IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS)

How can maritime professionals effectively implement the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) while ensuring compliance with international obligations and strengthening national maritime governance under regulatory oversight? IMSAS is a mandatory audit system introduced by the International Maritime Organization to assess how Member States implement and enforce IMO instruments. Mandatory since January 2016, it applies to all Member States and covers their responsibilities as flag, port, and coastal States.

Audits follow the III Code and IMO procedures, including resolution A.1185(33), with outcomes contributing to global improvement in maritime safety, security, and environmental protection. This IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) Professional Training Course by LMA is a six-day programme designed to equip maritime professionals with practical knowledge of audit preparation, conduct, reporting, corrective action plans, and compliance improvement.

The programme uses lectures, exercises, case studies, and mock audit scenarios to build practical skills in managing the audit cycle and strengthening compliance performance.