The assessment of whether the International Safety Management (ISM) Code has failed to achieve its goals is a subject of ongoing debate in the maritime industry.
- Successes: The ISM Code is credited with significant improvements in maritime safety, the reduction of human-induced accidents, and a drop in total ship losses since its implementation. It has successfully established an international standard for safety management and forced the industry to adopt formal safety management systems (SMS).
- Failures and Criticisms: The code has been criticized for not fully achieving its intended purpose due to issues in its practical implementation. Studies and industry experts have pointed to several shortcomings:
o Undermining Safety Culture: Without genuine commitment from the highest levels of management, safety management systems (SMS) often become a mere "paperwork exercise" rather than a true safety philosophy. This leads to a low-trust environment where seafarers may fear job security and are reluctant to report incidents or non-conformities.
o Resource and Training Deficiencies: Top management is responsible for allocating the necessary financial and human resources to implement the SMS effectively. A lack of serious support often translates into inadequate training, insufficient personnel, and a general lack of resources, all of which compromise safety standards
- Complacency: Success has led to an increasing problem with complacency, potentially eroding safety culture.
- Documentation Burden vs. Safety: Some personnel view the Code as another regulatory and documentary burden, leading to a focus on producing reports (potentially self-incriminating evidence) rather than fostering a genuine safety philosophy.
- Perception Gap: There is a significant disparity between shore-based managers' and seafarers' understanding and application of the Code, often due to poor employment conditions and low-trust relationships.
- Lack of Seafarer Participation: Research has indicated that a lack of seafarer participation in managing workplace health and safety conditions, often stemming from poor employment conditions and low trust with shore management, undermines the Code's effectiveness.
- Audit Shortcomings: Audits and inspections have sometimes failed to identify serious navigation and management shortcomings on vessels that later were involved in accidents.
