Evaluation of the Ism Code in the Finnish Shipping Companies

Abstract

The number of maritime safety regulations is extensive and an essential part of policy evaluation is to more carefully examine whether maritime safety regulation achieves the goals it is meant to achieve. In this paper we evaluate the effectiveness of the ISM code by using selected literature and the results of an interview study, which was targeted to the Finnish shipping industry. Finally, we make the evaluation and conclusions on the effectiveness of the ISM Code in the light of the criteria for an effective maritime safety policy, which enables the systematic analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of this policy instrument. The main objective of the ISM Code has been achieved in the Finnish shipping industry. Awareness about maritime safety has improved and the requirements of the ISM Code have been implemented effectively. According to the interviewees’ opinions, the ISM Code has improved the level of maritime safety. However, comprehending the philosophy of continuous improvement remains to be the main difficulty in the implementation of the ISM Code. Another problem is the lack of uniformity in the interpretation of the ISM Code. The greater challenge in the maritime industry is the excessive bureaucracy that ships have to deal with. Shipping companies could be more spontaneous in developing their safety management practices, and this should also be encouraged by the maritime authorities. In addition, cooperative activities between shipping companies could be launched in order to continuously improve their safety management and performance.