Discover everything there is to know about the Master’s SMS Review — purpose, procedures, compliance requirements, and best practices for optimizing safety and operational excellence onboard ships.
- Introduction
In today’s sophisticated maritime world, compliance is not simply a matter of checking boxes — it’s about establishing a robust safety culture on board. One of the most essential tasks of a ship’s Master is the SMS Review (Safety Management System Review).
The Master’s SMS Review is more than an annual ISM Code requirement. It’s a chance to review how well the safety systems of the vessel are operating, determine where there are gaps, and confirm shipboard operations continuously improve.
We will look at what the Master’s SMS Review is, why it’s important, and how to perform it effectively, as well as some hints for going above and beyond industry regulations.
- What is the Master’s SMS Review?
Master’s SMS Review is a written evaluation conducted by the Master at specified intervals — typically once a year, or as requested by the company’s SMS needs. It entails:
Assessing the efficacy of the SMS onboard
Examining accident/incident statistics
Monitoring non-conformities and corrective action
Evaluating safety drills and crew training
Presenting findings and recommendations to the company
It’s been made mandatory under ISM Code 12.2, which calls for the review of the SMS by Masters from time to time and ensuring that any shortfall is communicated to shore management.
- Master’s SMS Review Purpose
The key aims are:
Compliance: Ensure SMS is in accordance with ISM Code, Flag State, and Company standards.
Improvement: Identify shortfalls and take corrective action.
Safety Culture: Enhance crew awareness and commitment towards safe working practices.
Feedback Loop: Offer inputs to shore management for policy updating.
Readiness: Ensure the vessel is prepared for RightShip inspections, PSC, and audits.
- Step-by-Step sample Procedure for Conducting the Master’s SMS Review
Step 1 – Gather Data & Records
Previous SMS Review reports
Internal audit findings
PSC, Flag State, and vetting inspection reports
Accident/incident investigation reports
Drill records and training logs
Maintenance and defect reports
Non-conformity and corrective action logs
Pro Tip: Maintain a well-organised SMS file onboard so you’re not scrambling at the last minute.
Step 2 – Assess Effectiveness of SMS
Ask:
Are procedures being adhered to according to manuals?
Are there repeat incidents or near-misses?
Is crew training effective?
Are risk assessments being conducted well?
Step 3 – Check Drills & Emergency Preparedness
Frequency and realism of drills
Crew involvement and comprehension
Lessons identified and corrective measures
Step 4 – Review Incident & Non-Conformity Trends
Uncover patterns in accidents, near-misses, or equipment failure
Assess the promptness and quality of corrective measures
Check if recurring similar issues
Step 5 – Involve the Senior Management Team
Share findings with the Chief Officer, Chief Engineer, and Department Heads
Get feedback from officers and crew
Take inputs from safety committee meetings
Step 6 – Master’s SMS Review Report Preparation
Put in:
Summary of findings
Evaluation of SMS effectiveness
Improvement areas
Recommendations to shore management
Step 7 – Submit & File
Forward the report to the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) or respective company department
Log the review in the SMS file
Save a copy for future audits
- Avoiding Pitfalls Masters Must Be Aware Of
Treating the review as a formality
Copy-pasting the previous year’s report
Not including senior officers and crew in the process
Ignoring minor non-conformities that can snowball
Delaying the reporting to shore management
- Best Practices to Make Your SMS Review Stand Out
Keep a running log of issues all year round
Encourage crew involvement in hazard reporting
Apply the use of visual tools such as graphs for analyzing trends
Connect the review to management’s safety targets
Communicate findings to the crew to enhance awareness
- Why the Master’s SMS Review Is More Important Than Ever
In the face of increased inspections from vetting inspectors, PSC, and Flag States, the SMS Review has become an indispensable tool for operational excellence. A proper review can:
Avoid accidents and incidents
Enhance ship performance
Impress the company’s reputation with charterers
Help minimize downtime and operational expenses
- Conclusion
The Master’s SMS Review is not merely a compliance box to tick off — it’s an annual safety health check for your ship. When properly completed, it defends your crew, your ship, and your career.
Take the time, engage your crew, and make it a true process of change for the better. As the old adage goes in shipping:
“A safe ship is a profitable ship.”
