ISM Lead Internal Auditor
ISO 19011:2026
Develop the knowledge and practical auditing skills required to effectively plan, conduct, report and follow up on internal ISM audits, in accordance with the latest auditing best practices.
Audit the Safety Management System, not just its paperwork
Our ISM Lead Internal Auditor Course is a comprehensive, fully online, self-paced training programme designed for maritime professionals responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of a Safety Management System (SMS) and verifying compliance with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
The course has been updated to align with the principles and guidance contained in ISO 19011:2026 — Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems, incorporating the latest auditing methodologies, risk-based thinking, auditor competence requirements, remote auditing considerations, evidence-based auditing techniques and continual improvement practices.
Participants develop the competence required to perform effective internal audits of shipboard and shore-based Safety Management Systems, assess compliance with the ISM Code, verify the effective implementation of company safety and environmental protection procedures, identify non-conformities and opportunities for improvement, evaluate the effectiveness of corrective actions, and contribute to the continual improvement of the organization's safety management performance.
Developed by experienced maritime professionals
Our courses are developed by experienced maritime professionals and are designed to provide practical knowledge and competency-based learning for today's maritime industry. On successful completion, participants receive a certificate issued by the Virtual Maritime Academy, recognized worldwide as evidence of professional development and competency.
A digital certificate is delivered by email and a hardcopy is mailed worldwide at no additional cost.
On successful completion, you will be able to:
These are the learning outcomes established in the course syllabus, Revision 5, 2026.
- ✓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.
Nine chapters, an audit simulation and a final assessment
Each chapter concludes with a short multiple-choice quiz to reinforce key learning objectives. Select a chapter to read what it covers.
—Course Introduction
01International & National Regulatory Framework
02Planning and Preparing for the Audit
03Conducting the Audit
04Audit Findings — Non-Conformities and Reporting
05Lead Auditor Responsibilities and the External Audit Process
06Audit Programme Management
07Audit Programme Evaluation
08Case Study — Comprehensive ISM Audit Simulation
09Remote, Hybrid and Technology-Assisted Auditing
FAFinal Assessment
Download the course syllabus here — Revision 5, 2026.
This course is designed for professionals involved in the implementation, management, auditing and continual improvement of Safety Management Systems under the ISM Code.
Globally recognized & industry approved
Our courses are developed by experienced maritime professionals and designed to provide practical, competency-based learning that meets internationally recognized standards for training excellence.
CPD Approved Provider #783378Live remote proctoring, with a minimum score of 70%
Each chapter concludes with a short multiple-choice quiz. 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.
To maintain the integrity of the certification process, all participants must complete a student identity verification process by submitting a valid government-issued photo identification before taking the final assessment.
The full scope of the ISM Code, audited to recognized principles
This course covers the auditing of Safety Management Systems in accordance with internationally recognized auditing principles and the full scope of the ISM Code.
Lead an ISM internal audit from programme to closure
The internal auditor decides whether a Safety Management System is working. That means preparing the programme, plan and checklists, holding the opening and closing meetings, gathering defensible evidence, classifying findings correctly and verifying that corrective action actually closed the gap.
This course builds that competence — completed entirely online, in approximately 19 hours, at your own pace.