Page 41 - SMI Issue 62

ISSA and Ship Supply NewsISSA Quality Standard milestoneAsignificant milestone has beenreached by the ISSA Quality Standard with the issuing of the 500th certificate under the scheme.From its inception when many expressed doubtat its viability – or even the need for such a Standard – the ISSA Quality Standard has more than proved its worth as the industry’s bench-mark. It is recognised globally as enhancing an ISSA member in the eyes of ship owners and managers and very early on achieved its declared aim of weeding out the cowboys from the industry.In addition to the significant 500th certificate issuance, the ISSA Quality Standard has now been updated to reflect the new ISO 9001 Certificate which came into force last year.ISSA itself is now certified by Bureau Veritas under ISO 9001:2015 and passed its audit with flying colours in July. Practising what it preaches is important to add weight to ISSA’s own designated industry Standard.Three major organisations have endorsed the ISSA Quality Standard: The World Customs Organisation, InterManager and the Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers & Agents (FONASBA).WCO Secretary-General Kunio Mikuriya said: “The ship supply business model is predicated on the idea of creating and fostering relationships, and ISSA Members enjoy a privileged relationship with Customs administrations.“They are exempted from the payment of Customs charges and they move in and around Customs-controlled areas unhindered.“In return, Customs expect high levels of voluntary compliance and the introduction of the ISSA Quality Standard 2015, compatible with the ISO 9001:2015 Standard is further proof of ISSA members’ willingness to ensure that their internal systems are at an optimum level,thereby simplifyingthe role of Customs with respect to the ship supply.”Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary-General of InterManager said: “Members of InterManager are very pleased to see ISSA continuing to improve your already high standards in both provided product and services.”Glen Gordon Findlay, FONASBA President, also congratulated ISSA on the upgrade to its Standard.He said: “Given the close co-operation between ship agents and ship suppliers at port level, the bond ensured by the common issues we face and the close working relationship between ISSA and FONASBA, we are pleased to be able to have this opportunity of endorsing this latest version of ISSA’s Quality Standard.”The new ISSA Quality Standard 2015 will be uploaded to the ISSA website for the convenience of members, who are encouraged to seek certification if they have not already done so.Soon members will be audited under the new Standard and there can now be no doubt of the direct business benefit to be gained from becoming an ISSA Quality member. uIssue 70 2016 | The Ship Supplier | 39