What ISM documents are required when taking over a vessel?

flowchart LR
    A[DOC\nCompany] -->|issued to| B[Company]
    C[SMC\nShip] -->|issued to| D[Ship]
    E[Safety Management Manual] -->|carried on| D
    F[Document control procedures] -->|applied to| E

• Core ISM certificates: Document of Compliance (DOC) for the company, Safety Management Certificate (SMC) for the ship
• SMS documentation: Safety Management Manual with all procedures relevant to the ship
• Control of documents: procedures to ensure valid docs at all locations, changes approved, obsolete docs removed
• Scope: each ship must carry all documentation relevant to that ship
• Indian law: ISM applies via Merchant Shipping Act 2025 section 147
• As Chief Engineer: verify all ISM documentation is on board, valid and complete before taking over