RS reflects on the outcomes of the IMO Joint Working Group on Member State Audit

IMO Member States are required to undergo periodic audits by IMO with over 130 audits having been carried out to date. The Russian Federation has successfully passed its latest audit in September 2024.

With the aim of contributing to the improvement of maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment on a global scale IMSAS verifies the fulfillment of IMO Member State obligations, including Flag, Port and Coastal State functions. The audit ensures a State's compliance with the IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code, Resolution A.1070(28)) alongside other IMO provisions within the scope of each specific State audit.

Currently, a key task of the Joint Working Group is to review and update existing procedures and documents governing the Audit scheme, namely, IMO Assembly resolution A.1067(28) Framework and Procedures for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme and the supporting Auditor's Manual adopted as IMO Circular Letter No. 3425. The current version of the Resolution A.1067(28) came into force in 2016 when the Audit Scheme became mandatory for all IMO Member States.

It is expected that the revision process will significantly modernize and improve the Audit Scheme through the introduction of the IMSAS Continuous Monitoring Mechanism (ICMM). The Mechanism will allow to prioritize the audits in the next cycle depending on a Member State's progress in addressing previously identified findings and observations and fulfilling its obligations. The ICMM will also provide for differentiation of Member States subject to the audit allowing for a reduction in the scope of on-site audits.

Among other novelties are the wider use of digital technologies and methods, the formalization of procedures for carrying out remote audits in exceptional cases and the optimization of existing questionnaires to avoid duplicating information flows. Overall, the aim is to systematize the submission of relevant information to IMO as well as improve the procedure for conducting follow-up audits to verify implementation of corrective action plans (documentary, on-site or remote audits).

The documents are expected to be finalized at the 9th meeting of the Group in March 2025 and forwarded to the IMO Council for review and approval with a view to adoption at the 34th IMO Assembly in December 2025.

Additional information:

Founded in 1913, Russian Maritime Register of Shipping (RS) is a world-renowned classification society that operates within all spheres of the maritime industry with the goal of improving the operational and environmental safety of marine transportation. RS reviews technical documentation, surveys ships and offshore facilities under construction and in service, certifies vessels and companies for compliance with international conventions, recognizes and certifies industrial products and manufacturers, certifies quality management systems for compliance with international and national standards.

Today, RS is actively implementing the concept "More than class" by expanding its scope of services in the field of engineering and consulting, the development of technical documentation for vessels in service, marine warranty surveys and certification. In addition, RS surveys all container types, including tank containers and offshore containers, confirms compliance of packaging for dangerous goods, as well as renders services on the declaration and certification of dangerous goods and bulk cargoes.