# ISM Code Element 10: Maintenance of Ship and Equipment | Faromo

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Language: en

Learn how ship and equipment maintenance, non-conformity reporting and records are handled under ISM Code Element 10.

Modified: 2026-08-16

Reviewed: 2026-08-16

Element 10 makes maintenance of the ship and equipment, periodic inspection, reporting of non-conformities and retention of records part of the safety management system.

Element 10 shows that maintenance is not only an internal technical matter. Planned inspections, defect reporting, evaluation of possible causes, corrective action and record retention are parts of safety management.

Special measures for critical equipment, regular testing of standby arrangements and traceable maintenance records should be visible in daily PMS practice.

## Maintenance procedures

The company defines how vessel and equipment maintenance is planned and executed.

## Inspection at intervals

Tasks recur according to manufacturer, class, flag and company requirements.

## Non-conformity reporting

A defect or non-conformity is reported with possible cause and required corrective action.

## Record retention

Inspection, maintenance, postponement and completion results remain traceable.

## Critical equipment

Special measures are defined for systems whose sudden failure may create hazardous situations.

## Standby testing

Regular testing is planned for standby or infrequently used systems.

## Workflow

1. Identify requirements: Applicable sources are mapped to equipment and tasks.
2. Execute the plan: Inspection and maintenance are completed when due.
3. Manage deviation: Defect, delay or non-conformity is recorded with cause and action.
4. Preserve evidence: Results and approvals remain in equipment history.

## Does this guide replace official regulation text?

No. This is a general explanation. Current IMO text, flag, class and company SMS requirements must be verified through authorized sources.

## How is critical equipment identified?

Equipment and systems whose sudden failure may create hazardous situations are identified through company risk assessment and SMS procedures.

## Is maintenance postponement automatically non-compliant?

Each postponement must be evaluated in its technical, operational and regulatory context. Reason, risk, approval and revised plan should remain traceable.

## Can digital PMS records be used in audits?

Traceable, authorized digital records aligned with company procedures can support audit evidence; acceptance requirements should be verified with relevant authorities.

## Sources

- [International Safety Management (ISM) Code](https://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/humanelement/pages/ismcode.aspx)
- [International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)](https://www.imo.org/en/about/conventions/pages/international-convention-for-the-safety-of-life-at-sea-(solas),-1974.aspx)