ISM Lead Auditor (including ISPS and MLC)

There has been widespread support across the industry to develop and implement an audit structure for implementation of Safety Management Systems. 

The ISM Lead Auditor (including ISPS and MLC audits) course is an intensive five-day remote course, designed to give participants the expertise and understanding required to conduct a full audit of an organisation’s management systems in the role of Lead Auditor by focusing on ISM/ISPS/MLC auditing requirements.

The Nautical Institute’s ISM Lead Auditor course is predominantly theory based with guided practical exercises that introduce the participants to a varying number of scenarios.

Course overview

Candidates can expect to gain in depth knowledge in:

  • The ISM/ISPS/MLC Code (definitions, principles, implementation)
  • The reasons for accidents and incidents
  • The Safety Management Cycle (SOLAS)
  • Understanding and preparing for an ISM audit
  • Auditor's techniques
  • An understanding of how to identify and report findings and non-conformities
  • The process of audit completion and follow up
  • The role and responsibilities of a lead auditor
    • Aims and objectives

    The Nautical Institute aims to contribute to the improvement of vessel safety with the development of the ISM Lead Auditors’ Course. The ISM Lead Auditors course aims to give candidates knowledge in;

  • ISM/ISPS/MLC auditing requirements
  • Similarities and differences
  • Auditing methods/timetable/scope
  • The audit process
  • Questioning auditees
  • Non-conformities and observations
  • Corrective actions
  • Reporting
  • Follow-up and audit completion
  • Recommendations

    • Upon completion of The Nautical Institute’s ISM Lead Auditor course candidates should be confident in planning and preparing for an audit, conducting an audit, and subsequently understand how to follow up on an audit.

    Who should attend?
    The course is designed for members of the maritime community, specifically those in the industry who have the professional knowledge and experience to apply the principles of the ISM, MLC and ISPS Code to vessels whilst understanding the culture and requirements of the industry.
    Duration

    Online:

    • Five-day online course via zoom. Four hours and 30 minutes teaching time per day, excuding breaks. 
    Assessment

    This is a pass/fail course.

    To achieve a pass, participants must:

    • Attend the course in full. 
    • Pass a theoretical assessment held at the end of the course. The pass mark is 70%.
    • Demonstrate the ability to complete all required elements of practical auditing tasks to the satisfaction of the lecturer.
    Certification

    At the end of the ISM Lead Auditor (including ISPS and MLC audits) course and following a pass mark, candidates will be issues both an ISM Lead Auditor wall certificate and a card wallet which can be carried on board.

    This certification is valid for five year from the date of issue.

    Revalidation

    Revalidation

    The ISM Lead Auditor (including ISPS and MLC audits) qualification is designed to meet the needs of practicing auditors and as such revalidation of the certificate requires candidates to satisfy one of the following criteria:

    1. To provide evidence of completion of a minimum two ISM/ISPS/MLC audits in the previous five years.  Suitable evidence may include a description of the work undertaken in a log with supporting evidence of correspondence, invoices or anonymised reports.  Or,
    2. Evidence of a minimum five safety-related audits of a similar standing and requirement to that of ISM/ISPS/MLC audits described in point one. 
    3. Complete a full ISM/ISPS/MLC audit report within one month of the expiry of current certification and attend an interview/review with a Nautical Institute Assessor.