ISM ISPS MLC INTERNAL AUDITS

Why Internal Audit?

The ISM Code paragraph 12.1 states: “The Company should carry out internal safety audits on board and ashore at intervals not exceeding twelve months to verify whether safety and pollution-prevention activities comply with the safety management system (SMS)”. Section 12.5 of the code also states that “Personnel carrying out audits should be independent of the areas being audited unless this is impracticable due to the size and nature of the company”.

We provide Internal Audit services for Ship Management Companies / Owners. We have qualified ISM, ISPS & MLC Auditors who will follow the required code and your management procedures to minimize your expert employment charges as well as your travelling expenses.

ISM ISPS MLC Internal Audits

As accredited vessel Auditors and Inspectors we carry out ISM ISPS MLC Internal Audits on various types and sizes of cargo vessels mostly in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Antwerp Ports and other major European ports within our coverage areas.

Ask for a quotation for any of the above ports where our ISM ISPS MLC Internal auditors can reach at a short notice. We can attend vessels at short notice and will follow up ETAs with our local agents.

Being at the heart of Rotterdam, we cover mainly Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp ranges, including other ports in Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands . We also attend vessels in the rest of Europe when our esteemed clients ask us to do so.

With our local partners, we have extended our inspection and surveying capabilities to East and West Africa. Our service range in East Africa covers ports: Assab, Massawa, Djibouti, Port Sudan and Mombasa. We have local presence in West African ports such as Dakar, Conakry, Monrovia, Abidjan, Accra, Lome, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Douala and Matadi.

REMOTE NAVIGATION ASSESSMENT AND VDR DATA ANALYSIS

TMSA 5.4.2 “…Where it is impractical for a vessel to be audited within the 12-month period due to trading pattern then an unannounced remote audit by an independent contractor including VDR downloads may be utilized…”

Benefits of Remote Navigation Audits include:

• • • It is an industry-supported initiative including OCIMF / TMSA
    • Allows for known costs with no travel logistics for auditors
    • Performance assessment – continuous improvement
    • An excellent bridge team training tool
    • Encourages communication and bridge team cohesion
    • Allows a good VDR performance check

We draft a complete VDR analysis report which is an acceptable standard to any auditing authority including TMSA, OCIMF etc. Few of the many items which form a part of the VDR analysis report are – 

• • • Introduction of the event for which VDR analysis is being done
    • Complete background of the situation
    • Explanation of event
    • Screenshots and pointers for each critical explanation
    • All Good Practices undertaken
    • All Near-misses occurred
    • All Observations occurred
    • All Non-Conformances occurred
    • Reference of Rules & Regulations each of the above is not complying
    • Suggestions for Good practices
    • Training needs & Suggestions
    • Comparative analysis with Industry Metrics

This proactive VDR analysis on a regular basis will provide an important tool to assess bridge team performance, helps to identify & implement preventive measures and reinforce positive operational safety culture within the bridge team.

ONBOARD NAVIGATION ASSESSMENT

Navigation assessment is an excellent tool to identify gaps in the safety of navigation, the effectiveness of the bridge resource, and the behavioral competence of the bridge team. An onboard navigation assessment will be conducted by Nautical Institute accredited external navigation assessor. Mentoring and onboard preventive actions are taken and reported to the client.

We execute assessments on coastal voyages, capturing the planning of the passage, preparation for sailing, pilotage, coastal passage and berthing. A live navigation assessment provides a working evaluation of the functioning of the bridge team, the execution of the passage plan and a review of the application of policies and procedures in practice. All our assessments are conducted with minimal impact on operations or hours of rest whilst allowing the assessor to see the vessel being navigated naturally.

SCOPE OF WORK

• • • A detailed navigation assessment including human element, behavioral competency, technical skills gaps and action plan
    • A detailed navigational assessment will be carried out as per the latest navigational standards and best practices
    • Review and confirm that bridge practices are in compliance with international regulations and company procedures
    • Review and evaluate the effective functioning of the bridge team during all sections of a voyage
    • Use the opportunity to promote robust navigational practice
    • Use the opportunity to promote proper passage appraisal, planning, execution and monitoring
    • Use of Electronic Chart Systems & ECDIS
    • Coastal & Deep sea Navigation where applicable
    • Navigation in restricted water & strait & port approaches
    • Bridge team management and bridge resource management
    • Status of bridge equipment
    • Mooring, Unmooring & Anchorage ( if carried out)

The navigation assessor’s observations and recommendations are thereafter discussed with the entire bridge team, and with individual officers as necessary. Training needs are identified and discussed with the master. Time permitting, immediate correction, mentoring and refresher training are given to relevant officers.

Feel free to contact us for details and plan out attendance.