Unit 1: Quality System in Shipping Industry

ISO 9000 - Quality Standard

To ensure that there are procedures to implement a set of basic quality system, industry is encouraged to apply ISO 9001 which is internationally recognised standard for the quality management of businesses.  

• it applies to the processes that create and control the products and services an organisation supplies
• prescribes systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are met
• is designed and intended to apply to virtually any product or service, made by any process anywhere in the world 

ISO 9001 is one of the standards in the ISO 9000 family.

The benefits of implementing ISO 9001

Implementing a Quality Management System will motivate staff by defining their key roles and responsibilities.  Cost savings can be made through improved efficiency and productivity, as product or service deficiencies will be highlighted. From this, improvements can be developed, resulting in less waste, inappropriate or rejected work and fewer complaints. Customers will notice that orders are met consistently, on time and to the correct specification. This can open up the market place to increased opportunities.

How do you start to implement ISO 9001? What is involved?

• Identify the requirements of ISO 9001 and how they apply to the business involved.
• Establish quality objectives and how they fit in to the operation of the business.
• Produce a documented quality policy indicating how these requirements are satisfied.
• Communicate them throughout the organisation.
• Evaluate the quality policy, its stated objectives and then prioritise requirements to ensure they are met.
• Identify the boundaries of the management system and produce documented procedures as required.
• Ensure these procedures are suitable and adhered to.
• Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.