ABSTRACT
This chapter presents some of the most relevant international conventions concerning the safety of life at sea and the security of ships, crews, cargo and ports. A system of mutual recognition of certification and – within the EU – the important intervention of the European Maritime Safety Agency further enhances compliance with the Conventions. The purpose of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Convention is to promote safety of life at sea by establishing rules which govern the safe construction of ships. The main objectives of the International Safety Management Code (ISM) "are to ensure safety at sea, prevention of human injury or loss of life, and avoidance of damage to the environment in particular to the marine environment and to property". It must be stressed that the objectives of the ISM Code are the "safety at sea and the prevention of marine pollution".
