What the ISM code says about risk management

Paragraph 1.2.2.2 of the ISM Code states, "Safety management objectives of the company should....establish safeguards against al identifierd risks".

although there is no further explicit reference to this general requirement in the remainder of the code, risk assessment of one form or another is essential to compliance with most of its clauses. it is important to recognize that the company is responsible for identifying the risks associated with itsparticular ships, operations and trade. It is no longer sufficient to rely on compliance with generic statutory and class requirements, and with general industry guidance. These should now be seen as a starting point for ensuring the safe operation of the ship.