A new online course has been launched which aims to provide maritime administration officers and trainees with the tools and knowledge required to conduct audits under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). “Training for auditors under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (Self-paced E-learning)” can be accessed via the IMO e-Learning platform.  

The training is targeted at officials who are involved in conducting internal audits of their administrations and who, following completion of this training, may be nominated as auditors under IMSAS. It is part of IMO's work to assist Member States improve their capabilities and to facilitate effective implementation of applicable IMO instruments.   

The mandatory Implementation of IMO Instruments (III) Code provides guidance for Member States on implementing and enforcing the requirements of IMO instruments. The Code serves as the audit standard for IMSAS to verify the level of States’ implementation of flag, coastal and port State obligations.  

Delegations attending the 7th session of the Joint Working Group on the Member State Audit Scheme (JWGMSA7, 12 October 2023) watched a presentation on the new training course which uses animation and consists of modules that include case studies and interactive role-playing scenarios. The course also incorporates self-paced e-exercises and e-quizzes.  

The content is based on an existing five-day auditors’ training course provided as regional training to officials of maritime administrations nominated by their Member States. 

IMO developed the training in collaboration with the World Maritime University (WMU) within the IMO-WMU e-Learning pilot project framework. The development of the project was funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Technical Cooperation (TC) Fund. Distance learning is a key way for IMO to meet changing educational needs and enhance the outreach of relevant content, so the Organization is offering students and maritime professionals around the world the possibility to boost their understanding of key maritime issues with a series of courses through the IMO e-learning platform.