The Mini ISM is a security management system introduced for commercially registered yachts. Since 1 January 2007, under Chapter 22 of the revised Large Yacht Code (LY2), it has been required for all Red Ensign flagged commercial yachts over 24 meters and under 500 GRT to have an onboard safety management system.

The Mini ISM is a reduced version of the International Safety Management (ISM) code and applies to yachts built after 2004. It is considered a system of good practice within yachting. The Mini ISM schedule covers such things as health and safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and statements of authority.

It was introduced to implement an effective safety management system for ships under 500 GRT, where full International Safety Management Code certification is not required.

Included in the shortened version of the code is a health and safety policy for the yacht’s staff and crew, both on land and at sea. And for vessels under 400 GRT, an oil management regime must be incorporated into the health and safety plan.

Yacht owners and businesses are also required to develop procedures to ensure safe work practices are followed in the operation of the vessel. These can be in the form of checklists that can be followed by all staff.

Also, per code requirements, the lines of communication between yacht personnel, the chain of command, both at sea and ashore must be clear. And to maintain the culture of health and safety, yacht personnel must be aware of the procedures for reporting accidents. According to the regulations, there must be clear procedures to respond to emergencies such as fire, grounding, collision, man overboard, acts of violence or failure to steer. The code also requires that all yacht personnel receive adequate training for their duties.

While the Mini ISM is an important initiative to ensure boating safety, it places a heavy burden on owners and captains. However, yacht management companies will provide the necessary expertise to ensure that the regulations are fully complied with.

These companies will ensure that procedures are in place to fully comply with the regulations, such as 24-hour emergency shore contact and assistance with regular reviews. The yacht management company will also offer support in case of any emergency or incident.