Ships are detained by Port State Control under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code for a variety of reasons related to safety and compliance. The ISM Code sets out guidelines and standards for the safe management and operations of ships, with the aim of ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and the marine environment. When a ship is found to be non-compliant with the ISM Code during a Port State Inspection, it may be detained until the issues are rectified.
One common reason for ships being detained under the ISM Code is a failure to maintain the required safety management procedures and documentation. This could include deficiencies in the ship’s Safety Management System (SMS), inadequate training of the crew, lack of proper maintenance of equipment, or failure to follow established safety procedures. Port State Control officers may conduct inspections to verify that the ship is following the required safety management practices, and if deficiencies are found, the ship may be detained until the necessary corrections are made.
Another reason for detention under the ISM Code is a lack of proper implementation of safety measures and procedures on board the ship. This could include issues such as non-compliance with emergency drills, inadequate firefighting equipment, or failure to address safety hazards on board. These deficiencies pose a risk to the safety of the crew, passengers, and the marine environment, and must be rectified before the ship is allowed to continue its voyage.
Ships may also be detained under the ISM Code if they fail to address previous deficiencies identified during Port State Control inspections. If a ship has a history of non-compliance and fails to take corrective action, it may be detained until all outstanding issues are resolved.
Overall, ships are detained by Port State Control under the ISM Code to ensure that they are operating safely and in compliance with international safety standards. Detention serves as a means to enforce compliance, protect the safety of those on board, and prevent accidents at sea. By addressing deficiencies promptly and maintaining a strong safety culture on board, ships can minimize the risk of detention and demonstrate their commitment to safety and compliance.
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