Authors: Tunidau, John; Thai, Vinh V.

Source: WMU Journal of Maritime Affairs, Volume 9, Number 1, April 2010 , pp. 63-80(18)

Publisher: World Maritime University

Abstract:

Although the International Safety Management (ISM) Code was fully implemented from July 1^st 2002, not all countries signatories to the Code, particularly developing countries such as Pacific Islands states, are successful in the introduction and implementation of the instrument. In this paper, we aim to determine factors that facilitate the successful implementation of the ISM Code particularly for the above-named region. Through a thorough literature review, a model of 11 critical factors for the Code implementation success was proposed. These factors were empirically tested using the triangulation of a survey of a group of maritime administration personnel and shipping companies in Fiji and two in-depth interviews with senior officers in the Samoa Maritime Administration during the period June-August 2007. The proposed factors were verified by both survey respondents and interview informants, i.e., that maritime safety awareness rooted in a safety culture, senior management commitment and leadership across organisations and the industry, employee involvement and empowerment, enforcement capability of flag state administrations, application of quality management principles in safety management systems, rationalisation of documentation, among others, are essential to the successful implementation of the Code. This research hopes to contribute to the literature and to provide maritime administrations and shipping companies in the Pacific Islands states with additional reference and information that will help expedite the effective implementation of the ISM Code. The need for future research directions is expressed in this paper. Additional investigations, e.g., conducting the same research in other Pacific Islands states as well as in other developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, would enhance the validity and reliability of this study's findings.

Keywords: ISM CODE; IMPLEMENTATION; CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS; SAFETY CULTURE; PACIFIC ISLANDS STATES; SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2010-04-01

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• The WMU JoMA is an international journal that covers the subject areas of maritime safety, marine environment protection, and shipping operations and gives, in this context, special attention to the human element and the impact of technology. It aims at serving the international maritime community by presenting fresh ideas and current thinking on subjects of topical interest, reporting on relevant research findings, and addressing inter-relationships between safety, environmental protection, and efficiency of maritime transport.
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