Book excerpt: The ISM Code has been mandatory for almost every commercial vessel in the world for more than a decade and nearly two decades for high risk vessels, yet there is very little case law in this area. Consequently, there remains a great deal of confusion about the potential legal and insurance implications of the Code. This third edition represents a major re-write and addresses significant amendments that were made to the ISM Code on 1st July 2010 and 1st January 2015. This book provides practitioners with a practical overview of, and much needed guidance on, the potential implications of failing to implement the requirements of the Code. It will be hugely valuable to DPAs, managers of ship operating companies, ship masters, maritime lawyers and insurance claims staff.