With reference to the ISM Code, write short notes on its objectives, resources and personnel, the master’s authority and responsibility, and the functional requirements for a safety management system?

flowchart TD
    A[ISM Code] --> B[Objectives\nsafety at sea\nprevent injury\navoid environmental/property damage]
    A --> C[Resources & Personnel\ncompetent crew\nDPA ashore\nSMS familiarisation]
    A --> D[Master's Authority\nimplement policy\nmotivate crew\nissue orders\nverify compliance\nreview SMS\nreport deficiencies\nOVERRIDING for safety/pollution]
    A --> E[Functional Requirements\npolicy\nprocedures\nauthority/communication\naccident reporting\nemergency preparedness\ninternal audits\nmanagement review]

• ISM Code purpose: international standard for safe ship operation and pollution prevention, mandatory under SOLAS Chapter IX
• Objectives (ISM §1.2): ensure safety at sea, prevent human injury or loss of life, avoid damage to the environment (especially marine) and to property
• Resources and personnel (ISM §6): company provides resources and personnel to implement SMS; master and crew properly qualified, familiarised with SMS; DPA appointed ashore
• Master’s authority (ISM §5): overriding authority for safety and pollution prevention; implements company policy; motivates crew; issues orders; verifies compliance; reviews SMS; reports deficiencies to shore
• Functional requirements (ISM §1.4): safety and environmental-protection policy; instructions and procedures; defined authority and communication; accident/non-conformity reporting; emergency preparedness; internal audits; management review
• ETO role: implements SMS procedures for electro-technical systems; maintains competence; reports non-conformities; participates in drills, audits and management review
• Indian law: MS Act 2025 s.147 and MS (ISM) Rules 2000 apply ISM Code to Indian ships; DGMA/RO audits SMS