IMO completes first global audit cycle of its Member States
IMO has completed the first audit cycle under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), with 168 Member States audited on how effectively they implement IMO regulations, since the Scheme became mandatory in 2016. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has completed the first audit cycle under the IMO Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), with 168 ...
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has successfully concluded its inaugural global audit cycle under the Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), evaluating 168 Member States' adherence to IMO regulations. This scheme, mandatory since 2016, aims to bolster shipping safety, security, and environmental sustainability by strengthening IMO regulations' implementation and enforcement.
The first cycle, encompassing 94% of IMO Member States, marks one of the most extensive global assessments of maritime governance. It has produced crucial insights into how IMO instruments are executed worldwide, with audit findings and corrective action plans pinpointing areas needing improvement due to underlying root causes. This data enables IMO to allocate technical assistance effectively, helping Member States rectify deficiencies and bolster compliance with IMO instruments.
The outcomes of the IMSAS have also bolstered the Organization's Capacity-Development Strategy (resolution A.1205(34)), which acknowledges IMSAS results as a crucial catalyst for creating needs-based capacity-development programs and projects under IMO's thematic technical cooperation framework.
The second audit cycle is slated to begin in July 2027, under a revised Framework and Procedures for IMSAS (resolution A.1211(34)). This updated scheme introduces the IMSAS Continuous Monitoring Mechanism (ICMM), which employs a risk-based, data-driven, and transparent approach. The ICMM will facilitate continuous monitoring, audit prioritization, and deeper integration of audit findings into IMO's capacity-development and technical cooperation activities.
The completion of the first audit cycle underscores the steadfast commitment of Member States to ensure uniform and effective implementation of IMO instruments globally. The participation of Member States and the contributions of hundreds of auditors, nominated by governments, have been pivotal to the scheme's success. IMO encourages Member States to persist in nominating qualified auditors, particularly women and young professionals, as per Circular Letter No. 5105.
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