American Society For Quality - Section 300

Monthly Meeting - May 2011

6.30 PM to 8.00 PM
Membership Meeting Presentation By Charles Nixon

Topic: Comparison of the ISM Code and ISO 9001 QMS

Charles Nixon will be presenting information about the International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and for Pollution Prevention known in the marine industry as the ISM Code. The ISM Code is a management system requiring safety for crew and passengers, safety of the ship and its equipment, safety of the environment and the control of ship’s pollution. The code is based on the ISO 9001 QMS and he will compare the clauses of the ISM Code to the ISO 9001 requirements. The presentation will begin with a brief history of shipping safety and will discuss some of the catastrophic maritime incidents that were instrumental in bringing about the ISM Code. The ISM Code is now a mandated requirement for all maritime nations operating vessels greater than 500 gross tons.

About the Presenter:

Throughout 40 years in the maritime industry, Charles has shown a proven, career-long
dedication to quality and safety in shipping. The next progression of that dedication was his
pursuit of studies in quality management systems, becoming a RABQSA certified Management Systems Lead Auditor in April 2009. He has also certified as an auditor for the ISM Code and ISPS regulations. He is a member of ASQ Metro NY/NJ Section 300.

Charles spent thirteen years as a marine surveyor with the American Bureau of Shipping,
working in the ports of St. Louis, New Orleans, Nagasaki Japan, New York, Guaymas Mexico
and Los Angeles. He was heavily involved with new construction of multiple types of vessels, in addition to hull and machinery surveys per the requirements of the Ship Classification Societies.

He became a Port Engineer with Seatrain Lines / Bay Ship Management Inc., where he
managed the Fast Sealift Ships that Bay Ship Management operated for the Military Sealift
Command. He also managed governmental quality requirements and administrative polices.
Concurrently, he completed training from ABS as an Internal Auditor for ISO 9000 compliance.

As Technical Manager for ShipTrade Inc., Charles wrote and implemented the company’s ISM system. He also coordinated USCG and ABS inspections and certifications.

Charles was raised in Venezuela, and speaks Spanish fluently. After leaving Venezuela,
Charles attended the four-year Newport News Apprentice School program.