Certified Training Provider

Virtual Maritime Academy is a DNV Certified Maritime Training Provider, demonstrating our commitment to delivering high-quality maritime education that meets internationally recognized standards for training excellence.

Our courses are developed by experienced maritime professionals and are designed to provide practical knowledge and competency-based learning for today’s maritime industry. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate issued by the Virtual Maritime Academy, recognized worldwide as evidence of professional development and competency.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for professionals involved in the implementation, management, auditing, and continual improvement of Safety Management Systems under the ISM Code, including:

• Lead Auditors and Internal Auditors
• Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs)
• Masters
• Chief Officers
• Chief Engineers
• Shipboard Officers responsible for Safety Management System implementation
• Marine Superintendents
• Technical Superintendents
• Fleet Managers
• HSQE Managers
• Quality, Safety and Environmental Managers
• Compliance Managers
• Management Representatives
• Maritime Consultants
• Flag State, Port State and Company Personnel responsible for ISM compliance
• Anyone seeking to become a competent ISM Internal Auditor

Standards, Regulations and Guidance Covered

This course covers the auditing of Safety Management Systems in accordance with internationally recognized auditing principles and the full scope of the ISM Code, including:

• ISO 19011:2026 – Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems
• International Safety Management (ISM) Code
• SOLAS Chapter IX – Management for the Safe Operation of Ships
• Relevant IMO resolutions, circulars, guidelines and interpretations related to Safety Management System auditing and implementation.

The course addresses both shipboard and shore-based Safety Management System requirements, enabling participants to effectively audit all aspects of an organization’s SMS.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the auditing principles and guidance contained in ISO 19011:2026.
• Plan, manage, conduct, report and follow up ISM Internal Audits.
• Audit shipboard and shore-based Safety Management Systems for compliance with the ISM Code.
• Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of a company’s Safety Management System.
• Assess compliance with the ISM Code, SOLAS Chapter IX, and applicable statutory and company requirements.
• Apply risk-based auditing techniques when evaluating Safety Management Systems.
• Collect, verify and evaluate objective evidence using internationally recognized auditing techniques.
• Conduct professional interviews and evaluate documented information.
• Identify, classify and report non-conformities, observations and opportunities for improvement.
• Verify corrective actions and continual improvement activities.
• Demonstrate the competence and professional behaviour expected of an ISM Internal Auditor.

Assessment

Each chapter concludes with a short multiple-choice quiz to reinforce key learning objectives.

To successfully complete the course, participants must pass the online Final Assessment with a minimum score of 70%.

The Final Assessment is conducted under live online remote proctoring to ensure the integrity and credibility of the certification process. Participants must use a desktop or laptop computer equipped with a webcam, microphone, and a reliable internet connection.

Final Assessment Technical Requirements

Device

• Desktop or laptop computer
• Webcam and microphone required
• Tablets, smartphones and Chromebooks are not supported

Operating System

• Windows 10 or later
• macOS 11 or later

Web Browser

• Google Chrome (latest version recommended)
• Mozilla Firefox (latest version recommended)

Internet Connection

• Minimum 3 Mbps upload and download speed

Hardware

• Minimum 8 GB RAM
• Functional webcam
• Microphone and speakers or headset

Course Duration

The course consists of approximately 15 hours of self-paced online training.

Participants may access the course at any time during their enrolment period and progress through the material at their own pace, allowing them to start, pause, and resume their studies whenever convenient.

Delivery Method

This course is delivered 100% online through our interactive learning platform.

There are no classroom attendance requirements, allowing participants to complete the training from anywhere in the world at a time that suits their schedule.

Student Identity Verification

To maintain the integrity of the certification process and comply with the requirements of our DNV Certification, all participants must complete a student identity verification process by submitting a valid government-issued photo identification before taking the Final Assessment.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the course and Final Assessment, participants will receive:

• A professionally issued Virtual Maritime Academy Certificate of Completion.
• A digital certificate delivered by email.
• A hard-copy certificate mailed worldwide at no additional cost.

The certificate confirms successful completion of the ISM Internal Auditor Course developed and delivered under the Virtual Maritime Academy’s Certified Maritime Training Management System.

Competencies Achieved

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to independently:

• Plan and manage an ISM Internal Audit.
• Prepare audit programmes, audit plans and audit checklists.
• Conduct opening and closing meetings.
• Audit shipboard and shore-based Safety Management Systems.
• Evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the Safety Management System.
• Assess compliance with the ISM Code and applicable statutory and company requirements.
• Gather and evaluate objective evidence.
• Conduct effective interviews with shipboard personnel and shore-based management.
• Identify conformity, non-conformity, observations and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare professional audit reports.
• Verify corrective actions and audit effectiveness.
• Support the continual improvement of Safety Management Systems through effective auditing.

Download the Course Syllabus Here!

Revision 5, 2026