ISM / ISPS / MLC Auditor

The maritime industry operates within one of the most highly regulated environments in the world, where compliance with international standards is essential for ensuring the safety of vessels, the security of maritime operations, and the welfare of seafarers. Shipping companies, port facilities, offshore operators, and maritime authorities must continuously demonstrate conformity with the requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, and the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006).

Effective auditing serves as a critical management tool for evaluating compliance, identifying gaps, improving organizational performance, and maintaining certification and regulatory approval. Maritime auditors play a vital role in ensuring that safety management systems, security arrangements, and labour practices are properly implemented and continuously improved in accordance with international standards.

The ISM / ISPS / MLC Auditor program, designed by Global Horizon Training Center, provides participants with comprehensive knowledge of maritime auditing principles, international regulatory requirements, audit planning methodologies, compliance verification processes, reporting techniques, and corrective action management. The program offers an integrated understanding of the three major maritime compliance frameworks and equips participants with the professional competencies necessary to perform effective audits across maritime organizations.

Through a structured five-day curriculum, participants will gain an in-depth understanding of the requirements, interpretation, and audit expectations related to ISM, ISPS, and MLC standards while enhancing their ability to support organizational compliance, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

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

• Understand the structure and requirements of the ISM Code, ISPS Code, and MLC 2006.
• Explain the regulatory framework governing international maritime operations.
• Understand the principles and methodologies of maritime auditing.
• Interpret international maritime compliance requirements effectively.
• Evaluate organizational compliance with maritime safety, security, and labour standards.
• Understand audit planning, execution, reporting, and follow-up processes.
• Identify common non-conformities within maritime management systems.
• Review maritime documentation and records against regulatory requirements.
• Understand corrective and preventive action processes.
• Enhance organizational compliance monitoring and governance practices.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within maritime organizations.
• Contribute to successful external inspections and certification audits.

This program is designed for:

• Maritime Auditors.
• Marine Superintendents.
• Fleet Managers.
• Safety Managers.
• Security Managers.
• Compliance Officers.
• Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs).
• Quality Assurance Personnel.
• Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs).
• Ship Security Officers (SSOs).
• Marine Operations Managers.
• Vessel Masters and Senior Officers.
• Maritime Human Resources Professionals.
• Port Authority Personnel.
• Maritime Consultants.
• Regulatory Inspectors.
• Classification Society Representatives.
• Personnel responsible for maritime compliance and governance.

This program utilizes a professional instructor-led approach focused on theoretical knowledge transfer, regulatory interpretation, and auditing best practices.

Training methodologies include:

• Expert-led presentations and lectures.
• Detailed review of international maritime regulations.
• Structured discussions on compliance requirements.
• Analysis of regulatory frameworks and auditing principles.
• Examination of maritime audit documentation.
• Review of industry guidance and best practices.
• Group discussions on audit challenges and compliance expectations.
• Interactive question-and-answer sessions.
• Knowledge-sharing based on maritime auditing experience.
• Continuous concept reviews and professional discussions.

Organizations whose personnel attend this program will benefit from:

• Enhanced maritime compliance management.
• Improved internal audit capabilities.
• Stronger safety management systems.
• Improved maritime security governance.
• Enhanced labour compliance and crew welfare oversight.
• Better preparation for regulatory inspections.
• Reduced operational and compliance risks.
• Improved corrective action management.
• Greater confidence during certification and surveillance audits.
• Strengthened organizational governance and accountability.
• Enhanced reputation with regulators, customers, and stakeholders.
• Increased effectiveness of compliance monitoring programs.