ISM & Designated Person Ashore
(DPA) Online Course
Become a certified Designated Person Ashore in just 14 hours. A fully online course following IMO and ISM guidance, covering every subject required of the person performing the DPA role.
The DPA role, taught to IMO and ISM guidance
This is a fully online DPA course following IMO and ISM guidance. It covers all of the subjects instructed by the ISM Code and is key to ensuring that those persons performing the role of the Designated Person Ashore fully understand their duties and responsibilities.
On completion you will be fully prepared to assume the role of DPA — with the understanding, knowledge and skills necessary to implement and maintain the company’s Safety Management System as required by the ISM Code.
The course is based on the guidance in MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6, which sets out the qualifications, training and experience necessary for effectively undertaking the role.
See how the course works before you enrol
A short introduction to the DPA programme: how the chapters are structured, what the confirmation questions and homework assignment involve, and how the proctored final assessment is conducted.
Approximately 14 hours of content · 10 chapters · Course manual included
Certified training without the travel, the hotel or the time off work
A classroom DPA course costs you more than its fee: flights, accommodation, meals and days away from the office. This programme is delivered entirely online, at your own pace, with six months of access to every chapter and the course manual.
A hardcopy certificate is posted to your address free of charge on successful completion.
On completion of this course, you will be able to:
The course fulfills IMO MSC-MEPC.7/Circ.6, the guideline on the qualification, training and experience necessary for undertaking the role of the Designated Person under the ISM Code.
- ✓Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the ISM Code and its application in maritime safety management.
- ✓Identify and apply mandatory rules, regulations, codes, guidelines and standards relevant to the maritime industry.
- ✓Utilize assessment techniques — examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting — to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
- ✓Analyze technical and operational aspects of safety management systems in the maritime context.
- ✓Exhibit appropriate knowledge of shipping practices and shipboard operations essential for the DPA role.
- ✓Apply the principles and methodologies of marine-related management system audits to evaluate compliance and effectiveness.
- ✓Communicate effectively with shipboard staff and senior management to support implementation and oversight of the SMS.
Ten chapters, a homework assignment and a final assessment
Each chapter closes with confirmation questions, and the programme includes a homework assignment, the course manual and an official final assessment. Select a chapter to read its scope.
01ISM Introduction
The background and objectives of the ISM Code, its structure, and the requirements for a company's Safety Management System.
02Responsibilities & Authority
The responsibilities and authority of the DPA, direct access to the highest level of management, possible legal exposure and other potential difficulties of the role.
03Shipboard Operations
Shipping and shipboard operations as they relate to safety management, plus the STCW 2010 and MLC 2006 requirements that shape the ISM effect onboard.
04Emergency Preparedness
Identifying potential emergency shipboard situations, establishing response procedures, and running drills and exercises from ashore.
05Reports & Analysis
Reporting of non-conformities, accidents and hazardous occurrences; investigation, analysis, corrective action and verification of effectiveness.
06Maintenance
Maintenance of the ship and equipment, critical equipment and systems, inspection regimes and the records that demonstrate compliance.
07Documentation
Control of SMS documentation, document hierarchy, revision control, records, and the assessment techniques of examining, questioning, evaluating and reporting.
08Company Verification
Internal audits and management review, participation in marine-related management system audits, and effective communication with shipboard staff and senior management.
09Certification & Verification
Certification, periodical verification and control — DOC, SMC and the interim certificates, and the role of the Administration and Recognized Organizations.
10Official Verification
External verification in practice: audit findings, corrective action plans, close-out evidence and maintaining certification between audits.
The programme closes with the final assessment, course feedback and your certificate.
Under the ISM Code, the Designated Person Ashore plays a key role in the effective implementation of a Safety Management System and takes responsibility for verification and monitoring of all safety and pollution prevention activities. To comply with the Code, a company should be able to provide documentary evidence that the DPA has received sufficient training to undertake those duties.
Globally recognized & industry approved
Virtual Maritime Academy is a DNV Certified Maritime Training Provider; this course is a DNV Certified Learning Programme in accordance with DNV ST-0008 and is accredited by The CPD Group, awarding 14 CPD credits.
DNV Certified Learning Programme
CPD Accredited Activity
CPD Approved Provider #783378Proctored online, with a passing mark of 70%
There are multiple-choice questions to complete at the end of each chapter and an official final assessment. The final assessment is fully online with no need to attend a classroom, and a proctor will be assigned to monitor you throughout.
As required by Transport Canada, DNV and The CPD Group, you must complete a short online verification form from within the course, including a scanned copy of an official government-issued photo ID. Your hardcopy certificate is then posted to your address free of charge.
Grounded in the instruments you work to
The course addresses the following conventions, codes and guidance, applied to the day-to-day responsibilities of the Designated Person Ashore.
Take on the DPA role with confidence
The Designated Person Ashore is the link between the vessel and the highest level of management — accountable for the Safety Management System, for verification and monitoring, and for direct access to senior management when it matters.
This course gives you the knowledge, the certification and the documentary evidence of training required to carry that responsibility — completed entirely online, in approximately 14 hours, at your own pace.
Revision 7, 2025. A hardcopy certificate is posted to your address free of charge.