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ISM Clause 1998

07 December 2023

BIMCO listened carefully to the concerns expressed by many sectors of the industry regarding the likely effect on commerce of the coming into force of the ISM Code. The ISM Code represents only one part of the substantial volume of regulations to which shipowners are bound under the law of the Flag State. As part of the SOLAS Convention 1974, as amended, implementation of the ISM Code is mandatory for all Contracting States under international law. Most standard charterparties contain fairly all-embracing provisions requiring the owner to ensure that the vessel is in full compliance with all relevant international rules and regulations, and possesses the necessary certificates, to permit the vessel to trade within the agreed trading limits. Therefore, from a strictly legal point of view, BIMCO considers that there is no readily identifiable contractual need to make a specific reference to the ISM Code in a voyage or time charter. Nevertheless, in response to the demand of Members and for those who may feel more comfortable incorporating a specific reference to the ISM Code in their charterparties, BIMCO has devised a broad and neutrally worded ISM Clause.