ISM CodeOfficial source
ISM Code - International Safety Management Code
ISM Code provides an international standard for the safe management and operation of ships and for pollution prevention.
Requires companies to establish a Safety Management System (SMS).
Open the official textFormat and access
- Category
- ISM Code
- Format
- Official text on the issuing body’s site
- Listed
- 4 May 2026
- Access
- Free
Defined on The Maritime
The terms this document rests on, as the glossary and the dictionary define them.
Related desks
The live desks on The Maritime read alongside this instrument.
Related documents
3 documentsISM Code - Safety Management System Template
SMS manual compliant with ISM Code requirements.
Near-Miss and Incident Report Form
Standard form for reporting near-miss events, accidents, and incidents on board as required by ISM Code Section 9.
SOLAS Chapter IX - Management for Safe Operation (ISM)
Makes the ISM Code mandatory, requiring companies and ships to establish and maintain a Safety Management System.