MLC Lead Internal Auditor
ISO 19011:2026
Develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to lead effective MLC 2006 audits — developed in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended), ILO guidance and the auditing principles of ISO 19011:2026.
Lead MLC 2006 audits of ships and shore-based systems
Our MLC Lead Internal Auditor Course is one of the most comprehensive fully online, self-paced programmes available for maritime professionals responsible for planning, conducting, leading and managing audits of compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (as amended).
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.
Through realistic maritime case studies, practical audit scenarios and industry-focused examples, participants gain the competence to confidently lead internal MLC audits of both shipboard operations and shore-based management systems — helping organizations achieve and maintain full compliance with the Convention while promoting the welfare and rights of seafarers.
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, lead, conduct, report and follow up MLC internal audits.
- ✓Develop and manage risk-based audit programmes.
- ✓Audit shipboard and shore-based operations for compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention.
- ✓Evaluate company policies, procedures and implementation of MLC requirements.
- ✓Assess compliance with all five Titles of the Maritime Labour Convention.
- ✓Apply risk-based auditing techniques during maritime labour audits.
- ✓Collect, verify and evaluate objective evidence using internationally recognized auditing methods.
- ✓Conduct professional interviews with seafarers and shore-based personnel.
- ✓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 MLC Lead Internal Auditor.
Eight chapters 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.
01MLC 2006 as Amended: Audit Criteria Architecture & Appendix A5-I Spine
02Lead Auditor Method: Audit Planning, Audit Programme, Ethics and PSC Realism
03Evidence Defensibility: Sampling, Interviews, Observation and Safeguarding Complainants
04Title 1 Deep Audit: Minimum Requirements, Recruitment and Placement, Medical Certification
05Title 2 Deep Audit: Employment Conditions, SEA, Wages, Hours of Work and Rest
06Title 3 Deep Audit: Accommodation, Recreational Facilities, Food and Catering
07Title 4 Deep Audit: Medical Care, OSH, Welfare, Social Security and the 2022 Amendments
08Title 5 Deep Audit: Compliance, Enforcement and Reporting Discipline
Download the course syllabus here — Revision 5, 2026.
This course is designed for professionals involved in the implementation, monitoring, auditing and continual improvement of compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention.
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 MLC, audited to recognized principles
This course provides comprehensive training on auditing maritime labour compliance using internationally recognized auditing principles and the requirements of the Maritime Labour Convention.
Lead an MLC audit from programme to closure
The lead auditor decides whether seafarers actually get what the Convention entitles them to. That means building audit criteria from the Convention text, sampling records and interviewing crew, gathering defensible evidence, classifying findings correctly and verifying that corrective action closed the gap.
This course builds that competence — completed entirely online, in approximately 20 hours, at your own pace.