How often is an ISM-DOC required to be endorsed?

An International Safety Management (ISM) Document of Compliance (DOC) must be endorsed annually. This endorsement process involves verifying that the company or organization continues to comply with the ISM Code's requirements and that its safety management system remains effective.

The ISM Code emphasizes that companies must conduct regular assessments and audits of their safety management systems, which is reflected in the requirement for annual endorsements. This frequency ensures that any changes in operations, regulatory updates, or identified non-conformities can be promptly addressed, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the safety management system.

In contrast, the other frequencies mentioned—biennially, quarterly, and every three years—do not align with the ISM Code's stipulations for the endorsement of the DOC. Biennial endorsements would not provide the necessary assurance of ongoing compliance in a dynamic maritime operational environment, quarterly endorsements would be too frequent and could impose unnecessary burdens, and a three-year interval would exceed the acceptable duration for maintaining compliance and oversight. Thus, the annual requirement strikes the right balance for continuous improvement and compliance monitoring.