Our Safety Management System

Our Mini-ISM package provides a structured, practical safety management system adapted to the realities of smaller yachts. It applies ISM Code principles without the documentation overhead of a full commercial system — while still meeting Flag State requirements for yachts engaged in trade.

Who is it for?

• Yachts in trade under 500 GT — Flag States such as the Cayman Islands and Marshall Islands require a mini-ISM system on board.
• Private yachts under 500 GT — owners who choose to adopt recognised safety management practices voluntarily, for the benefit of their crew and the protection of their vessel.

What is included

• Customised Safety Management Manual — policies, procedures, and checklists tailored to your vessel's size, crew complement, and cruising profile.
• Emergency preparedness — muster lists, drill schedules, and procedures for fire, abandon ship, man overboard, flooding, and medical emergencies.
• Crew training and familiarisation — structured onboarding for every crew member joining the vessel, covering safety equipment, emergency duties, and operational procedures.
• Maintenance framework — a planned maintenance system covering critical equipment, life-saving appliances, and fire-fighting systems.
• Accident and near-miss reporting — documented procedures to record incidents, analyse root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• 24/7 emergency support — direct access to our shore-based team in case of emergency.
• Full ISM library access — the Mini-ISM package includes access to our complete library of ISM documents, templates, and checklists.

Why it matters

• Reduced liability — without a documented safety system, insurance companies and courts may hold the owner and master directly liable in the event of an accident.
• Insurance recognition — many insurers recognise Mini-ISM implementation with reduced premiums and improved coverage terms.
• Crew confidence — a clear safety framework ensures every crew member knows their responsibilities during routine operations and emergencies.
• Audited system — our company safety management system is audited annually and holds documents of compliance for both Cayman Islands and Marshall Islands.

Client feedback

"Implementing Mini-ISM with Yachting Concept Monaco transformed our operations. Our crew is more confident, our guests feel safer, and we've streamlined our maintenance processes significantly." — Olivier, Captain, 45m Motor Yacht

For yachts above 500 GT operating commercially, the International Safety Management (ISM) Code is mandatory under SOLAS Chapter IX. Our full ISM solution provides the complete Safety Management System (SMS) required to obtain and maintain Flag State certification.

Regulatory framework

The ISM Code requires the Company — defined as the entity that has assumed responsibility for operating the vessel — to establish and implement a documented Safety Management System. This system must be compiled in a Safety Management Manual (SMM), maintained on board, and subject to regular internal and external audits.

Yachting Concept Monaco acts as the Company under the ISM Code and assumes all associated duties and responsibilities, including:

• Establishing safety and environmental protection policies
• Providing the necessary resources and shore-based support
• Designating a Designated Person Ashore (DPA) with direct access to the highest level of management, available 24/7

What the SMS covers

Our Safety Management Manual is structured around the 12 elements of the ISM Code (Part A), plus certification requirements under Part B:

• General — definitions, objectives, and application
• Safety and environmental protection policy
• Company responsibilities and authority — clear lines between shore management and onboard personnel
• Designated Person Ashore (DPA) — the link between the Company and those on board, with direct access to the highest level of management
• Master's responsibility and authority — overriding authority on safety matters and the right to request Company support
• Resources and personnel — recruitment, qualifications, training, and familiarisation
• Shipboard operations — procedures for safe navigation, cargo handling, bunkering, and routine operations
• Emergency preparedness — identification of potential emergencies, muster lists, drills, and response procedures
• Reports and analysis of non-conformities, accidents, and hazardous occurrences — incident investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Maintenance of the ship and equipment — planned maintenance programmes, critical equipment identification, and deficiency reporting
• Documentation — management of all SMS documents, including distribution and revision control
• Company verification, review, and evaluation — internal audits, management reviews, and continual improvement

Certification

Compliance is verified through:

• Internal audits conducted by the DPA at intervals not exceeding 12 months
• External audits and surveys by Flag State and Classification Society
• Issuance of a Document of Compliance (DOC) to the Company and a Safety Management Certificate (SMC) to the vessel