The ISM Code consists of 13 clauses which must be complied with for ISM certification. The Code provides an international standard for the safe management of ships and for pollution prevention. It is expressed in broad terms and may therefore be applied to all types of ships.

Top management (the boss) must be committed to safety and environmental-protection if the company's safety management system (SMS) is to succeed. If the boss is not committed, the person(s) responsible for ISM may find it difficult to obtain adequate resources such as personnel, office space, equipment and time. Also, for the SMS to be successful, company personnel, both aboard ship and in the office ashore must believe in safety and environmental protection. They must be competent and motivated and be ready to co-operate with the person or persons responsible for implementing the SMS as well as with each other.