Indonesia Classification Society through Corporate Communication - Sjaifuddin Tahir deliver that statistics show that 70% to 90% of accidents are caused by ships 'human error'. There is a special 'relationship' between ship and its management. Thus, 'the human element' must be of a high standard.

ISM code introduced by IMO to address this problem. ISM to be effective and as part of Chapter IX of SOLAS, the Convention set up about 96% of world tonnage. ISM's mission is to reduce the 'human error' from ship to land management and operation of ships.

Ship owners should have to meet the requirements of the ISM began July 1, 1998 for passenger ships, oil tankers, chemical tankers, gas carriers, bulk carriers and HSC with 500 gross tonnage and over; and for other cargo ships from 1 July 2002.

BKI is required by the state flag Indonesia to examine 'all aspects of safety' of a shipping organization, including management arrangements. Many flag states that have responsibility ISM certificate issued for the vessel on the delegate statutory survey registered to organizations that personnel do not have the level of qualification. Classification society can be authorized to act on behalf of the state flag.

For example, 'The Australian Maritime Safety Authority ('AMSA ') delegate to the classification society on ISM verification, but Australia actually monitor its implementation.

Classification societies play an important role in the ISM accreditation and should strive to maintain independence between jobs of classification and jobs of ISM audit.

Notes that in June 1996 there were only two and a half per cent of the world fleet has been accredited ISM Code and, with only two years before the ISM Code became mandatory for the industry.

The introduction of the ISM code substantially increases the risk of liability on the owner of the ship and shipmanagernya. By introducing a formal management system in the operation of ships, ISM tends to provide third parties with a more documentary evidence to prove that the owner of the vessel has failed to ensure the airworthiness of the ship.

Much debate about the value of the ISM certification. Some parties are concerned with the perceived incompetency flag state to manage the provision of effective ISM. Flag state has the primary responsibility to ensure that the obligations of the convention is fulfilled, but seems reluctant to do so. The role of classification societies to be 'everywhere. "Important defect of the ISM code is that the standards set by each company, and not by international agreements. There is no standard format is required for safety instructions and manuals. ISM should concentrate on other important issues.

'The human element' is very important in shipping and classification societies should be held liable for negligence in their jobs and ISM accreditation, which will assist in ensuring vigilance in the community.