ISPS Lead Internal Auditor, ISO 19011:2026 – Online Course

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 maritime security systems under the ISPS Code, including:

• Lead Auditors and Internal Auditors

• Ship Security Officers (SSOs)

• Company Security Officers (CSOs)

• Port Facility Security Officers (PFSOs)

• Designated Persons Ashore (DPAs)

• Port Facility Managers

• Marine Superintendents

• Security Managers and Security Coordinators

• Quality, Safety and Security Managers

• Représentants de la Direction

• Maritime Consultants

• Flag State, Port State and Company Personnel responsible for ISPS compliance

• Anyone seeking to become a competent ISPS Lead Auditor

Standards, Regulations and Guidance Covered

This course covers the auditing of maritime security management systems in accordance with internationally recognized auditing principles and the full scope of the ISPS Code, including:

• ISO 19011:2026 – Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems

• International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code

  • Part A (Mandatory Requirements)

  • Part B (Guidance)

• SOLAS Chapter XI-2 – Special Measures to Enhance Maritime Security

• Relevant IMO resolutions, circulars and guidance related to maritime security auditing and implementation.

The course addresses both shipboard et port facility security requirements, enabling participants to effectively audit all aspects of an organization’s ISPS security management system.

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 ISPS Lead Audits and Internal Audits.

• Audit both ships and port facilities for compliance with the ISPS Code.

• Evaluate Ship Security Plans (SSPs), Port Facility Security Plans (PFSPs), Security Assessments (SSAs and PFSAs), and related security procedures.

• Assess compliance with SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and all applicable ISPS Code requirements.

• Apply risk-based auditing techniques when evaluating maritime security management systems.

• Collect, verify and evaluate objective evidence using internationally recognized auditing techniques.

• Conduct professional interviews and evaluate documented information.

• Identify, classify and report nonconformities, observations and opportunities for improvement.

• Verify corrective actions and continual improvement activities.

• Demonstrate the competence and professional behaviour expected of an ISPS Lead 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

Appareil

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

Système d’exploitation

• Windows 10 or later
• macOS 11 or later

Navigateur Web

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

Connexion Internet

• Minimum 3 Mbps upload and download speed

Matériel

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

Course Duration

The course consists of approximately 25 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 Certified Maritime Training Management System, all participants must complete a student identity verification process by submitting a valid government-issued photo identification before taking the Final Assessment.

Certificat

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 ISPS Lead 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 ISPS Lead Audit.

• Lead an audit team during shipboard and port facility security audits.

• Prepare audit programmes, audit plans and audit checklists.

• Conduct opening and closing meetings.

• Audit Ship Security Plans (SSPs) and Port Facility Security Plans (PFSPs).

• Evaluate the implementation of security measures onboard ships and within port facilities.

• Assess compliance with the ISPS Code and SOLAS Chapter XI-2.

• Gather and evaluate objective evidence.

• Conduct effective interviews with shipboard personnel and port facility personnel.

• Identify conformity, nonconformity, observations and opportunities for improvement.

• Prepare professional audit reports.

• Verify corrective actions and audit effectiveness.

• Support continual improvement of maritime security management systems through effective auditing.

Download the Course Syllabus Here!

Revision 5, 2026