DRAFT, needs technical review. Not for publication. The title is our own wording, not the official Paris MoU text.
PSC deficiency code 15150: ISM: safety management system not effectively implemented
| Category | Safety management (ISM Code) |
| Related certificate | Safety Management Certificate / DoC |
| Main references | ISM Code, especially sections 1.2, 9, 10 and 12 |
| Typical action codes | 17 (rectify before departure), 30 (detainable) if serious; 21 / 19 for ISM |
| Commonly detainable? | Can be, depending on severity (no statistics claimed) |
What PSC officers look for
- Objective evidence that SMS procedures are not followed on board (e.g. checklists signed but not done)
- Repeated technical deficiencies showing that maintenance or reporting systems are failing
- Non-conformities and near misses not reported or not followed up
- Crew unfamiliar with key SMS procedures (emergency, permit to work)
- Internal audit findings left open
Typical root causes
- Procedures that don't match how the ship actually works
- Workload and manning pressure leading to paper compliance
- Weak shore follow-up of defects and audit findings
- Insufficient familiarisation after crew change
Corrective action (example)
Close each related technical deficiency and record why the SMS failed to prevent it; brief all officers on the affected procedures; the DPA reviews the findings within 7 days.
Preventive action (example)
Revise the procedure or checklist that failed; add a verification step to the superintendent's next visit; schedule an additional internal audit within 3 months (action code 21 typically gives 3 months).
Evidence to attach for close-out
- DPA root-cause analysis signed and dated
- Revised SMS pages with revision number
- Training or briefing records signed by crew
- Internal audit report and closed NCRs
- Evidence that each linked technical deficiency is rectified
Related
- Codes: 01107, 01106, 04109
- SIRE 2.0: Chapter 2 (safety management) and chapter 3 (chapter reference only)
Generate a close-out report for this finding · Download the CAP template
Official code list: Paris MoU, List of Deficiency Codes (1 July 2026). Action codes: Paris MoU, Inspection outcome. Reviewed by: _pending_ · Review date: _pending_ This page is general guidance, not legal, flag or class advice. Always follow the PSC officer's instructions and your flag and class requirements.