IMO's mandatory Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) schedule has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but a remote audit mechanism has been agreed. To prepare for the rollout of remote audits, Member State representatives attended a virtual meeting (8 July) to learn about the modalities and how a remote audit process will be conducted.
The meeting, attended by 56 participants from 34 Member States, allowed for exchange of views with IMO's Department for Member State Audit and Implementation Support. Participants welcomed the plan to progress with the audit schedule using remote audit methodology, as an alternative to the traditional on-site audit when this is not feasible.
The IMO Council, at its 125th session in July 2021, agreed that the remote audit mechanism could be used, as an interim measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, to progress with the audits. An updated overall audit schedule will be provided to the IMO Assembly, which meets in December 2021.
The IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) promotes the consistent and effective implementation of the applicable IMO instruments and assists Member States to improve their capabilities as flag, coastal and port States. Read more here.