An independent external accredited certification body has now certified a quality management system for IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS).
The system includes policies, manuals, processes, procedures, training, records etc., which have been developed in-house by IMO. Therefore, the certification aims to enhance the confidence of Member States in IMSAS by demonstrating compliance with an internationally recognizable management standard (ISO 9001:2015), as well as to provide a sound basis for further development of IMSAS.
Meanwhile, assessing the implications for the 2021 audit schedule amid the pandemic travel restrictions, the IMO is considering a remote audit mechanism for 2021.
IMO’s Department for Member State Audit and Implementation Support (MSA&IS) is developing the way forward for such a potential remote audit mechanism, based on discussions with auditors under a recent virtual meeting for auditors.
A submission containing the proposal on a remote audit mechanism will be prepared for consideration of the IMO Council’s 125th session, scheduled for June/July 2021.
Although on-site audits have been put on hold, significant work is ongoing with follow-up audits for those Member States that were audited in 2016 and 2017, which will continue well into 2021. Six audit follow-up reports have been completed so far and made available through the Member State Audit module on GISIS to all Member States.
The document-based audit follow up is currently ongoing for all remaining 14 audits conducted in 2016 and for seven of the remaining 21 audits conducted in 2017.
The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) is key to promoting consistent implementation of IMO instruments. To further this process, audits and follow-up audits of Member States are being organized and implemented through a quality management system.
