(NEWS) Special Lecture on Revising the International Safety Management (ISM) Code

October

2025

Special Lecture on Revising the International Safety Management (ISM) Code

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On 10 October, the World Maritime University welcomed Dr. Michelle Grech, Manager of Vessel Operations at the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), for an engaging special lecture titled “Revising the International Management Code Review – Challenges and the Way Forward.”

Dr. Grech presented insights from a comprehensive international study assessing the effectiveness and implementation of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code. The research—undertaken with co-authors Professor Margareta Lützhöft, Professor Birgit Pauksztat, and Captain Jörgen Zachau—analyzed data from flag states, classification societies, port state control regimes, shipping companies, and seafarers, covering over 80 percent of the global fleet.

Her presentation highlighted key findings related to paperwork overload, the practical application of safety management systems, the authority of ship masters, crewing challenges, and the role of designated persons ashore. The study also revealed that Safety Management System (SMS) shortcomings were contributing factors in over 80 percent of marine accidents reviewed.

Dr. Grech outlined several recommendations adopted by the International Maritime Organization's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 110) in June 2025, including a comprehensive review of ISM guidance for Administrations and Companies, updates to Port State Control guidelines, a holistic review of instruments dealing with resources and personal, and enhanced capacity development and non-technical skills training to strengthen safety culture across the maritime sector.

A chartered engineer with more than 25 years of maritime experience, Dr. Grech has worked as a shipyard commissioning engineer, port State control inspector, marine surveyor, and maritime human-factors researcher. At AMSA, she oversees safe vessel operations, including crewing determinations, safety management systems, seafarer welfare, and marine incident analysis. She holds a PhD in Human Factors from the University of Queensland, focusing on fatigue and workload at sea, and serves as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the same university. Dr. Grech is widely recognized for her contributions to maritime safety research and human factors in shipping.

AMSA’s Ongoing Support to WMU
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The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is a strong partner of WMU through its ongoing support for maritime education and capacity development in the Indo-Pacific region. Since 2018, AMSA has provided funding to enable 25 students from 15 Indo-Pacific countries—including Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Maldives, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vietnam—to undertake the 14-month Master of Science in Maritime Affairs programme at WMU.

Australia remains a strong advocate for the maritime interests of the Indo-Pacific region, and AMSA views this support as a valuable opportunity to strengthen the technical, professional, and leadership capabilities of maritime specialists across the region. Providing fellowships to WMU underscores Australia’s commitment to advancing maritime safety and sustainable ocean governance.

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