DESCRIPTION
This presentation provides detailed guidance for service providers on implementing a Safety Management System (SMS) framework, as outlined in ICAO Annex 19, along with guidance for States overseeing SMS implementations.
The purpose of an SMS is to provide service providers with a structured, proactive approach to managing safety, focused on continuous safety performance improvement. By identifying hazards, collecting and analyzing safety data, and continuously assessing safety risks, an SMS framework enables service providers to take preemptive actions to address safety risks before they lead to aviation accidents and incidents. The SMS is intended not just to improve individual organizational safety but to enhance overall aviation safety at a systemic level. Through SMS, service providers can effectively manage safety performance, streamline resources, and gain a comprehensive understanding of how their operations contribute to aviation safety outcomes.
For a service provider, an SMS serves as a demonstrable commitment to safety for regulatory authorities, which can increase trust and cooperation between the service provider and the State. A well-implemented SMS assures regulators of the provider's capability to manage safety risks responsibly, paving the way for effective safety management both at the organizational and State levels. The SMS framework also allows for flexible, risk-based decision-making, helping service providers to balance operational needs with regulatory compliance and risk mitigation.
For international general aviation operators, understanding the SMS requirements for their specific aircraft and ensuring compliance with the State of Registry is essential. The regulatory context may vary by jurisdiction, so operators should confirm with the State of Registry if adopting an industry code of practice is permissible. This flexibility can simplify compliance and align SMS practices with broader industry standards, while still meeting regulatory expectations.
Operators of large aircraft or those operating turbojet aeroplanes across multiple States of Registry under an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), as required by ICAO Annex 6, Part I, are also classified as service providers. In these cases, the SMS must be structured to meet the safety requirements set by the State of the Operator, which may have additional oversight responsibilities. This requirement highlights the importance of a robust SMS framework that not only complies with home-state regulations but is adaptable to meet the varying demands of international operations.
In summary, an SMS provides a comprehensive, risk-based approach to managing aviation safety, benefiting both service providers and regulatory bodies. For service providers, SMS helps maintain safety, optimize resources, and meet compliance, while supporting a culture of proactive safety management. For States, SMS oversight ensures that providers adhere to safety standards and that risk management practices are effectively implemented across the industry. Through this coordinated effort, the SMS contributes to a safer global aviation landscape, fostering a more resilient, responsive, and collaborative approach to managing safety risks in aviation.
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Source: Best Practices in Risk Management, Workplace Safety PowerPoint Slides: Safety Management System (SMS) - Implementation Guide PowerPoint (PPTX) Presentation, RadVector Consulting
Risk Management Workplace Safety ISO 31000 Operational Risk KPI Cyber Security Enterprise Architecture Business Architecture
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