A critical definition for the ISM Code

摘要

"Critical equipment" is a term familiar to most seafarers and ship managers, believed to denote a requirement of a safety management system (SMS). So what exactly is it and how is it defined? In reviewing industry guidance on both sides of the regulatory fence, the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.rnContrary to common belief, in the context of the ISM Code, the term "critical equipment" does not exist. In reviewing sample SMS manuals, a definition of "critical equipment" is often aligned with Section 10.3 of the ISM Code. The current text requires a company to establish procedures in its SMS to identify equipment and technical systems the sudden operational failure of which may result in hazardous situations. This requirement appears to have been applied and enforced liberally, with samples of approved SMS providing a generic list of equipment to be included rather than providing a 'procedure' for identification.