What is the purpose of an Initial Safety Sweep (ISS)?

The purpose of an Initial Safety Sweep (ISS) is to identify any safety hazards and ensure the seaworthiness of the vessel. This procedure is critical for maintaining a safe operating environment and involves checking various areas of the vessel for potential risks, such as unsecured cargo, malfunctioning equipment, or other hazards that could endanger the crew or the vessel itself. By focusing on safety and seaworthiness, the ISS helps prevent accidents and ensures that all safety protocols are being followed effectively, which is paramount in maritime operations.

Conducting an inventory of cargo, checking crew identification, or preventing loss of life at sea are important tasks, but they serve different functions and do not align specifically with the immediate objectives of the Initial Safety Sweep. The ISS is primarily concerned with proactive hazard identification rather than ongoing operational checks or emergency response measures.