1995/3051 The safety management of roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries (ro-ro ferries) (2002/2099)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing he European Community, and in particular Article 84 (2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),

Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189c of the Treaty (3),

Whereas the Community is seriously concerned by shipping casualties with loss of life;

Whereas the International Safety Management Code providing for the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention, hereinafter referred to as the 'ISM Code', was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through Assembly Resolution A.741(18) of 4 November 1993 in the presence of the Member States and, through its incorporation into the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea 1974, will apply to ro-ro passenger vessels from 1 July 1998;

Whereas this represents one of a series of measures to improve safety at sea; whereas the ISM Code is not yet of a mandatory but of a recommendatory nature;

Whereas safety of human life at sea may be effectively enhanced by applying the ISM Code strictly and on a mandatory basis;

Whereas the Community's most urgent concern is for the safety management of ro-ro passenger ferries; whereas a uniform and coherent implementation of the ISM Code in all Member States can constitute a step towards the safety management of ro-ro passenger ferries;

Whereas in its resolution of 22 December 1994 on the safety of roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries (4), the Council invited the Commission to submit a proposal on the advance mandatory application of the ISM Code to all regular roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry services operating to or from European ports, in compliance with international law;

Whereas strict and mandatory application of the ISM Code is required to ensure the establishment and proper maintenance of safety management systems by companies operating seagoing ro-ro passenger ferries both at ship and at company level;

Whereas action at Community level is the best way to ensure advance mandatory enforcement of the provisions of the ISM Code and effective control of its application, while avoiding distortion of competition between different Community ports and ro-ro ferries; whereas only a regulation, which is of direct applicability, can ensure such enforcement; whereas advance implementation requires that the Regulation be applicable as from 1 July 1996;

Whereas the advance mandatory implementation of the ISM Code to all ro-ro ferries regardless of their flag also takes into account the request contained in point 2 of IMO Resolution A.741(18) which strongly urges Governments to implement the Code as soon as possible, giving priority inter alia to passenger ships;

Whereas the safety of ships is the primary responsibility of flag States; whereas Member States can ensure compliance with adequate safety management rules by ferries flying their flag and companies operating them; whereas the only way to ensure the safety of all ro-ro ferries, irrespective of their flag, operating or wishing to operate on a regular service from their ports is for the Member States to require effective compliance with safety rules as a condition for operating on a regular service from their ports;

Whereas companies operating ro-ro ferries exclusively in sheltered waters between ports in the same Member State constitute a more limited risk and will need to assume a proportionately greater administrative work-load than other companies, and should therefore enjoy a temporary derogation;

Whereas it is necessary to identify the requirements under which the provisions of the ISM Code are enforced and to define the conditions for the issue and verification of the document of compliance and of the safety management certificate;

Whereas Member States might find it necessary to delegate or rely upon specialized bodies in order to fulfil their obligations pursuant to this Regulation; whereas the appropriate way of ensuring a uniform and adequate level of control is to require that such bodies should only be those which meet the requirements of Council Directive 94/57/EC of 22 November 1994 on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organizations and for the relevant activities of maritime administrations (1);

Whereas a Member State must have the possibility of suspending the operation of certain ro-ro ferries from its ports where it considers that there is a risk of serious danger to safety of life or property or the environment, subject to a decision to be taken in the framework of a regulatory committee, to which the Member States must conform;

Whereas a simplified procedure involving a committee of a regulatory nature is necessary to amend this Regulation taking into account developments at international level;

Whereas the rapid introduction of these safety rules raises specific technical and administative problems for Greece because of the very large number of companies established in Greece operating ferries under the Greek flag and exclusively between Greek ports; whereas a derogation of limited duration to cover this situation should therefore be granted bearing in mind in addition that regular passenger and ferry services between Greek ports have been excluded until 1 January 2004 from the freedom to provide services granted by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 of 7 December 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within Member States (maritime cabotage) (2),

---

(1) OJ No C 298, 11. 11. 1995, p. 23, and amended proposal submitted on 15 June 1995 (OJ No C 288, 11. 11. 1995, p. 31).

(2) OJ No C 236, 11. 9. 1995, p. 42.

(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 14 June 1995 (OJ No C 166, 3. 7. 1995, p. 55), Council common position of 28 September 1995 (OJ No C 297, 10. 11. 1995, p. 1) and decision of the European Parliament of 29 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

(4) OJ No C 379, 31. 12. 1994, p. 8.

(1) OJ No L 319, 12. 12. 1994, p. 20.

(2) OJ No L 364, 12. 12. 1992, p. 7.

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing he European Community, and in particular Article 84 (2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission (1),

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),

Acting in accordance with the procedure referred to in Article 189c of the Treaty (3),

Whereas the Community is seriously concerned by shipping casualties with loss of life;

Whereas the International Safety Management Code providing for the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention, hereinafter referred to as the 'ISM Code', was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) through Assembly Resolution A.741(18) of 4 November 1993 in the presence of the Member States and, through its incorporation into the International Convention on the Safety of Life at Sea 1974, will apply to ro-ro passenger vessels from 1 July 1998;

Whereas this represents one of a series of measures to improve safety at sea; whereas the ISM Code is not yet of a mandatory but of a recommendatory nature;

Whereas safety of human life at sea may be effectively enhanced by applying the ISM Code strictly and on a mandatory basis;

Whereas the Community's most urgent concern is for the safety management of ro-ro passenger ferries; whereas a uniform and coherent implementation of the ISM Code in all Member States can constitute a step towards the safety management of ro-ro passenger ferries;

Whereas in its resolution of 22 December 1994 on the safety of roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries (4), the Council invited the Commission to submit a proposal on the advance mandatory application of the ISM Code to all regular roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry services operating to or from European ports, in compliance with international law;

Whereas strict and mandatory application of the ISM Code is required to ensure the establishment and proper maintenance of safety management systems by companies operating seagoing ro-ro passenger ferries both at ship and at company level;

Whereas action at Community level is the best way to ensure advance mandatory enforcement of the provisions of the ISM Code and effective control of its application, while avoiding distortion of competition between different Community ports and ro-ro ferries; whereas only a regulation, which is of direct applicability, can ensure such enforcement; whereas advance implementation requires that the Regulation be applicable as from 1 July 1996;

Whereas the advance mandatory implementation of the ISM Code to all ro-ro ferries regardless of their flag also takes into account the request contained in point 2 of IMO Resolution A.741(18) which strongly urges Governments to implement the Code as soon as possible, giving priority inter alia to passenger ships;

Whereas the safety of ships is the primary responsibility of flag States; whereas Member States can ensure compliance with adequate safety management rules by ferries flying their flag and companies operating them; whereas the only way to ensure the safety of all ro-ro ferries, irrespective of their flag, operating or wishing to operate on a regular service from their ports is for the Member States to require effective compliance with safety rules as a condition for operating on a regular service from their ports;

Whereas companies operating ro-ro ferries exclusively in sheltered waters between ports in the same Member State constitute a more limited risk and will need to assume a proportionately greater administrative work-load than other companies, and should therefore enjoy a temporary derogation;

Whereas it is necessary to identify the requirements under which the provisions of the ISM Code are enforced and to define the conditions for the issue and verification of the document of compliance and of the safety management certificate;

Whereas Member States might find it necessary to delegate or rely upon specialized bodies in order to fulfil their obligations pursuant to this Regulation; whereas the appropriate way of ensuring a uniform and adequate level of control is to require that such bodies should only be those which meet the requirements of Council Directive 94/57/EC of 22 November 1994 on common rules and standards for ship inspection and survey organizations and for the relevant activities of maritime administrations (1);

Whereas a Member State must have the possibility of suspending the operation of certain ro-ro ferries from its ports where it considers that there is a risk of serious danger to safety of life or property or the environment, subject to a decision to be taken in the framework of a regulatory committee, to which the Member States must conform;

Whereas a simplified procedure involving a committee of a regulatory nature is necessary to amend this Regulation taking into account developments at international level;

Whereas the rapid introduction of these safety rules raises specific technical and administative problems for Greece because of the very large number of companies established in Greece operating ferries under the Greek flag and exclusively between Greek ports; whereas a derogation of limited duration to cover this situation should therefore be granted bearing in mind in addition that regular passenger and ferry services between Greek ports have been excluded until 1 January 2004 from the freedom to provide services granted by Council Regulation (EEC) No 3577/92 of 7 December 1992 applying the principle of freedom to provide services to maritime transport within Member States (maritime cabotage) (2),

---

(1) OJ No C 298, 11. 11. 1995, p. 23, and amended proposal submitted on 15 June 1995 (OJ No C 288, 11. 11. 1995, p. 31).

(2) OJ No C 236, 11. 9. 1995, p. 42.

(3) Opinion of the European Parliament of 14 June 1995 (OJ No C 166, 3. 7. 1995, p. 55), Council common position of 28 September 1995 (OJ No C 297, 10. 11. 1995, p. 1) and decision of the European Parliament of 29 November 1995 (not yet published in the Official Journal).

(4) OJ No C 379, 31. 12. 1994, p. 8.

(1) OJ No L 319, 12. 12. 1994, p. 20.

(2) OJ No L 364, 12. 12. 1992, p. 7.

Article 01

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

The purpose of this Regulation is to enhance the safe management, safe operation and pollution prevention of ro-ro passenger ferries operating to or from ports of the Member States of the Community on a regular service by ensuring that companies operating ro-ro ferries comply with the ISM Code through:

- the establishment and proper maintenance of shipboard and shore-based safety management systems by companies, and

- the control thereof by flag and port State administrations.

Article 02

For the purpose of this Regulation and with a view to the implementation of the ISM Code:

(a) 'ro-ro ferry' means a seagoing passenger vessel with facilities to enable road or rail vehicles to roll on and roll off the vessel, and carrying more than 12 passengers;

(b) 'regular service' means a series of ro-ro ferry crossings operated so as to serve traffic between the same two or more points, either:

1. according to a published timetable; or

2. with crossings so regular or frequent that they constitute a recognizable systematic series; (c) 'company' means the owner of a ro-ro ferry or any other organization or person such as the manager, or the bareboat charterer, who has assumed responsibility for operating the ro-ro ferry from the owner;

(d) 'recognized organization' means a body recognized in compliance with the provisions of Directive 94/57/EC;

(e) 'ISM Code' means the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention, adopted by the IMO through Assembly Resolution A.741(18) of 4 November 1993, and annexed to this Regulation;

(f) 'administration' means the Government of the State whose flag the ro-ro ferry is entitled to fly;

(g) 'document of compliance' means the document issued to companies in conformity with paragraph 13.2 of the ISM Code;

(h) 'safety management certificate' means the certificate issued to ro-ro ferries in conformity with paragraph 13.4 of the ISM Code;

(i) 'sheltered waters' means areas where the annual probability of the significant wave height exceeding 1,5 m is less than 10 %, and in which a ro-ro ferry is at no time more than six nautical miles from a place of refuge where shipwrecked persons can land.

Article 03

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

The Regulation shall apply to all companies, operating at least one ro-ro ferry to or from a port of a Member State of the Community on a regular service regardless of its flag.

Article 04

1. All companies shall comply with all the provisions of paragraphs 1.2 to 13.1 and of paragraph 13.3 of the ISM Code, as if the provisions thereof were mandatory, as a requirement for their vessels to provide regular services to or from a port of a Member State of the Community.

2. By way of derogation from paragraph 1, companies operating a ro-ro ferry or ferries on a regular service exclusively in sheltered waters between ports situated in the same Member State may defer compliance with the provisions of this Regulation until 1 July 1997.

Article 05

1. Member States shall comply with the provisions of paragraphs 13.2, 13.4 and 13.5 of the ISM Code as if the provisions thereof were mandatory, in relation to companies and ro-ro ferries.

2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, Member States may only authorize, or rely upon, fully or in part, a recognized organization.

For the purposes of paragraph 13.2 of the ISM Code, a Member State may only issue documents of compliance for a company which has its principal place of business on its own territory. Prior to such issue, the Member States shall consult the administration of the States whose flag the ro-ro ferries of that company are entitled to fly, if that administration is not that of the issuing Member State.

3. The document of compliance shall only be valid for five years from the date of its issue, provided always that a verification takes place once a year, in order to confirm the proper functioning of the safety management system, and to confirm that possible modifications introduced since the latest verification satisfy the provisions of the ISM Code.

4. The safety management certificate shall only be valid for five years from the date of its issue, provided always that an intermediate verification takes place at least every 30 months or more frequently in order to confirm the proper functioning of the safety management system and to confirm that possible modifications introduced since the latest verification satisfy the provisions of the ISM Code.

5. For the purposes of this Regulation, and in particular Article 6, each Member State shall accept a document of compliance or a safety management certificate issued by the administration of any other Member State or by a recognized organization acting on its behalf.

6. A Member State shall recognize the documents of compliance and safety management certificates issued by, or on behalf of, the administrations of third countries if it is satisfied that they demonstrate compliance with the provisions of this Regulation.

Documents of compliance and safety management certificates issued on behalf of administrations of third countries may only be recognized if they have been issued by a recognized organization.

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2005

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

1. Member States shall comply with the provisions of paragraph 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, 13.5, 13.7 to 13.11, 14 and 16 of the ISM Code as if the provisions thereof were mandatory, in relation to companies and ro-ro ferries.

2. For the purposes of paragraph 1, Member States may only authorize, or rely upon, fully or in part, a recognized organization.

For the purposes of paragraph 13.2 of the ISM Code, a Member State may only issue documents of compliance for a company which has its principal place of business on its own territory. Prior to such issue, the Member States shall consult the administration of the States whose flag the ro-ro ferries of that company are entitled to fly, if that administration is not that of the issuing Member State.

3. The document of compliance shall only be valid for five years from the date of its issue, provided always that a verification takes place once a year, in order to confirm the proper functioning of the safety management system, and to confirm that possible modifications introduced since the latest verification satisfy the provisions of the ISM Code.

4. The safety management certificate shall only be valid for five years from the date of its issue, provided always that an intermediate verification takes place at least every 30 months or more frequently in order to confirm the proper functioning of the safety management system and to confirm that possible modifications introduced since the latest verification satisfy the provisions of the ISM Code.

5. For the purposes of this Regulation, and in particular Article 6, each Member State shall accept a document of compliance or a safety management certificate issued by the administration of any other Member State or by a recognized organization acting on its behalf.

6. A Member State shall recognize the documents of compliance and safety management certificates issued by, or on behalf of, the administrations of third countries if it is satisfied that they demonstrate compliance with the provisions of this Regulation.

Documents of compliance and safety management certificates issued on behalf of administrations of third countries may only be recognized if they have been issued by a recognized organization.

Article 06

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

Member States shall satisfy themselves that all companies providing regular ro-ro ferry services to or from their ports comply with the provisions of this Regulation.

Article 07

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

Where a Member State considers that a company, notwithstanding the fact that it holds a document of compliance, cannot operate a ro-ro ferry on a regular service to or from its ports on the grounds that there is a risk of serious danger to safety of life or property, or the environment, the operation of such service may be suspended until such time as the danger is removed.

In the above circumstances the following procedure shall apply:

(a) the Member State shall inform the Commission and the other Member States of its decision without delay, giving substantiated reasons therefor;

(b) the Commission shall examine whether the suspension is justified for reasons of serious danger to safety and the environment;

(c) it will be decided, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 10 (2), whether or not the decision of the Member State to suspend the operation of such service is justified for reasons of serious danger to safety of life or property, or the environment and, if the suspension is not justified, that the Member State concerned will be requested to withdraw the suspension.

Article 08

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

In order to take account of the general terms of the ISM Code, the Commission shall review the implementation of this Regulation three years after its entry into force and propose any appropriate measures.

Article 09

In order to take account of developments at international level and, in particular, in the IMO,

(a) the definition of the 'ISM Code' in Article 2;

(b) the periods of validity of the document of compliance and/or the safety management certificate and the frequency of verification relating thereto in Article 5 (3) and (4);

(c) the Annex;

(d) the definition of 'recognized organization' in Article 2;

may be amended, in accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 10 (2), in particular to introduce into the Annex guidelines for administrations for the implementation of the ISM Code.

Article 10

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee established by Article 12 (1) of Council Directive 93/75/EEC (1).

2. The representative of the Commission shall submit to the Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a time limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of the matter. The opinion shall be delivered by the majority laid down in Article 148 (2) of the Treaty in the case of decisions which the Council is required to adopt on a proposal from the Commission. The votes of the representatives of the Member States within the committee shall be weighted in the manner set out in that Article. The chairman shall not vote.

3. (a) The Commission shall adopt the measures envisaged if they are in accordance with the opinion of the committee.

(b) If the measures envisaged are not in accordance with the opinion of the committee, or if no opinion is delivered, the Commission shall, without delay, submit to the Council a proposal relating to the measures to be taken. The Council shall act by a qualified majority.

(c) If, on the expiry of a period of 40 days from the date of referral to the Council, the Council has not acted, the proposed measures shall be adopted by the Commission.

---

(1) Council Directive 93/75/EEC of 13 September 1993 concerning minimum requirements for vessels bound for or leaving Community ports and carrying dangerous or polluting goods (OJ No L 247, 5. 10. 1993, p. 19)

Article 11

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 January 1996.

It shall be applicable as from 1 July 1996.
By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, this Regulation shall not apply until 31 December 1997 to companies which are incorporated under Greek law, which have their principal place of business in Greece, and which operate ro-ro- ferries registered in and flying the flag of Greece providing regular services exclusively between ports situated in Greece.

This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly applicable in all Member States.

Done at Brussels, 8 December 1995.

For the Council

The President

J. BORRELL FONTELLES

Annex International Management code for the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention (International Safety Management (ISM) Code)

Preamble

1. The purpose of this Code is to provide an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.

2. The Assembly adopted Resolution A.443(XI) by which it invited all governments to take the necessary steps to safeguard the shipmaster in the proper discharge of his responsibilities with regard to maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment.

3. The Assembly also adopted Resolution A.680(17) by which it further recognized the need for appropriate organization of management to enable it to respond to the need of those on board ships to achieve and maintain high standards of safety and environmental protection.

4. Recognizing that no two shipping companies or shipowners are the same, and that ships operate under a wide range of different conditions, the Code is based on general principles and objectives.

5. The Code is expressed in broad terms so that it can have a widespread application. Clearly, different levels of management, whether shore-based or at sea, will require varying levels of knowledge and awareness of the items outlined.

6. The cornerstone of good safety management is commitment from the top. In matters of safety and pollution prevention it is the commitment, competence, attitudes and motivation of individuals at all levels that determines the end result.

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 25-11-2002

Preamble

1. The purpose of this Code is to provide an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.

2. The Assembly adopted Resolution A.443(XI) by which it invited all governments to take the necessary steps to safeguard the shipmaster in the proper discharge of his responsibilities with regard to maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment.

3. The Assembly also adopted Resolution A.680(17) by which it further recognized the need for appropriate organization of management to enable it to respond to the need of those on board ships to achieve and maintain high standards of safety and environmental protection.

4. Recognizing that no two shipping companies or shipowners are the same, and that ships operate under a wide range of different conditions, the Code is based on general principles and objectives.

5. The Code is expressed in broad terms so that it can have a widespread application. Clearly, different levels of management, whether shore-based or at sea, will require varying levels of knowledge and awareness of the items outlined.

6. The cornerstone of good safety management is commitment from the top. In matters of safety and pollution prevention it is the commitment, competence, attitudes and motivation of individuals at all levels that determines the end result.

01 General

Ingangsdatum: 01-01-1996

Geldig tot en met: 25-11-2002

1.1 Definitions

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

1.2 Objectives

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

1.3 Application

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

1.4 Functional requirements for a safety management system (SMS)

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

02 Safety and environmental protection policy

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

03 Company responsibilities and authority

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

04 Designated person(s)

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

05 Master''s responsibility and authority

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

06 Resources and personnel

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

07 Development of plans fro shipboard operations

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

08 Emergency Preparedness

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

09 Reports and analysis of non-conformities, accidents and hazardous occurences

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

10 Maintenance of the ship and equipment

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

11 Documentation

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

12 Company verification, review and evaluation

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

13 Certification, verification and control

[Niet geldig (geldigheid van 1996-01-01 tot en met 2002-11-25)]

Annex

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2002

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

Annex Title 1 International Management Code for the safe operation of ships and for pollution prevention (International Safety Management (ISM) Code

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2002

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

Part A Implementation

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2002

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

01 General

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2002

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

1.1. Definitions

The following definitions apply to parts A and B of this Code.

1.1.1. "International Safety Management (ISM) Code" means the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention as adopted by the Assembly, as may be amended by the Organisation.

1.1.2. "Company" means the owner of the ship or any other organisation or person such as the manager or the bareboat charterer, who has assumed the responsibility for the operation of the ship from the shipowner and who on assuming such responsibility has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibility imposed by the Code.

1.1.3. "Administration" means the government of the State whose flag the ship is entitled to fly.

1.1.4. "Safety Management System" means a structured and documented system enabling Company personnel to implement effectively the Company safety and environmental protection policy.

1.1.5. "Document of Compliance" means a document issued to a Company which complies with the requirements of this Code.

1.1.6. "Safety Management Certificate" means a document issued to a ship which signifies that the Company and its shipboard management operate in accordance with the approved safety management system.

1.1.7. "Objective evidence" means quantitative or qualitative information, records or statements of fact pertaining to safety or to the existence and implementation of an safety management system element, which is based on observation, measurement or test and which can be verified.

1.1.8. "Observation" means a statement of fact made during a safety management audit and substantiated by objective evidence.

1.1.9. "Non-conformity" means an observed situation where objective evidence indicates the non-fulfillment of a specified requirement.

1.1.10. "Major non-conformity" means an identifiable deviation that poses a serious threat to the safety of personnel or the ship or a serious risk to the environment that requires immediate corrective action and includes the lack of effective and systematic implementation of a requirement of this Code.

1.1.11. "Anniversary date" means the day and month of each year that corresponds to the date of expiry of the relevant document or certificate.

1.1.12. "Convention" means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 as amended.

1.2. Objectives

1.2.1. The objectives of the Code are to ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of damage to the environment, in particular, to the marine environment, and to property.

1.2.2. Safety management objectives of the Company should, inter alia:

1.2.2.1. provide for safe practices in ship operation and a safe working environment;

1.2.2.2. establish safeguards against all identified risks; and

1.2.2.3. continuously improve safety management skills of personnel ashore and aboard ships, including preparing for emergencies related both to safety and environmental protection.

1.2.3. The safety management system should ensure:

1.2.3.1. compliance with mandatory rules and regulations; and

1.2.3.2. that applicable codes, guidelines and standards recommended by the Organisation, administrations, classification societies and maritime industry organisations are taken into account.

1.3. Application

The requirements of this Code may be applied to all ships.

1.4.Functional requirements for a safety management system (SMS)

Every company should develop, implement and maintain a safety management system (SMS) which includes the following functional requirements:

1.4.1. a safety and environmental protection policy;

1.4.2. instructions and procedures to ensure safe operation of ships and protection of the environment in compliance with relevant international and flag State legislation;

1.4.3. defined levels of authority and lines of communication between, and amongst, shore and shipboard personnel;

1.4.4. procedures for reporting accidents and non-conformities with the provisions of this Code;

1.4.5. procedures to prepare for and respond to emergency situations; and

1.4.6. procedures for internal audits and management reviews.

02 Safety and environmental protection policy

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2002

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

2.1. The company should establish a safety and environmental protection policy which describes how the objectives, given in paragraph 1.2, will be achieved.

2.2. The Company should ensure that the policy is implemented and maintained at all levels of the organisation both ship-based as well as shore-based.

03 Company responsibilities and authority

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2002

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

3.1. If the entity who is responsible for the operation of the ship is other than the owner, the owner must report the full name and details of such entity to the administration.

3.2. The company should define and document the responsibility, authority and interrelation of all personnel who manage, perform and verify work relating to and affecting safety and pollution prevention.

3.3. The company is responsible for ensuring that adequate resources and shore-based support are provided to enable the designated person or persons to carry out their functions.

04 Designated person(s)

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2002

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

To ensure the safe operation of each ship and to provide a link between the company and those on board, every company, as appropriate, should designate a person or persons ashore having direct access to the highest level of management. The responsibility and authority of the designated person or persons should include monitoring the safety and pollution prevention aspects of the operation of each ship and to ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support are applied, as required.

05 Master''s responsibility and authority

Ingangsdatum: 26-11-2002

Geldig tot en met: 23-03-2006

5.1. The company should clearly define and document the master's responsibility with regard to:

5.1.1. implementing the safety and environmental protection policy of the company;

5.1.2. motivating the crew in the observance of that policy;

5.1.3. issuing appropriate orders and instructions in a clear and simple manner;

5.1.4. verifying that specified requirements are observed; and

5.1.5. reviewing the SMS and reporting its deficiencies to the shore-based management.

5.2. The company should ensure that the SMS operating on board the ship contains a clear statement emphasising the master's authority. The company should establish in the SMS that the master has the overriding authority and the responsibility to make decisions with respect to safety and pollution prevention and to request the company's assistance as may be necessary.

06 Resources and personnel

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6.1. The company should ensure that the master is:

6.1.1. properly qualified for command;

6.1.2. fully conversant with the company's SMS; and

6.1.3. given the necessary support so that the master's duties can be safely performed.

6.2. The company should ensure that each ship is manned with qualified, certificated and medically fit seafarers in accordance with national and international requirements.

6.3. The company should establish procedures to ensure that new personnel and personnel transferred to new assignments related to safety and protection of the environment are given proper familiarisation with their duties.

Instructions, which are essential to be provided to sailing should be identified, documented and given.

6.4. The company should ensure that all personnel involved in the company's SMS have an adequate understanding of relevant rules, regulations, codes and guidelines.

6.5. The company should establish and maintain procedures for identifying any training which may be required in support of the SMS and ensure that such training is provided for all personnel concerned.

6.6. The company should establish procedures by which the ship's personnel receive relevant information on the SMS in a working language or languages understood by them.

6.7. The company should ensure that the ship's personnel are able to communicate effectively in the execution of their duties related to the SMS.

07 Development of plans for shipboard operations

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The Company should establish procedures for the preparation of plans and instructions, including checklists as appropriate, for key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the ship and the prevention of pollution. The various tasks involved should be defined and assigned to qualified personnel.

08 Emergency preparedness

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8.1. The company should establish procedures to identify, describe and respond to potential emergency shipboard situations.

8.2. The company should establish programmes for drills and exercises to prepare for emergency actions.

8.3. The SMS should provide for measures ensuring that the company's organisation can respond at any time to hazards, accidents and emergency situations involving its ships.

09 Reports and analysis of non-conformities, accidents and hazardous occurrences

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9.1. The SMS should include procedures ensuring that non-conformities, accidents and hazardous situations are reported to the company, investigated and analysed with the objective of improving safety and pollution prevention.

9.2. The company should establish procedures for the implementation of corrective action.

10 Maintenance of the ship and equipment

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10.1. The company should establish procedures to ensure that the ship is maintained in conformity with the provisions of the relevant rules and regulations and with any additional requirements which may be established by the company.

10.2. In meeting these requirements the company should ensure that:

10.2.1. inspections are held at appropriate intervals;

10.2.2. any non-conformity is reported with its possible cause, if known;

10.2.3. appropriate corrective action is taken; and

10.2.4. records of these activities are maintained.

10.3. The company should establish procedures in the SMS to identify equipment and technical systems the sudden operational failure of which may result in hazardous situations. The SMS should provide for specific measures aimed at promoting the reliability of such equipment or systems. These measures should include the regular testing of stand-by arrangements and equipment or technical systems that are not in continuous use.

10.4. The inspections mentioned in 10.2 as well as the measures referred to in 10.3 should be integrated in the ship's operational maintenance/routine.

11 Documentation

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11.1. The company should establish and maintain procedures to control all documents and data, which are relevant to the SMS.

11.2. The company should ensure that:

11.2.1. valid documents are available at all relevant locations;

11.2.2. changes to documents are reviewed and approved by authorised personnel; and

11.2.3. obsolete documents are promptly removed.

11.3. The documents used to describe and implement the SMS may be referred to as the 'safety management manual'. Documentation should be kept in a form that the company considers most effective. Each ship should carry on board all documentation relevant to that ship.

12 Company verification, review and evaluation

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12.1. The company should carry out internal safety audits to verify whether safety and pollution prevention activities comply with the SMS.

12.2. The company should periodically evaluate the efficiency and when needed review the SMS in accordance with procedures established by the company.

12.3. The audits and possible corrective actions should be carried out in accordance with documented procedures.

12.4. Personnel carrying out audits should be independent of the areas being audited unless this is impracticable due to the size and the nature of the company.

12.5. The results of the audits and reviews should be brought to the attention of all personnel having responsibility in the area involved.

12.6. The management personnel responsible for the area involved should take timely corrective action on deficiencies found.

Part B Certification, Verification

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13 Certification and periodical verification

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13.1. The ship should be operated by a company which has been issued with a Document of Compliance or with an Interim Document of Compliance in accordance with paragraph 14.1, relevant to that ship.

13.2. The Document of Compliance should be issued by the Administration, by an organisation recognised by the Administration or, at the request of the Administration, by another Contracting Government to the Convention to any Company complying with the requirements of this Code for a period specified by the Administration which should not exceed five years. Such a document should be accepted as evidence that the Company is capable of complying with the requirements of this Code.

13.3. The Document of Compliance is only valid for the ship types explicitly indicated in the document. Such indication should be based on the types of ships on which the initial verification was based. Other ship types should only be added after verification of the Company's capability to comply with the requirements of this Code applicable to such ship types. In this context, ship types are those referred to in Regulation IX/1 of the Convention.

13.4. The validity of a Document of Compliance should be subject to annual verification by the Administration or by an organisation recognised by the Administration or, at the request of the Administration by another Contracting Government within three months before or after the anniversary date.

13.5. The Document of Compliance should be withdrawn by the Administration or, at its request, by the Contracting Government which issued the document, when the annual verification required in paragraph 13.4 is not requested or if there is evidence of major non-conformities with this Code.

13.5.1. All associated Safety Management Certificates and/or Interim Safety Management Certificates should also be withdrawn if the Document of Compliance is withdrawn.

13.6. A copy of the Document of Compliance should be placed on board in order that the master of the ship, if so requested, may produce it for verification by the Administration or by an organisation recognised by the Administration or for the purposes of the control referred to in Regulation IX/6.2 of the Convention. The copy of the document is not required to be authenticated or certified.

13.7. The Safety Management Certificate should be issued to a ship for a period which should not exceed five years by the Administration or an organisation recognised by the Administration or, at the request of the Administration, by another Contracting Government. The Safety Management Certificate should be issued after verifying that the Company and its shipboard management operate in accordance with the approved safety management system. Such a certificate should be accepted as evidence that the ship is complying with the requirements of this Code.

13.8. The validity of the Safety Management Certificate should be subject to at least one intermediate verification by the Administration or an organisation recognised by the Administration or, at the request of the Administration, by another Contracting Government. If only one intermediate verification is to be carried out and the period of validity of the Safety Management Certificate is five years, it should take place between the second and third anniversary date of the Safety Management Certificate.

13.9. In addition to the requirements of paragraph 13.5.1, the Safety Management Certificate should be withdrawn by the Administration or, at the request of the Administration, by the Contracting Government which has issued it when the intermediate verification required in paragraph 13.8 is not requested or if there is evidence of major non-conformity with this Code.

13.10. Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraphs 13.2 and 13.7, when the renewal verification is completed within three months before the expiry date of the existing Document of Compliance or Safety Management Certificate, the new Document of Compliance or the new Safety Management Certificate should be valid from the date of completion of the renewal verification for a period not exceeding five years from the date of expiry of the existing Document of Compliance or Safety Management Certificate.

13.11. When the renewal verification is completed more than three months before the expiry date of the existing Document of Compliance or Safety Management Certificate, the new Document of Compliance or the new Safety Management Certificate should be valid from the date of completion of the renewal verification for a period not exceeding five years from the date of completion of the renewal verification.

14 Interim certification

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14.1. An Interim Document of Compliance may be issued to facilitate initial implementation of this Code when:

(1) a Company is newly established; or

(2) new ship types are to be added to an existing Document of Compliance,

following verification that the Company has a safety management system that meets the objectives of paragraph 1.2.3 of this Code, provided the Company demonstrates plans to implement a safety management system meeting the full requirements of this Code within the period of validity of the Interim Document of Compliance. Such an Interim Document of Compliance should be issued for a period not exceeding 12 months by the Administration or by an organisation recognised by the Administration or, at the request of the Administration, by another Contracting Government. A copy of the Interim Document of Compliance should be placed on board in order that the master of the ship, if so requested, may produce it for verification by the Administration or by an organisation recognised by the Administration or for the purposes of the control referred to in regulation IX/6.2 of the Convention. The copy of the document is not required to be authenticated or certified.

14.2. An Interim Safety Management Certificate may be issued:

(1) to new ships on delivery;

(2) when a Company takes on responsibility for the operation of a ship which is new to the Company; or

(3) when a ship changes flag.

Such an Interim Safety Management Certificate should be issued for a period not exceeding six months by the Administration or an organisation recognised by the Administration or, at the request of the Administration, by another Contracting Government.

14.3. An Administration or, at the request of the Administration, another Contracting Government may, in special cases, extend the validity of an Interim Safety Management Certificate for a further period which should not exceed six months from the date of expiry.

14.4. An Interim Safety Management Certificate may be issued following verification that:

(1) the Document of Compliance, or the Interim Document of Compliance, is relevant to the ship concerned;

(2) the safety management system provided by the Company for the ship concerned includes key elements of this Code and has been assessed during the audit for issuance of the Document of Compliance or demonstrated for issuance of the Interim Document of Compliance;

(3) the Company has planned the audit of the ship within three months;

(4) the master and officers are familiar with the safety management system and the planned arrangements for its implementation;

(5) instructions, which have been identified as being essential, are provided prior to sailing; and

(6) relevant information on the safety management system has been given in a working language or languages understood by the ship's personnel.

15 Verification

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15.1. All verifications required by the provisions of this Code should be carried out in accordance with procedures acceptable to the Administration, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organisation(1).

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(1) Refer to the Guidelines on Implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Administrations adopted by the Organisation by Resolution A. 913(22).

16 Forms of certificates

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16.1. The Document of Compliance, the Safety Management Certificate, the Interim Document of Compliance and the Interim Safety Management Certificate should be drawn up in a form corresponding to the models given in the appendix to this Code. If the language used is neither English nor French, the text should include a translation into one of these languages.

16.2. In addition to the requirements of paragraph 13.3 the ship types indicated on the Document of Compliance and the Interim Document of Compliance may be endorsed to reflect any limitations in the operations of the ships described in the safety management system.

Appendix Forms of the Document of Compliance, the Safety Management Certificate, the Interim Document of Compliance and the Interim Safety Management Certificate

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Annex Title 2 Provisions for the Administration concerning the implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code

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Part A General Provisions

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1.1. When carrying out verifications and certification tasks required by the provisions of the ISM Code for ro-ro ferries Member States shall comply with the requirements and standards laid down in Part B of this Title.

1.2. In addition Member States shall take due account of the provisions of the Revised Guidelines on the Implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code by Administrations, adopted by the IMO through Resolution A.913 (22) of 29 November 2001, as far as they are not covered under Part B of this Title.

Part B Certification and Standards

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1 Acceptance and recognition of an interim document of compliance and interim safety management certificate

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1.1. An interim document of compliance and an interim safety management certificate complying with the provisions of this Regulation and issued by the administration of any other Member State or by a recognised organisation acting on its behalf shall be accepted by each Member State.

1.2. An interim document of compliance and an interim safety management certificate issued by, or on behalf of, the administrations of third countries shall be recognised by a Member State if it is satisfied that they demonstrate compliance with the provisions of this Regulation.

2 Certification process

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2.1. The certification process relevant for the issuance of a document of compliance for a company and a safety management certificate to a ro-ro ferry shall be performed taking account of the provisions set out below.

2.2. The certification process shall normally involve the following steps:

(1) initial verification;

(2) annual or intermediate verification;

(3) renewal verification; and,

(4) additional verification.

These verifications are carried out at the request of the company to the administration or to the recognised organisation when acting on behalf of the administration.

2.3. The verifications shall include a safety management audit.

2.4. A lead auditor and, if relevant, an audit team, shall be nominated to perform the audit.

2.5. The nominated lead auditor shall liaise with the company and produce an audit plan.

2.6. An audit report shall be prepared under the direction of the lead auditor, who is responsible for its accuracy and completeness.

2.7. The audit report shall include the audit plan, the identification of audit team members, dates and identification of the company, records of any observations and non-conformities issued and observations on the effectiveness of the safety management system in meeting the specified objectives.

3 Standard of management

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3.1. Auditors or the audit team managing verification of compliance with the ISM Code shall have competence in relation to:

(1) ensuring compliance with the rules and regulations including certification of seafarers, for the ro-ro ferries operated by the company;

(2) the approval, survey and certification activities relevant for the maritime certificates;

(3) the terms of reference that must be taken into account under the safety management system as required by the ISM Code; and

(4) practical experience of ship operation.

3.2. In performing verification of compliance with the provisions of the ISM Code it shall be ensured that independence exists between the personnel providing consultancy services and those involved in the certification procedure.

4 Standards of competence

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4.1. Basic competence for performing verification

4.1.1. Personnel who are to participate in the verification of compliance with the requirements of the ISM Code shall fulfil the minimum criteria for inspectors as laid down in Annex VII, paragraph 2, to Council Directive 95/21/EC(1).

4.1.2. They shall have undergone training to ensure adequate competence and skills for performing verification of compliance with the requirements of the ISM Code, particularly with regard to:

(1) knowledge and understanding of the ISM Code;

(2) mandatory rules and regulations;

(3) the terms of reference which the ISM Code requires that companies should take into account;

(4) assessment techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting;

(5) technical or operational aspects of safety management;

(6) basic knowledge of shipping and shipboard operations; and

(7) participation in at least one marine related management system audit.

4.2. Competence for initial verification and renewal verification

4.2.1. In order to assess fully whether the company or the ro-ro ferry complies with the requirements of the ISM Code, in addition to the basic competence stated above, personnel who are to perform initial verifications or renewal verifications for a document of compliance and a safety management certificate, must possess the competence to:

(1) determine whether the SMS elements conform or do not conform to the requirements of the ISM Code;

(2) determine the effectiveness of the company's SMS, or that of the ro-ro ferry, to ensure compliance with rules and regulations as evidenced by the statutory and classification survey records;

(3) assess the effectiveness of the SMS in ensuring compliance with other rules and regulations which are not covered by statutory and classification surveys and enabling verification of compliance with these rules and regulations; and

(4) assess whether the safe practices recommended by the IMO, administrations, classification societies and maritime industry organisations have been taken into account.

4.2.2. This competence can be accomplished by teams which together possess the total competence required.

5 Form of Documents of Compliance and Safety Management Certificates

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When ro-ro ferries operate only in a Member State, Member Sates shall either use the forms attached to the ISM Code or the Document of Compliance, the Safety Management Certificate, the Interim Document of Compliance and the Interim Safety Management Certificate drawn up in the form set out below.

• Informatietype: Internationaal
• Documentsoort: EU Wet- en regelgeving
• Toegangsrechten: Intern
• Identificatie: PUC_2304_14
• Versie: 4
• Datum beschikbaarheid: 09-04-2008
• Geldigheid van: 26-11-2005
• tot en met: 23-03-2006
• Wijzigingsdatum: 26-09-2022
• Titel: 1995/3051 The safety management of roll-on/roll-off passenger ferries (ro-ro ferries) (2002/2099)
• Organisatie: Europese Unie (EU)
• Taal: Nederlands
• Onderwerp: Veiligheid / Safety
• Hoofdtaak: Koopvaardij / Merchant Shipping
• Thema: Zeevaart / Seagoing ships / Mandatory Regulations / EU Instruments (Mandatory) / EU Regulations / Verordeningen