Managing company

Changed
28/08/2023

The International Safety Management Code (ISM Code) provides an international standard for the safe management of ships and for pollution prevention. This code contains requirements not only for the ship, but also for the managing company, i.e. the owner or any other institution to whom the shipowner has entrusted the responsibility for operating the ship.

The Document of Compliance (DOC) is an essential certificate confirming the managing company's compliance with the ISM Code. Without a DOC, a managing company cannot operate ships subject to the ISM Code under the relevant flag. Withdrawing the DOC therefore means an immediate stoppage to that part of the managing company's fleet.

The DOC has a maximum validity of 5 years and is subject to annual verifications (audits). Given the importance and scope of the DOC, the required audits for the issue, maintenance and renewal of the DOC are conducted exclusively by the Flag State. In line with integral quality management, audits also aim to monitor the quality of the managing company’s performance.

The DOC audits also allow for an annual consultation with the managing company and timely detection of developments, changes and trends which may impact safety, security or environment. Moreover, there is an exchange of feedback, which is important for the quality of the Flag State's services.

The findings (non-conformities, observations...) are followed up by the Flag State.

CONTACT

Preferably by email: Ship.Belflag@mobilit.fgov.be
By phone: + 32 (0)2 277 42 50 (secretarial office Flag State)