The ISPS Code defines a series of roles and responsibilities:

• Ship Security Officer (SSO): Responsible for implementing the ship’s security plan.
• Company Security Officer (CSO): Coordinates security policies across the company.
• Port Facility Security Officer (PFSO): Manages the security of the port facility.

Every ship is required to have a Ship Security Plan (SSP), developed based on a Ship Security Assessment (SSA). The SSA analyzes the security risks faced by the ship (e.g., piracy risks in high-risk areas) and outlines measures to address these risks.

Türk Loydu’s Role

Türk Loydu conducts ISPS Code audits on behalf of authorized flag states. The audit process includes:

1. Plan review: The Ship Security Plan (SSP) and Ship Security Assessment (SSA) are thoroughly evaluated for compliance with ISPS Code requirements.
2. On-site audits: Field audits on ships assess access controls (e.g., entry/exit procedures, cargo handling), security equipment (e.g., locks, keys, security lighting, Ship Security Alert System - SSAS), and crew security awareness.
3. Drills: The crew’s performance in security drills, such as responding to a piracy attack scenario, is observed, evaluating response time, actions, and coordination.
4. Certification: Upon successful audits, the ship is issued an International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC).
5. Continuous audits: During the ISSC’s five-year validity period, intermediate and renewal audits ensure ongoing system effectiveness.

Türk Loydu’s ISPS audits go beyond mere compliance. For example, if a ship’s access controls are found to be weak, Türk Loydu may recommend innovative solutions such as biometric identification systems. Additionally, audits provide recommendations to enhance crew security awareness.

Practical Impacts

The ISPS Code has revolutionized maritime security. According to IMO reports, since its implementation in 2004, piracy incidents have decreased by 40%. Notably, the code’s security measures have played a critical role in reducing piracy threats off the coast of Somalia. Türk Loydu’s ISPS audits have elevated the compliance of Turkish vessels with international security standards, enhancing Türkiye’s global maritime credibility.

Türk Loydu’s Audits: A Global Standard of Confidence

The success of ISM and ISPS audits depends not only on the theoretical accuracy of systems but also on their practical effectiveness, the expertise of auditors, and the internalization of these systems. With over 60 years of experience, Türk Loydu trains its auditors through specialized programs and continuously updates its audit processes to meet the dynamic needs of the industry.

Added Value of Audits

Türk Loydu’s audits offer more than just compliance verification. They include:

• Feedback mechanism: Audit reports provide companies with opportunities to improve their systems.
• Training support: When needed, training is provided to crew and company personnel on safety and security.
• Innovation recommendations: Suggestions in areas such as cybersecurity or energy efficiency.

MLC, 2006, and Other Services

In addition to the ISM and ISPS Codes, Türk Loydu provides inspection and certification services under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC, 2006), which regulates seafarers’ working conditions, living standards, healthcare, and social rights. Türk Loydu transparently shares any deficiencies identified during these inspections with relevant maritime authorities. Furthermore, Türk Loydu’s services in ship classification, environmental management, and renewable energy offer a holistic approach to the maritime industry.

Technological Capabilities

Türk Loydu leverages digital technologies in its audit processes. For instance, remote audit technologies ensure continuity of inspections during extraordinary circumstances, such as pandemics.

A Strategic Guide in Safety and Security

Maritime transport is not merely about routes, cargo, and ships; it is an ecosystem woven with rules, responsibilities, and values. The ISM and ISPS Codes form the safety and security pillars of this ecosystem, and Türk Loydu, as an internationally recognized authority, ensures the strength of these pillars.

Global and National Impact

A ship’s safe arrival at port, a company’s sustainable operations, and a nation’s flag gaining international prestige depend heavily on compliance with the ISM and ISPS Codes. Türk Loydu contributes to Türkiye’s emergence as a global maritime actor by auditing, certifying, and enhancing this compliance.

Looking to the Future

The maritime industry is rapidly transforming with digitalization, autonomous ships, and carbon-neutral goals. Türk Loydu plays a pioneering role in this transformation, expanding its services in areas such as cybersecurity standards and green ship certifications. Guided by its vision of “safe ships, sustainable structures, and clean seas,” Türk Loydu continues to shape the future of the maritime industry.

Conclusion

Türk Loydu’s services under the ISM and ISPS Codes are not merely an audit process but a journey that elevates the maritime industry’s safety and security standards. By ensuring compliance, fostering improvements, and embracing innovation, Türk Loydu contributes to a safer, more secure, and sustainable maritime future.