In the world of maritime navigation, safety on board ships is an absolute priority. Since the 1990s, the ISM Code (International Safety Management) , part of Chapter IX of SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea), has imposed strict rules on safety management on board ships. However, these regulations only apply to ships over 500 GT engaged in international shipping. But what about smaller vessels, such as those of less than 500 SMU (Size Measuring Unit)? This is where the mini ISM concept comes in, a lighter version of the ISM Code, offering a practical alternative while ensuring a high level of safety.
A simplified solution for ‘small’ vessels

The mini ISM is a lighter version of the ISM Code, specially developed for ships of less than 500 UMS, aimed at maintaining the objectives of safety, accident prevention and environmental protection while simplifying administrative management. Rather than reducing content, it focuses on the essentials by eliminating complex requirements that are difficult for small vessels to implement. Introduced in response to the challenges faced by small vessels in meeting the requirements of the original ISM Code, the mini ISM enables shipowners to ensure that safety standards are met. It is specifically applicable to vessels such as Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs), which benefit from a simplified but effective approach. This model makes it possible to follow the basic principles of the ISM Code without imposing mandatory certification, offering clear and practical safety management. Once the basic requirements are in place, shipowners can adapt and enhance the system over time, in a process of continuous improvement, to ensure optimum safety without complicating processes.
Interview with Bertrand Aperry, maritime safety expert

Bertrand Aperry, a recognised specialist in the field, explains that the mini ISM is not a simplified version of the ISM Code, but an alternative that seeks to retain the essentials while reducing complexity. In his view, it is essential that shipowners of vessels of less than 500 UMS, particularly those operating in national waters, adopt this approach in order to comply with safety requirements while avoiding excessive red tape. He stresses that, although there is no compulsory certification for the mini ISM, rigour must be maintained to ensure that safety and risk prevention are always at the heart of concerns.
‘It's important not to go overboard and try to make things more complex than they need to be,’ he explains. ‘The mini ISM is a pragmatic response that allows small ships to operate safely, while meeting the objectives of SOLAS and maritime safety standards.’
The benefits of using a Mini ISM
The mini ISM proposes specific requirements for ships of less than 500 UMS. These essential requirements include:
Safety policy: Development of a safety policy to ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
Shore-based responsibilities: Clear definition of the responsibilities of shore-based players to ensure effective monitoring of maritime operations.
Personnel training: Establishment of training programmes for crew to ensure their competence in safety matters.
Operating procedures: Establishment of operating procedures for routine situations and emergencies, including clear communication between the ship and the shore base.
Emergency preparedness: Planning and training to respond effectively in the event of an accident or emergency.
Maintenance and testing: Ensuring regular maintenance of the vessel and its equipment, with periodic tests to ensure that they are in good working order.
Systematic review: Review of the safety system at least every three years, to ensure its continued effectiveness.
BoatOn: a key partner for the Mini ISM

BoatOn is a major player in the support and implementation of the mini ISM and compliance with maritime safety standards. Thanks to its BoatOn Book tool, companies can closely monitor the application of ISM requirements. The BoatOn Book makes it possible to centralise and track actions related to safety management, internal audits and continuous improvements, while simplifying document management and communication between the ship and the shore base. This tool facilitates compliance and risk management in an efficient and transparent manner.
In addition, BoatOn Consulting provides experts to help you draw up and adapt your own safety code. These consultants, with their wealth of experience, help to integrate the requirements of the mini ISM in a practical way, while taking into account the specific features of each vessel. This expertise guarantees a tailor-made and compliant application, without compromising safety.
Finally, for those wishing to learn more about maritime safety management, BoatOn Academy offers specialist training courses, including mini ISM and ISM code management. These courses are designed to enhance the maritime safety skills of teams, and are available online for maximum flexibility.
Conclusion: a flexible model for maritime safety
Ultimately, the mini ISM represents a balanced solution for ships of less than 500 UMS, enabling them to comply with maritime safety requirements while avoiding unnecessary administrative complexity. Through appropriate measures, the mini ISM ensures that these vessels, which are often smaller and less equipped than their larger counterparts, can maintain a similar level of safety. This flexible model, with no mandatory certification, offers shipowners a pragmatic and scalable approach to ensuring safe and compliant operations at sea.
It proves that it is possible to apply strict safety standards while taking into account the specific characteristics of smaller vessels, and thus enable maritime shipping to continue to be safe and efficient.
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