COURSE OVERVIEW:

The ISM, ISPS, MLC Internal Auditor course is an elite training program designed to develop the specialized skills required to verify compliance across the three mandatory pillars of maritime regulation. This course examines the integrated auditing techniques necessary to evaluate a shipping company’s Safety Management System (ISM), Security Plan (ISPS), and Maritime Labour standards (MLC). It provides a technical framework for conducting systematic, independent examinations to ensure that both shipboard and shore-based operations adhere to international statutory requirements.

The scope of this training involves the detailed study of ISO 19011 auditing guidelines applied to the maritime context. Participants will explore how to prepare audit plans, develop comprehensive checklists, and conduct opening and closing meetings. The program emphasizes the art of gathering objective evidence through interviews, document reviews, and physical observations, focusing on identifying the root causes of non-conformities rather than merely documenting symptoms.

Coverage includes the legal responsibilities of the internal auditor, the nuances of reporting findings, and the verification of corrective actions. The course addresses the challenges of auditing diverse vessel types and multicultural crews while maintaining objectivity and professional integrity. By providing a mastery of the "Combined Audit" approach, this course equips marine superintendents and safety officers with the expertise to drive continuous improvement and ensure successful external inspections by Flag States and Recognized Organizations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Explain the principles and objectives of internal auditing in the maritime industry.
2. Integrate ISM, ISPS, and MLC requirements into a single audit scope.
3. Apply the ISO 19011 standard to plan and execute internal audits.
4. Develop effective audit checklists tailored to specific vessel operations.
5. Conduct professional opening and closing meetings with ship and shore staff.
6. Gather objective evidence through effective interviewing and sampling techniques.
7. Identify and categorize non-conformities, observations, and areas for improvement.
8. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Ship Security Plan and labor conditions.
9. Verify the implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS) on board.
10. Write clear, concise, and accurate audit reports for senior management.
11. Assess the adequacy of root cause analysis and corrective action plans.
12. Manage the audit lifecycle from initiation to follow-up and closure.
13. Maintain auditor independence and professional ethics during sensitive inspections.

TARGET AUDIENCE:  

Marine Superintendents, DPA and Assistant DPA, Company Security Officers (CSO), Quality Managers, and Senior Officers.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.