The Maritime Auditing, Inspection and Compliance Management Training Course offered by The British Academy For Training and Development provides professionals with the practical knowledge and internationally recognised best practices required to conduct effective Maritime Auditing activities across shipping companies, vessels, terminals, and port operations. This comprehensive programme focuses on internal audits, regulatory compliance, operational inspections, and ISM audits, enabling participants to evaluate management systems, identify non-conformities, and improve organisational performance while meeting international maritime regulations.

Throughout this training, participants will develop the skills to plan, conduct, report, and follow up on maritime audits using structured auditing methodologies. The course covers international conventions, risk-based auditing, inspection planning, corrective action management, and continuous improvement strategies. By combining theoretical knowledge with practical case studies, delegates will strengthen their ability to ensure compliance with maritime legislation while enhancing operational safety, efficiency, and quality management.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles and objectives of Maritime Auditing.
• Plan and conduct effective internal audits within maritime organisations.
• Perform professional vessel and operational inspections.
• Apply international maritime regulations and compliance requirements.
• Conduct effective ISM audits in accordance with the ISM Code.
• Identify non-conformities and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
• Improve organisational compliance with IMO and flag state requirements.
• Evaluate Safety Management Systems (SMS) and operational procedures.
• Prepare professional audit reports and communicate audit findings.
• Support continuous improvement through effective audit management systems.

Target Audience

This course is designed for:

• Marine Superintendents
• Technical Superintendents
• Marine Surveyors
• Internal Auditors
• Port Authority Personnel
• Ship Management Professionals
• HSE Managers
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Compliance Officers
• Vessel Masters and Chief Officers
• Fleet Managers
• Marine Operations Managers
• Maritime Consultants
• Classification Society Personnel
• Professionals responsible for regulatory compliance and inspections

Module 1: Fundamentals of Maritime Auditing

• Principles of Maritime Auditing
• Types of maritime audits
• Audit objectives and scope
• International auditing standards
• Roles and responsibilities of auditors

Module 2: Maritime Regulations and Compliance Framework

• IMO conventions
• SOLAS, MARPOL and STCW requirements
• Flag State obligations
• Port State Control requirements
• Classification society requirements

Module 3: Internal Audits and Audit Planning

• Planning internal audits
• Risk-based audit planning
• Audit schedules
• Preparing audit checklists
• Audit documentation

Module 4: Inspection Management in Maritime Operations

• Vessel inspections
• Terminal inspections
• Cargo operation inspections
• Safety inspections
• Environmental inspections

Module 5: ISM Audits and Safety Management Systems

• ISM Code requirements
• Conducting ISM audits
• Safety Management System evaluation
• Non-conformity identification
• Continuous improvement

Module 6: Audit Techniques and Evidence Collection

• Interview techniques
• Observation methods
• Document review
• Evidence gathering
• Sampling methods

Module 7: Managing Non-Conformities and Corrective Actions

• Root cause analysis
• Corrective action planning
• Preventive actions
• Verification processes
• Follow-up audits

Module 8: Reporting and Audit Communication

• Audit report preparation
• Presenting audit findings
• Communication with management
• Closing meetings
• Documentation control

Module 9: Compliance Risk Management

• Compliance risk assessment
• Risk mitigation strategies
• Regulatory monitoring
• Governance frameworks
• Performance indicators

Module 10: Best Practices in Maritime Auditing

• Continuous improvement
• Digital auditing tools
• Lessons learned from maritime incidents
• Audit programme management
• Building a culture of compliance