IMO member state audit scheme. Current state and transition to remote mode

Author: O.A. Chernov

 

Abstract

 

Over the past 30 years, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has developed and continues to improve a set of special measures aimed at assisting all 174 Member States in implementing IMO instruments. To date, it is codified in the framework of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS). The IMO Member State Audit Scheme is an important tool that, on the one hand, contributes to improving maritime safety and marine environment protection at the global level, on the other hand, it is aimed at assisting IMO Member States in carrying out their functions as a flag State, port State and coastal State. The article analyses the history of the development of the regulatory framework describing the Scheme, carries out a retrospective comparison of two important documents of the System — IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code) and the Pre-Audit Questionnaire. Some procedural aspects of the Scheme related to planning of general schedule of audits and conduct of specific audits have been considered. Results of audits published by IMO have also been investigated. The most relevant changes made to the Scheme in 2021, concerning the beginning of use of remote audit format, have been analyzed. Conclusions have been drawn about the expediency of developing standard measures for effective self-preparation of States for audits, which, among other things, will contribute to further improvement of the IMO Member State Audit Scheme.

 

Keywords: IMO Member State Audit Scheme, International Maritime Organisation, maritime safety, marine environment protection, IMO instruments implementation, III Code, remote audit.

 

References

1. IMO Assembly Resolution A.740(18). Interim Guidelines to Assist Flag States.
2. IMO Assembly Resolution A.847(20). Guidelines to Assist Flag States in the Implementation ofIMO Instruments.
3. IMO Assembly Resolution A.973(24). Code for the Implementation ofMandatory IMO Instruments.
4. IMO Assembly Resolution A.974(24). Framework and Procedures for the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme.
5. IMO Assembly Resolution A.996(25). Code for the Implementation of Mandatory IMO Instruments, 2007.
6. IMO Assembly Resolution A.1067(28). Framework and procedures for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme.
7. IMO Assembly Resolution A.1070(28). IMO Instruments Implementation Code (III Code).
8. Council, 125th Session (C 125), 28 June — 2 July (remote session). Meeting Summary. International Maritime Organisation.
9. IMO Council. Consideration of a Remote Audit Mechanism. Meeting Document C 125/6/1. 19.04.2021.
10. IMO Circular Letter 3547 "Auditor's Manual for the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS)". 08.05.2015.
11. IMO Audits Schedule. Website: (https://gisis.imo.org/Public/Shared/Public/Download.aspx?FileType=UnsecuredFile&FileID=35933).
12. IMO Circular Letter No. 3772. 4 September 2017. IMO Member State Audit Scheme — Consolidated Audit Summary Report (CASR).
13. IMO Circular Letter No. 3879. 10 October 2018. IMO Member State Audit Scheme — Consolidated Audit Summary Report (CASR).
14. IMO Circular Letter No. 4028. 13 September 2019. IMO Member State Audit Scheme — Consolidated Audit Summary Report (CASR).
15. IMO Circular Letter No. 4317. 15 September 2020. IMO Member State Audit Scheme — Consolidated Audit Summary Report (CASR).

 

About author:

 

O.A. Chernov - FAI "Russian Maritime Register of Shipping", St. Petersburg

Issue: 64/65 (2021)

For citation: O.A. Chernov. IMO member state audit scheme. Current state and transition to remote mode. Research Bulletin by Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. 2021, No. 64/65, pp. 19-26.

UDC 3.07

Pp: 19-26