- An imminent DOC or SMC annual audit requiring confirmation that documentation is complete
- Non-conformities raised by the classification society or Flag State with a fixed rectification period
- Existing SMS documentation that is outdated and no longer reflects actual shipboard practice
- No established internal audit or emergency response arrangements
- The need to strengthen response and corrective procedures following an incident
Ocean Grow works through each item with you — the scope of work and deliverables are set out below.
Ship operation is a specialised and complex business, governed by an extensive body of regulations and conventions issued by Flag State Administrations and international bodies. While the Master carries clear responsibility for the safety of the vessel and her crew, the sound management and safe operation of every ship rests on full support from the owner and the appointed management company.
Statistically, around 90% of marine casualties are attributable to human factors. To address this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) established the International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), setting an international standard for the safe management and operation of companies and ships.
What is a Safety Management System (SMS)
The Safety Management System (SMS) is developed and maintained by Ocean Grow personnel and written bilingually in Chinese and English, consistent with the working language on board. It documents the company's management procedures in full, ensuring that all conditions, activities and operations affecting safety and environmental protection — ashore and on board — are carried out and verified in a planned and systematic manner in accordance with statutory and company requirements.
"A well-structured Safety Management System enables a shipping company to strengthen safety measures in vessel operation and emergency preparedness, effectively reducing casualties, environmental damage and property loss."
Our SMS Advisory Services
Ocean Grow develops the procedures, records and checklists required on board to meet the requirements of the ISM Code and ISPS Code, and supports vessels through the associated certification, across the five areas below.
SMS Development and Implementation
We build the documented system of procedures, records and checklists required for the SMS, the Ship Security Assessment (SSA) and the Ship Security Plan (SSP), meeting ISM Code and ISPS Code requirements so that every operation affecting safety and environmental protection has a defined reference point, with measurable improvement and continuous close-out of deficiencies.
SMC / ISSC / MLC Certification Support
We assist owners and crew in obtaining the Safety Management Certificate (SMC), the International Ship Security Certificate (ISSC) and Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) certification without delay, so the vessel can trade worldwide without restriction.
Emergency Response Planning and Drills
We establish an Emergency Response Team (E.R.T.) spanning the company and the vessel, define the response plan clearly, and put it into practice through regular drills — enabling an effective response to safety and pollution incidents that limits loss and prevents escalation.
Crew Safety Training
Crew are the single most important element in ship management. Ocean Grow runs a continuous training programme in accordance with SMS procedures, ensuring all crew meet SOLAS and STCW training requirements, with competence verified through assessment reports.
Shore and Shipboard Internal Audits
Internal audits of the company and the vessel are conducted annually under the Designated Person Ashore (DPA), who prepares the audit plan and notifies the auditee. Regular auditing confirms that all SMS activities operate effectively in accordance with the manual and meet international ship management requirements.
Deliverables
On completion of the engagement you receive the following documents and outputs, ready for use in Flag State and classification society audits and in day-to-day operation.
SMS Documentation
Procedures, records and checklists (bilingual Chinese/English)
SSA / SSP Security Documents
Ship Security Assessment and Ship Security Plan
SMC / ISSC / MLC Certification Support
Assistance in obtaining and maintaining each certificate
Emergency Response Plan and Drills
E.R.T. structure, response procedures and exercises
Internal Audit Programme
Shore and shipboard audits with deficiency close-out
Vessel Operational Support
Spare parts requirement review and routine maintenance
Ocean Grow holds Documents of Compliance (DOC) issued by ClassNK, Class NU, Class CR (CR Classification Society) and PMDS, enabling us to carry out ship management on behalf of owners and to bring vessels into compliance with the requirements of the ISM Code. Please contact us for further information.