ISPS Lead Internal Auditor
ISO 19011:2026
Develop the knowledge and practical auditing skills required to effectively plan, conduct, report and follow up on internal ISPS audits, in accordance with the latest auditing best practices.
Audit ships and port facilities against the ISPS Code
Our ISPS Lead Internal Auditor Course is a comprehensive, fully online, self-paced training programme designed for maritime professionals responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of a Ship Security Management System and verifying compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) 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 security management systems, identify opportunities for improvement, verify compliance with statutory and company requirements, and contribute to the continual improvement of organizational security 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.
- ✓Expliquer les principes et les lignes directrices d'audit présentés dans la norme 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, Port Facility Security Plans, Security Assessments 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 non-conformities, observations and opportunities for improvement.
- ✓Vérifier l'efficacité des mesures correctives et des activités d'amélioration continue.
- ✓Demonstrate the competence and professional behaviour expected of an ISPS Lead Auditor.
Thirteen 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.
—Introduction au Cours
01Maritime Security
02The Role of the Internal Auditor
03Auditing Principles
04Planning and Preparing an ISPS Internal Audit
05Conducting the Internal ISPS Audit
06Audit Reporting
07Case Study and Practical Application
08Audit Reporting at Lead Auditor Level
09Corrective Actions, Verification and Follow-Up
10External Audits
11Maritime Security Auditing
12Lead Auditor Assessment
13Remote and Hybrid Auditing
FAL'examen Final
Download the course syllabus here — Revision 5, 2026.
This course is designed for professionals involved in the implementation, management, auditing and continual improvement of maritime security systems under the ISPS 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 ISPS Code, audited to recognized principles
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.
Lead an ISPS audit from programme to closure
The internal auditor decides whether a security management system is working — on board and at the facility. 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 25 hours, at your own pace.