Unit 4: Application of Risk Assessment Across the SMS

Risk assessment is not a standalone task but a continuous process that is integrated into various key areas of the Safety Management System.



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