If you're a crewmember aboard a vessel, new changes to the ISM Code could prove beneficial. The ISM Code is short for the International Safety Management Code. The goals of the ISM Code are many and include ensuring safety at sea and the prevention of injury and loss of life. An amended paragraph of the ISM Code now reads in such a way that operators who only crew their ship to meet the minimum safe manning levels will now likely have to add crew. Ship operators are referred to the publication called "Principles of Minimum Safe Manning" in determining how many crew are required. A vessel's change in circumstances or the failure to properly assess the actual facts of a vessel's operation could result in liability.

What's the take away? Crew may be able to expect a safer working environment and vessel interests better be on their toes as to what's required of them under this amendment!

Underway and making way.

By John Fulweiler

Fulweiler llc

1-800-383-MAYDAY (6293)