International Safety Management (ISM) Internal Auditors

About the Course

The ISM Code is one of the most fundamental regulations in international shipping, and understanding the rules is therefore critical. The Code's origins can be traced back to the late 1980s when there was growing concern about poor management standards in shipping after a series of severe shipping accidents on vessels caused by human errors and a lack of management guidelines and rules. 

On March 6th, 1987, the development of the first guidelines of the ISM Code was after the capsizing of one of the RO-RO ferries, which capsized a few moments after she left the port. The RO-RO ferry capsized, 193 passengers and crew died, and the causes were human error, a lack of communication and a safety culture. The Code establishes safety-management objectives and mandates implementing a safety management system (SMS) on board. The Code aims to support and encourage the development of a safety culture within the shipping industry while improving compliance with the requirements of international conventions.

This International Safety Management (ISM) Internal Auditors training course is not only for those destined to become internal auditors, but everyone involved in the management. Part of their responsibilities includes safety management, management quality and excellence, and the prevention of marine pollution.

Core Objectives

This training course will equip the delegate with the information and abilities needed to perform a thorough audit of an organisation's management system as internal auditors committed to upholding the ISM Code. Additionally, it will give the assurance necessary to successfully audit a management system using methods that are in line with best practices that are universally acknowledged.

Furthermore, become familiar with internal auditor responsibilities and procedures of audit, such as planning, preparation, conducting, and reporting of the audit.

The delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Understand the purpose and benefits of a good audit
• Understand the use of standard auditing techniques
• Planning, preparation, performance, recording, reporting, and follow-up of audits
• Write effective non-conformity audit reports and summaries
• Handling of non-conformities, including root cause analysis and corrective actions

Training Approach

This training course will give the delegates the knowledge needed for practical audit experience. They will learn about and comprehend the following through a highly interactive blend of presentations, group discussions, and individual case studies.

The Attendees

This training course will benefit those involved in Maritime Safety and Regulatory Compliance, both ashore and afloat. It will also raise awareness for personnel assigned potential or specific tasks in a Safety Management System.

Likewise, it will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following:

• Captains, Chief Engineers, and Sr. Officers
• SMS Internal Auditors
• QMS and System Lead Auditors
• Designated Persons Ashore (DPA)
• Owners and Operators
• Crew Onboard
• Agents
• Maritime Management Teams (Superintendents, Port Captains, Vessel Managers, and Supervisors)
• Safety, Security, and Quality Professionals needing an introduction to Maritime Management Systems

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: INTRODUCTION

• History and Background of ISM Code
• Objectives of ISM Code
• Functional Requirements of ISM Code
• The ISM Code within Maritime Legislation: Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS)
• Regulatory Bodies

DAY TWO: THE ISM CODE CONTENT

• Definition of Systems
• Part A: Implementation
• Part B: Certification and Verification
• Certificates: Document of Compliance (DOC) & Safety Management Certificate (SMC) Regasification
• The Safety Management System (SMS) 

DAY THREE:  COMPANY RESPONSIBILITIES – AUTHORITY

• Company Responsibilities
• The role of the Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
• DPAs Responsibility, Authority, and Accountability
• Master’s Responsibility and Authority
• Resources and Personnel

DAY FOUR: OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCY READINESS

• Reports and Analysis of Non-conformities, Accidents, and Hazardous Occurrences
• Emergency Preparedness
• Drills and Exercises
• Maintenance of the Ship and Equipment
• Documentation: Verification, Review, and Evaluation

DAY FIVE: MOCK AUDITS

• Internal Audits and Effective Communication
• The Principles and Practices of Internal Audits (Stages)
• Audit Preparation: Audit Scope Review
• Conducting the Audit
• Audit Report: Corrective action and Follow-up