Unit 4: Application of Risk Assessment Across the SMS
| Site: | IDEC TrainingCentre elearning |
| Course: | OPTIMISM Training Platform |
| Book: | Unit 4: Application of Risk Assessment Across the SMS |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Thursday, 9 April 2026, 7:35 PM |
Description
Risk assessment is not a standalone task but a continuous process that is integrated into various key areas of the Safety Management System.
1. 4.1 Identifying Key Shipboard Operations
The company must establish procedures and instructions for "key shipboard operations". Risk assessment is the tool used to identify these operations. The company should consider activities that could create hazardous situations if they are not properly controlled by plans and instructions. The procedures developed for these key operations must include measures to manage the identified risks. Furthermore, the company is expected to have identified and documented the specific risks associated with a particular type of vessel and its trade.
2. 4.2 Identifying Critical Equipment and Systems
A crucial application of risk assessment is in maintenance. The Company must identify equipment and technical systems where a sudden operational failure might result in a hazardous situation. A risk assessment should be carried out specifically to identify this critical equipment.
Once identified, the SMS must provide specific measures aimed at promoting the reliability of such systems. These measures should include the regular testing of stand-by arrangements and equipment that are not in continuous use. Techniques such as FMECA (Failure Mode, Effect and Criticality Analysis) can be successfully applied for this purpose.3. 4.3 Emergency Preparedness
Risk assessment directly informs emergency planning. The Code requires the Company to "identify potential emergency shipboard situations, and establish procedures to respond to them". This list of potential emergencies is the output of a risk assessment process. The company must identify all possible situations where contingency planning would be required, relative to the ship's type, equipment, and trade. Common identified scenarios include:
Collision
Grounding / stranding
Fire / explosion
Flooding
Structural failure / heavy weather damage