Ensuring safety, security, and compliance across maritime operations is a top priority for shipping companies, ports, and maritime regulators.
The ISM–ISPS–MLC Lead Auditor Professional Program is an advanced qualification designed to equip auditors, designated persons, security professionals, and compliance managers with the expertise needed to lead, manage, and execute first-party, second-party, and third-party audits across the three most critical maritime regulatory frameworks.

This program is aligned with global best standards followed by DNV, Lloyd’s Register, ABS, ClassNK, BV, LISCR, and based on IMO Mandatory Instruments and ISO 19011: Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems.

It is one of the most comprehensive and career-defining programs for maritime professionals seeking leadership roles in quality, safety, security, and labor compliance auditing.

 

🔹 Program Overview

This advanced program helps you:

• Master the requirements of ISM Code, ISPS Code, and MLC 2006
• Understand duties and expectations of a Lead Auditor
• Plan, manage, and lead full audit cycles
• Evaluate compliance of shipboard and shore-based management systems
• Conduct performance audits, security assessments, and labor condition verifications
• Identify systemic non-conformities and recommend strategic corrective actions
• Perform risk-based auditing following international best practices
• Develop strong leadership, communication, and decision-making during audits

Designed with real maritime operations in mind, the program blends IMO legislation, maritime industry guidelines, case studies, and practical audit scenarios.

 

📘 What You Will Learn

Participants complete  expert-led modules, including:

1. Overview of International Maritime Regulations

• IMO conventions, mandatory instruments, and audit frameworks
• Flag State, Port State, and Company responsibilities

2. ISM Code Mastery

• Safety Management System (SMS) structure
• Designated Person Ashore (DPA) responsibilities
• Operational risk management and safety leadership
• Vessel audits & SMS performance evaluation

3. ISPS Code Mastery

• Ship and Port Facility Security requirements
• Ship Security Assessment (SSA) & Ship Security Plan (SSP)
• Security drills, exercises, and security culture
• Threat identification and risk-based security auditing

4. MLC 2006 Mastery

• Seafarers’ rights, welfare, and working/living conditions
• Inspection of accommodation, food, hours of rest, contracts, manning levels
• Flag State & Port State Control MLC inspections

5. Lead Auditor Competencies (ISO 19011 Standard)

• Ethics, professionalism, integrity, objectivity
• Planning, conducting, reporting, and closing audits
• Audit leadership roles

6. Preparing for a Lead Audit

• Audit scope, criteria, and team selection
• Documentation review & sampling methodologies
• Risk-based planning techniques

7. Conducting the Audit Onboard & Ashore

• Evidence collection, interviews, observation checks
• Auditing vessel operations, security controls, crew welfare compliance
• Handling non-conformities, sensitive issues & conflict situations

8. Non-Conformity Classification & Reporting

• Major vs. minor non-conformities
• Corrective action planning & root cause analysis
• Best practices from DNV, ABS, and Lloyd’s Register

9. Integrated Maritime Audit Simulation

A full practical scenario integrating ISM + ISPS + MLC
• Conducting an opening meeting
• Performing shipboard inspection
• Reporting findings
• Closing meeting & follow-up

10. Leadership, Communication & Audit Decision-Making

• Leading audit teams
• Decision-making under pressure
• Managing disagreements during audits

This curriculum ensures graduates can conduct advanced auditing at a level recognized across the global maritime industry.

 

📜 Certification Pathways

Learners may select one of the following:

1. Course + Lead Auditor Certificate (ISM–ISPS–MLC)

Proves competence in leading integrated maritime audits.

2. Course + Advanced Lead Auditor Certificate

Includes extended audit tasks, simulation, and reporting evaluation.

3. Course + Diploma in Maritime Lead Auditing

Designed for professionals seeking senior compliance or consultancy roles.

All certificates include secure verification and global recognition through Lloyds Management Academy & partners.

🌍 Accreditation & Industry Partnerships

This program is supported by:

• Lloyds Management Academy Certification Board
• Lloyds Management Training USA
• International Academy of Management and Business Administration (IAMBA Academy)

Content is aligned with guidelines from:

• IMO (International Maritime Organization)
• Lloyd’s Register (LR)
• DNV Maritime
• ABS
• LISCR (Liberian Flag)
• Bureau Veritas (BV)

 

🎓 What You Receive

• Full access to your online training portal
• Lead Auditor templates: checklists, audit reports, NC forms
• Digital certificate/diploma
• Case studies & practical audit exercises
• 9-month flexible completion period
• Lifetime recognition upon successful completion

 

👥 Who Should Enroll?

This course is ideal for:

• Marine superintendents & compliance managers
• Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
• Ship & Port Facility Security Officers (SSO / PFSO)
• HSEQ managers & officers
• Crewing managers & HR maritime professionals
• Flag & Port State Control inspectors
• Consultants & auditors seeking advanced qualifications

No previous auditing experience is required, but maritime knowledge is recommended.

🌟 Why Choose Lloyds Management Academy?

• Globally respected maritime certifications
• Built on IMO & leading classification society best practices
• Practical tools for real audits
• International academic and industry partnerships
• Flexible, online, career-focused training

👉 Become a Certified Maritime Lead Auditor

Lead with confidence. Ensure compliance. Strengthen safety, security, and welfare across the maritime industry.