SMS was originally founded in 1996 by two maritime professionals with a vision to provide regulatory compliance assistance to ship managers. The initial focus of SMS was specifically directed on the International Safety Management (ISM) Code's requirement for ship managers to develop and implement safety management systems applicable to their operations and ships.

By the time ISM Code certification had reached its zenith SMS was developing new services to compliment its initial focus. SMS became increasingly involved with voluntary compliance programs such as the ISO Standards and cultivated a slightly more diverse clientele including stevedoring and warehousing companies, maritime training centers and safety equipment servicing firms.

To add greater range and expertise to its services SMS has grown to four maritime professionals who are each equity partners in the consultancy. In addition SMS has cultivated a pool of subject matter experts (maritime security, engineering and technical personnel) to provide consulting expertise on a project basis.

SMS personnel are directly responsible for the quality of services provided to clients. Consultants within SMS function as a team and focus on the guiding principles of the founding partners:

• Maintain client satisfaction by exceeding their expectations.
• Build relationships - not a customer base.
• Improve knowledge and expertise through training, critiquing and challenging.

By 2003 SMS has evolved into a consultancy with enhanced competencies in maritime safety, security, quality and environmental protection. The firm still involves itself with project work though it is shifting towards providing comprehensive compliance packages for its clients. SMS and its clients have recognized the benefit of the continuum within the consultant-client relationship and have determined areas within which SMS provides the greatest value.