What is the purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) on board a vessel?

The purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) on board a vessel is fundamentally focused on enhancing safety and environmental protection. An SMS serves as a structured framework that enables a vessel’s crew and management to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement preventive measures. This system ensures that operational safety protocols are established, documented, and followed diligently, which results in a systematic approach to managing safety.

Having an effective SMS is essential for compliance with international regulations such as the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Code for the Safety Management Systems (ISM Code). It outlines specific procedures for emergencies, regular safety drills, maintenance schedules, and incident reporting, all aimed at minimizing accidents and environmental impacts.

While monitoring engine performance is critical and can be part of a broader operation management strategy, it is not the primary focus of an SMS. Similarly, managing crew schedules or establishing command hierarchies may contribute to the operation of a vessel but do not directly address the overarching goal of safety and environmental protection that an SMS is designed to provide.