Definition
A safety management system is the documented framework a ship operator uses to manage risk, define procedures, assign responsibilities, and comply with the ISM Code.
Why it appears in casualty reports
Investigators use SMS findings to show that an accident was not only an onboard error, but also a failure of management control, training, maintenance, or procedural design.
Typical failure modes
- Procedures not followed in practice
- Hazard controls missing or outdated
- Weak supervision and audit trails
- Crews operating without clear guidance for abnormal conditions
Related incidents
Accidents linked to this concept are grouped by vessel type.