What is the ISM certification process after a takeover, and why do the interim DOC and interim SMC have different validity?
Short answer
| Interim DOC | Interim SMC | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued to | the company (new, or a new ship type) | the ship |
| Condition | ISM 14.1, to facilitate initial implementation | ISM 14.2 and 14.4: relevant DOC, SMS key elements, audit planned within 3 months, crew familiar |
| Validity | not more than 12 months | not more than 6 months, 6 more in special cases (14.3) |
| Why | setting up the whole company system takes longer | one ship’s application should be proven quickly |
| Leads to | the full DOC after the company audit | the full SMC, up to 5 years (ISM 13) |
- Process: the company needs a DOC for the ship type (interim DOC, ISM 14.1, for a new company or type); the ship gets an interim SMC (14.2) once the DOC is relevant, the SMS key elements are in place, an audit is planned within 3 months and the crew are familiar (14.4).
- Then: the SMS runs on board, the initial audit is passed and the full SMC issued (up to 5 years, intermediate verification, ISM 13); the interim DOC becomes a full DOC after the company audit.
- Interim DOC, not more than 12 months: establishing a whole company’s shore-based SMS is the larger, longer task.
- Interim SMC, not more than 6 months (6 more in special cases, 14.3): one ship’s application of an existing system should be operational and audited quickly.
- As Chief Engineer: I implement the new SMS on board so the ship passes; India: MS Act 2025 s.147, MS (ISM) Rules 2000.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.